UNRCCA concluded the Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) Cohort 2025, with an online lecture on water and climate diplomacy, followed by a certificate ceremony, marking the completion of the programme.
The concluding lecture was delivered by Mr. Philipp Saprykin, Senior Political Affairs Officer and Deputy Head of UNRCCA, highlighting key challenges and opportunities in water diplomacy, climate change, and transboundary water management across Central Asia and Afghanistan.
In his remarks, Mr. Saprykin noted that countries in Central Asia and Afghanistan are linked by shared water systems that play an important role in supporting economic development and livelihoods. He emphasized the value of continued dialogue and cooperation in promoting the sustainable management of shared water resources.
PDA participants explored UNRCCA’s efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among Central Asian countries on transboundary water management, including initiatives in the Aral Sea Basin. They also examined the impacts of climate change and glacier melt and learned how the Regional Centre fosters sustainable and collaborative approaches to water management.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, providing participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speaker on regional water governance, climate change, and preventive diplomacy.
The lecture was followed by a certificate ceremony marking the successful completion of the Preventive Diplomacy Academy Cohort 2025, which brought together young professionals from across Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Asia, Mr. Saprykin congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of youth engagement in preventive diplomacy. He noted that since its launch in 2019, the Academy has served as a platform for building knowledge, skills, and networks in dialogue, regional cooperation, and preventive engagement, equipping participants with practical tools to address shared challenges.
The 2025 programme covered 21 thematic areas, including climate diplomacy, environmental security, and cybersecurity, delivered through online and hybrid formats to promote cross-border collaboration. Graduates were encouraged to stay engaged through the PDA Alumni Regional Network, contributing to national, regional, and international dialogue.
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to PDA Cohort 2025 participants, marking the programme’s completion and their continued engagement as advocates of dialogue, peace, and preventive diplomacy in Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Completion of the 2025 Preventive Diplomacy Academy coincided with the 10th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, reaffirming the vital contribution of young leaders to peace and global prevention efforts.
