On May 6, 2026, the fifth season of the “Young Messengers of Peace” project wrapped up at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. This significant initiative, organized by the institute along with its School of Young Diplomats, gathered talented senior secondary school students from various regions of Turkmenistan.

Kicking off in November 2025, during the International Year of Peace and Trust, the project was themed “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Center of Peace Policy and Dialogue of Mutual Trust.” Organizers emphasized that the initiative aims to spark young people's interest in diplomacy, international relations, and the foreign policy landscape of Turkmenistan.

The competition attracted hundreds of participants initially, who were tasked with testing their knowledge on various subjects, including national history and diplomatic relations in preliminary rounds. Reports from organizers indicate a rising interest in diplomacy and global cooperation among Turkmen youth, reflected by the increasing number of competitors annually.

The finalists emerged from rigorous preliminary rounds that featured seven qualifying matches, two semifinal stages, and a championship round. Participants needed to showcase extensive knowledge, analytical prowess, leadership skills, composure under pressure, and much more.

After a challenging few months, six finalists reached the project's concluding stage. Organizers mentioned that this competition was geared toward testing not just academic performance, but also creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, going beyond typical school subjects.

A panel of esteemed judges, including experts and university instructors, evaluated the finalists on various criteria such as knowledge depth, presentation ability, and overall performance. Among the judges were Begench Karaev, a senior lecturer at the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, and representatives from notable organizations.

In a thrilling conclusion, Kerim Dovletov, an 11th-grade student from Ashgabat's Specialized Secondary School No. 6, clinched the Grand Prix. Other top winners included Kakajan Shokhradov from Secondary School No. 9 in Lebap velayat in first place, Aykhan Arslanov in second, and Humay Danatarova in third.

The awards ceremony was held in the institute's assembly hall, with winners receiving diplomas, medals, and gifts from the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan. Following traditions, white doves were released as a symbol of peace and friendship.

Organizers highlighted that the “Young Messengers of Peace” project has gained traction as one of Turkmenistan's premier youth initiatives over the past five years, playing a pivotal role in nurturing young talents interested in diplomacy. Currently, 37 former participants are pursuing higher education in international relations, showcasing the program's long-lasting impact.