National youth organization of Turkmenistan
 |
|
| Abbreviation | TMÝG |
|---|---|
| Formation | 16 November 1991 |
| Type | Youth organization |
| Purpose | Youth development, civic education, patriotism, culture, sports |
| Headquarters | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan |
|
Region served |
Turkmenistan |
| Membership | ~909,765 (2019) |
|
Official language |
Turkmen, Russian, English |
|
Chairman |
Keriyev Yazpolat Nurpolatovich |
| Website | https://yashlar.gov.tm |
Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan (Turkmen: Türkmenistanyň Magtymguly adyndaky Ýaşlar guramasy, abbreviated TMÝG) is the largest national youth organization in Turkmenistan. Established in 1991, it operates as a nationwide public organization responsible for implementing state youth policy and promoting education, cultural development, civic participation, and patriotic values among young citizens aged 14 to 37.
The organization is named after Magtymguly Pyragy, the 18th-century Turkmen poet and philosopher considered the founder of Turkmen classical literature. TMÝG operates through a centralized structure with regional branches in all provinces and the capital city Ashgabat. As of 2019, it reported over 900,000 registered members across nearly 5,000 primary organizations nationwide.[1]
The Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan was founded on 16 November 1991, shortly after Turkmenistan gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Its founding congress approved the organization’s charter, objectives, and structure, establishing it as a nationwide voluntary youth organization supporting the country’s political, social, and cultural development.[2]
The organization holds regular national congresses to elect leadership and determine strategic priorities. Major congresses were convened in 1994, 2002, 2004, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2023. The eighth congress, held in January 2023, adopted a revised charter reflecting updated state youth policy priorities.[2]
Mission and objectives
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According to its charter, TMÝG aims to support the comprehensive development of young people, promote civic responsibility, encourage patriotism, and foster participation in education, culture, science, sports, and social life. The organization’s objectives include:
- promotion of national identity and constitutional values;
- support for education, innovation, and scientific research;
- development of cultural creativity and artistic expression;
- encouragement of sports participation and healthy lifestyles;
- facilitation of employment, vocational training, and entrepreneurship;
- promotion of volunteerism and social initiatives.
TMÝG operates in alignment with the national development strategies and state youth policy programs of Turkmenistan.[2]
Organizational structure
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The organization is structured hierarchically, consisting of:
- Central Council;
- Regional councils in all five provinces (welaýatlar) and Ashgabat city;
- District and city councils;
- Primary organizations based in schools, universities, workplaces, and residential communities.
As of 2019, TMÝG consisted of 4,973 primary organizations and approximately 909,765 members nationwide. Membership is open to citizens aged 14 to 37.[1]
Education and science
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TMÝG organizes academic competitions, youth conferences, innovation forums, and exhibitions aimed at encouraging scientific research and educational excellence. The organization cooperates with educational institutions and government bodies in implementing youth education programs.[3]
Culture and creative development
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The organization supports youth involvement in literature, journalism, music, visual arts, and performing arts. TMÝG publishes the trilingual youth magazine Arkadagly Ýaşlar, which features creative and analytical works by young contributors.[4]
Sports and healthy lifestyle
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TMÝG actively promotes sports participation and organizes national youth competitions. In 2023, the organization became a member of the UNESCO Global Youth Community, expanding its international cooperation in youth development and sports initiatives.[5]
Civic and patriotic education
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The organization regularly participates in national commemorations, independence celebrations, and public campaigns promoting patriotism and civic engagement. National leaders frequently attend its congresses and major youth events.[3]
Although legally registered as an independent public organization, TMÝG operates closely within Turkmenistan’s state youth policy framework. It cooperates with government institutions and supports state development strategies and national initiatives. The organization does not formally affiliate with any political party but functions as a key institution for youth mobilization and civic education.[2]
International cooperation
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TMÝG maintains cooperation with international youth organizations, United Nations agencies, and regional institutions across Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. It organizes international forums, cultural exchanges, and youth conferences.[5]
- Keriyev Yazpolat Nurpolatovich — Chairman of the Central Council.[3]
