From 16 to 17 June 2026, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 11) organised a regional workshop in Astana, Kazakhstan, bringing together representatives of state authorities and civil society organisations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan to strengthen cooperation on preventing trafficking in human beings (THB), promoting safe migration, countering radicalisation and enhancing youth engagement in border regions.

The first day of the activity was conducted jointly with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana as part of the forum “Young Ambassadors Against Trafficking in Persons: Youth Leadership in THB Prevention”. BOMCA supported the participation of delegations from Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, as well as youth representatives from border regions of Kazakhstan, contributing to regional dialogue and exchange of experiences on youth-led approaches to trafficking prevention. Participants discussed current trends and challenges related to THB, including online recruitment schemes, cyber risks, awareness-raising through social media, and the role of young people in identifying THB risks and supporting their peers.

The second day focused on strengthening cross-border cooperation and identifying joint priorities among border communities. Through group work and peer exchanges, participants shared good practices on youth engagement in THB prevention, safe migration and prevention of radicalisation. They also analysed common migration-related challenges affecting border regions and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation between local authorities, youth organisations and civil society actors across borders. Particular attention was given to the role of Youth Resource Centres and local stakeholders in fostering community resilience and raising awareness among young people on the risks associated with trafficking in human beings and unsafe migration.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences, build professional networks and identify future capacity-building and cross-border initiatives focusing on youth engagement, THB prevention, safe migration and anti-radicalisation.

The activity was organised under Component 3 of BOMCA 11, “Engagement with Border Communities”, which aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation, support local development and address common challenges affecting border regions in Central Asia.