The 11th International Cultural and Educational Forum “Children of the Commonwealth” will be held for the first time in Tajikistan from June 15 to 24, bringing together schoolchildren from across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The event will take place at the Shokhin children’s camp in the Sughd region city of Guliston, according to the press center of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly.

Delegations from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are expected to participate in the forum.

Organized by the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, the forum is being hosted by Tajikistan at the invitation of Rustami Emomali, Chairman of the Majlisi Milli of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan.

More than 30 events are scheduled during the 10-day program. Participants will take part in cultural presentations highlighting the traditions of their countries, as well as an intellectual Olympiad, meetings with sports champions, master classes, a tourism rally, a sports marathon and friendly competitions.

A special Parliament Day will be held in Dushanbe, featuring a tour of the capital, visits to the Istiklol architectural complex, the National Museum of Tajikistan and the Parliament of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Organizers say the forum is designed to promote informal communication, cultural dialogue and stronger friendships among young people from CIS member states.

The initiative to establish the regional forum originated with Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, the Zhogorku Kenesh. Since its launch in 2013, the event was traditionally held on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul before expanding to other host countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan and Belarus.

The project is supported by the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation.