THE SILK ROAD INITIATIVE

Central Asia is a region of the world that conjures nothing but obscurity. Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are colloguially referred to as "the stans." In a sense, this nickname is hurtful towards one of the most diverse and dynamic regions of the world. It allows for already enigmatic images of Central Asia to perpetuate.. 

 

The Silk Road Initiative, formerly known as Young Central Asian Leaders Initiative, is a youth-led organization that strives to generate discourse on pressing issues that go largely unnoticed by global media. Considering the politics of the region (ahem, certain authoritarian governments), its difficult to carry out direct actions and campaigns. Nevertheless, blogging, reporting, and writing is just as effective. By communicating issues that are important to us, change will come. 

 

Our discussion has no boundaries. Here, we hope to cover topics ranging from ethnic tension, gender violence, health, to human rights and religion. Keep in mind that the Silk Road Initiative is meant to report on all  issues, feel free to submit anything.