 On March 31, 2008 the World Bank Country Office in Dushanbe hosted a Youth Open House. On that day the World Bank opened its doors to the students and young teachers of Tajik Agrarian University and the young professionals of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan. This year Youth Open House was devoted to agriculture and rural development as was the World Development Report 2008, one of the key publications of the World Bank.
The agenda of the event was developed so that young people could learn, share, discuss, and have fun. It included: presentations and discussions on the World Bank, its country program in general and activities in the sphere of agriculture, economic situation in the country, Bank's tools and resources for youth; quiz on the issues of agriculture and rural development with prizes for winners; tour in the office; movie on the Bank's 2006 Central Asia Youth Summer Camp;
 The speakers were Mr. Utkir Umarov, Economist; Mr. Bobojon Yatimov, Rural Development Officer; and Mr. Kubat Sydykov, External Affairs Specialist.
“The Republic of Tajikistan is mainly an agrarian country,” said Mr. Bobojon Yatimov, adding that “With 24% of GDP, 66% of employment, 26% of exports, and 39% of tax revenue the agriculture sector is a major component of the Tajik economy. 64% of the population (4.3 million people), depend on agriculture for their livelihood.” The in-country open house was followed by a "virtual" regional Central Asia Youth Open House which linked via video conference five World Bank offices in  Almaty, Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe, and Tashkent. This session was hosted by Ms. Annette Dixon, the Country Director for Central Asia, who greeted all guests and brought their attention to the global and regional issues of agriculture and gave interesting facts. Mr. Marc Sadler, Rural Development Specialist, delivered his presentation on the findings of WDR 2008 "Agriculture for Development" and answered all interesting questions of youth. There was also an opportunity for young people in all countries to interact with each other, exchange opinions, and discuss a possibility of a regional learning event devoted to agriculture. “What can you the students do?” asked Mr. Marc Sadler during his presentation. “You can consider your respective country’s situation … and think about what still needs to be done; compare with similar experience of neighbouring countries; using the WDR, look for global experience and best practice; work with fellow students to outline a possible “agenda for agricultural development” that best fits your own country; inform the overall debate based on your knowledge.” Youth Open House gave young people an opportunity to better understand the World Bank as an organization, learn more about its activities, in  particular agriculture and youth-focused activities, interact with Bank staff, and ask questions. The information given during the event was met with great interest. Every young guest expressed their appreciation for organizing the event and recommended to have open houses more often. The tradition of organizing annual regionwide open houses for youth in Central Asia began in March 2005. The open houses organized for youth on a regular basis are regarded as significant steps in the process of expanding and strengthening the Bank's youth programs and initiatives in the region of Central Asia.
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