OSCE helps strengthen inter-ethnic cohesion in Kyrgyzstan

On 18-19 May, the OSCE Programme Office (POiB) kicked-off a series of capacity-building activities, within its programmatic efforts to support peacebuilding activities in Kyrgyzstan. The workshop, which was held in Osh city, focused on strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s early warning and conflict prevention institutions, including within the framework of implementing the national civic integration concept “Kyrgyz Jarany” (“Kyrgyz Citizen”).

Relevant staff of the Directorate for Interethnic Policy of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy, including 23 Executive Secretaries of Public Reception Offices from multi-ethnic districts of the country, as well as the Presidential Administration participated in the workshop. The capacity-building activities during the workshop were jointly developed and conducted by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and a group of POiB-hired national experts.

“The workshop is a continuation and deepening of co-operation with the OSCE, which will allow for a stock-taking of capacities in conflict analysis and resolution, as well as further strengthen the ability to implement Kyrgyz Jarany on the ground and in a comprehensive manner”, said Iskender Eshimbekov, Head of the Directorate for Interethnic Policy of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy.

Participants enhanced their knowledge of key concepts of Kyrgyz Jarany and its implementation, as well as learnt about theoretical and practical approaches to conflict analysis, prevention, and resolution. Following the workshop, two more capacity-building activities will be held throughout the year, building on gained knowledge and further aspects of Kyrgyz Jarany’s implementation, which will also engage relevant United Nations experts and civil society.

The POiB project “Supporting early warning and conflict prevention institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic” has been coordinated with the Presidential Administration and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Youth, and Sports policy, as well as with the UN Peacebuilding Fund in Kyrgyzstan, thereby combining international co-operation efforts and contributing to strengthening social cohesion in the country as a whole.