In view of the possible creation of a School of Political Studies in Kyrgyzstan, two seminars were organised in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic) by the Academy of Civic Education in collaboration with the Council of Europe and with financial support of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The first seminar brought together participants from different regions of Kyrgyzstan and various fields including young politicians, civil society leaders and busines speople to exchange views on the prospects of setting up a Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Kyrgyzstan and to discuss the theme “Participatory Democracy in Kyrgyzstan: Challenges and Opportunities”.
This event provided the opportunity for an open discussion on the political and economic situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular challenges related to the parliamentary system, the human rights situation, the difficulties facing NGOs and the necessity to reinforce it, and the risks related to ethnic conflict.
Developing a Network of progressive, proactive and like-minded leaders who would promote and disseminate democratic values, appeared to participants as one of the main missions of such a School. Participants also expected that the School would involve as many young people as possible from remote areas and regions so as to help them find an appropriate language to explain and spread these ideas among their communities. Such a School would also propagate and apply the key principles of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect.
The second seminar, on the topic “Culture, Education and the Challenge of Populism”, gathered about 70 Alumni of the Academy of Civic Education, academics, civil society activists, journalists and entrepreneurs as well as domestic and international experts.
As concept of “populism” was relatively new to most participants, to the seminar clarified the theoretical background of the term as well as the political situation on the ground in Western and Eastern Europe, and possible implications for governance in the Central Asian region.
The meeting also provided another opportunity to present the Network of Schools, its mission, values and achievements to a broader public and to interact with participants and stakeholders about the political, educational and practical aspects of a prospective School in Kyrgyzstan.
The two events endorsed the need and demand for a School of Political Studies in Kyrgyzstan.
Watch Video of first Seminar (January)
Watch Video of second seminar (February)
