21-25
September 2026
Aligned with Global Peace Day, the UN System Leadership Framework, and Key National Concepts of the Kyrgyz Republic.
For the first time in Kyrgyzstan — A Week unifying the voices of the Peacebuilding Hub and other actors.
We believe that a shared understanding of problems enables collective support for effective solutions beyond the scope of individual organizations.
We strive for the increased effectiveness of peacebuilding work by creating and maintaining stronger synergies and continuous learning.
Our Drive
and Dream
and Dream
Participate
Registration is open till September 10, 2023
Additional Information
Participating in “Yntymak Week” is free: We are unable to cover expenses associated with organizing sessions or having nonresidents participate. Hub members may cover their partners’ expenses on an individual basis.
Contact Information
For questions regarding participation in Yntymak Week, please reach out to yntymakweek@gmail.com
Yntymak Week Themes
Strong natural resource management for peace
Social cohesion and solidarity
Responsive and effective governance for peace
Women empowerment for peace
Yntymak Week Approaches
-
Theoretical
and conceptual
discussions
-
Reflection
on practice
of peacebuilding
-
Learning
from other
context
-
Collective
Action
- Peacebuilding community
- CSOs
- Formal and informal groups
- INGOs, UN, IOs,
- Government
- Media
- Grassroots activists
- Influencers
- Local leaders, local and national government,
- Business community
Yntymak Week Calendar
21-25
September
2026
2026
Bishkek
Day 2
September 22
women empowerment for peace
Water, Climate and Peace: Inclusive Water Resources Management in the Fergana Valley
Day 2
September 22
women empowerment for peace
Water, Climate and Peace: Inclusive Water Resources Management in the Fergana Valley
Khujand
Day 1
September 29
Day 1
September 29
Bishkek
Day 3
September 23
Kyrgyzstan in the UN Security Council
Panel discussion: ‘Regional Identity’
Day 3
September 23
Kyrgyzstan in the UN Security Council
Panel discussion: ‘Regional Identity’
This is a participatory calendar of events and it will be adjusted based on inputs from other CSOs, government institutions and international organizations. We anticipate that some sessions may run simultaneously to accommodate various schedules and events. Your collaboration is essential in shaping the final schedule.
Osh
Morning
September 25
Social Cohesion and Solidarity in the Ferghana Valley
Inclusive Local Governance
Morning
September 25
Social Cohesion and Solidarity in the Ferghana Valley
Inclusive Local Governance
Osh
Afternoon
September 25
Effective Natural Resource Management and Climate Change Adaptation
women empowerment for peace
Afternoon
September 25
Effective Natural Resource Management and Climate Change Adaptation
women empowerment for peace
Bishkek
Day 1
September 21
Opening in Bishkek
Talk Show in
the “Oy Ordo”
Format
Day 1
September 21
Opening in Bishkek
Talk Show in
the “Oy Ordo”
Format
Day 1
September 18, 2023
Opening Day
Theme of the day:
Women's Empowerment for Peace (Women, Peace and Security)
Topic: Nexus between peace, gender equality and climate change adaptation
This platform will provide an opportunity to share with the experiences of community members participating in peacebuilding projects to discuss how co-creation of gender sensitive solutions on climate change adaptation can foster peace and restore greater social cohesion
Approach: Reflecting on peacebuilding practices
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: UN Women
14:00-15:00
Topic: "Before and After" Photo Exhibit
This photo exhibit will highlight outcomes and changes achieved through peacebuilding projects in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Photos will be accompanied by QR codes so that participants can access more information and videos.
Approach: Edutainment (Photo exhibit)
Hub: UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators in the realm of women empowerment for peace
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to women empowerment for peace and social cohesion, which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Facilitator:
Hub: UN Women
Time TBC
Topic: Research findings on how gender terminology in Kyrgyz language is perceived in rural communities
This session will present findings from a study looking at how gender-related terminology in Kyrgyz language is perceived by rural communities in Talas, Chui, and Osh provinces. The study aimed at improving how gender terminology is developed in the Kyrgyz language, and how it can be more tailored by taking into account different local contexts.
Approach: Theoretical discussions
Facilitator: Elnura Kazakbaeva
Hub: International Alert
Opening Day
Theme of the day:
Women's Empowerment for Peace (Women, Peace and Security)
9:30-13:00
Opening Ceremony
- Welcoming coffee
- Welcoming speech by the hosts
- Opening ritual ceremony (Kurak)
- Video presentations (Introduction of the Hub and Yntymak Week)
- Opening remarks by high level officials from the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and international community (names TBD)
- Showcasing results of local peacebuilding champions (videos and live testimonies)
- Remarks from business community, civil society and academia
Topic: Nexus between peace, gender equality and climate change adaptation
This platform will provide an opportunity to share with the experiences of community members participating in peacebuilding projects to discuss how co-creation of gender sensitive solutions on climate change adaptation can foster peace and restore greater social cohesion
Approach: Reflecting on peacebuilding practices
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: UN Women
14:00-15:00
Topic: "Before and After" Photo Exhibit
This photo exhibit will highlight outcomes and changes achieved through peacebuilding projects in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Photos will be accompanied by QR codes so that participants can access more information and videos.
Approach: Edutainment (Photo exhibit)
Hub: UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators in the realm of women empowerment for peace
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to women empowerment for peace and social cohesion, which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Facilitator:
Hub: UN Women
Time TBC
Topic: Research findings on how gender terminology in Kyrgyz language is perceived in rural communities
This session will present findings from a study looking at how gender-related terminology in Kyrgyz language is perceived by rural communities in Talas, Chui, and Osh provinces. The study aimed at improving how gender terminology is developed in the Kyrgyz language, and how it can be more tailored by taking into account different local contexts.
Approach: Theoretical discussions
Facilitator: Elnura Kazakbaeva
Hub: International Alert
Day 2
September 19, 2023
Theme of the day:
Social Cohesion & Solidarity
Approach: Reflection (Presentation and group discussions)
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Saferworld, Search for Common Ground
11:00-12:00
Topic: Youth as peacebuilders vs. youth as target group of peacebuilding
This event aims to bring attention to the vital role of youth in promoting peace and harmony within their communities by showcasing the efforts of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives and raising awareness of the significant role young people can play.
Approach: Reflection/Discussion
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Peace Nexus, International Alert
12:00-13:00
Topic: Religion and Civic Identity
This session aims to highlight and showcase a groundbreaking project that provides a platform for reflecting on civic identity concepts with various religious communities, including Islam, Christian and others. The event is designed to contribute to social cohesion by fostering a deeper understanding of civic values, responsibilities, and community engagement within diverse religious groups.
Approach: Theoretical Discussion
Hub: Peace Nexus
13:00-14:00
Topic: Engaging host communities and returnees to improve social cohesion
This session will highlight experiences of Repatriation and Reintegration (R&R) efforts in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on the learnings and successes in relation to engaging both communities and returnees for successful reintegration.
Approach: Reflection
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: Search for Common Ground
14:00-15:00
Masterclass: using art to build peace
This interactive masterclass will share some basic techniques for using art to improve social cohesion and build peace.
Approach: Edutainment (masterclass)
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: UN Women
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators in the realm of social cohesion and solidarity
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to social cohesion, which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Format: Participatory session
Facilitator:
Hub: Peace Nexus
Time TBC
Topic: TBC
Approach:
Facilitator:
Hub:
Theme of the day:
Social Cohesion & Solidarity
10:00-11:00
Topic: The importance of mental health and trauma sensitivity for peacebuilding
This session will explore the discourse around the connections between mental health, trauma and peacebuilding, and will reflect on emerging lessons from projects in Kyrgyzstan.Approach: Reflection (Presentation and group discussions)
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Saferworld, Search for Common Ground
11:00-12:00
Topic: Youth as peacebuilders vs. youth as target group of peacebuilding
This event aims to bring attention to the vital role of youth in promoting peace and harmony within their communities by showcasing the efforts of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives and raising awareness of the significant role young people can play.
Approach: Reflection/Discussion
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Peace Nexus, International Alert
12:00-13:00
Topic: Religion and Civic Identity
This session aims to highlight and showcase a groundbreaking project that provides a platform for reflecting on civic identity concepts with various religious communities, including Islam, Christian and others. The event is designed to contribute to social cohesion by fostering a deeper understanding of civic values, responsibilities, and community engagement within diverse religious groups.
Approach: Theoretical Discussion
Hub: Peace Nexus
13:00-14:00
Topic: Engaging host communities and returnees to improve social cohesion
This session will highlight experiences of Repatriation and Reintegration (R&R) efforts in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on the learnings and successes in relation to engaging both communities and returnees for successful reintegration.
Approach: Reflection
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: Search for Common Ground
14:00-15:00
Masterclass: using art to build peace
This interactive masterclass will share some basic techniques for using art to improve social cohesion and build peace.
Approach: Edutainment (masterclass)
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: UN Women
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators in the realm of social cohesion and solidarity
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to social cohesion, which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Format: Participatory session
Facilitator:
Hub: Peace Nexus
Time TBC
Topic: TBC
Approach:
Facilitator:
Hub:
Day 3
September 20, 2023
Theme of the day:
Natural Resource Management & Climate Change Adaptation
Approach: Theoretical Discussion (Hybrid session - online/offline)
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s): Elnura Kazakbaeva/ Aimeerim Tursalieva
Hub: Peace Nexus, Acted
11:00-12:00
Topic: Greening businesses for peace
This session will outline the legislative framework in Kyrgyzstan relating to green business, as well as the current state of enforcement of "green incentives". It will present an overall vision of how green business can contribute to peacebuilding in the country.
Approach: Theoretical discussion
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s): Askar Sydykov + Uluk Turdubekov
Hub: Peace Nexus, Acted
12:00-13:00
Topic: Master class on "Climate Frescо"
This session will present the 'climate fresco' methodology to facilitate thinking about climate security issues and potential conflicts over diminishing natural resources.
Approach: Edutainment
Hub: UN Women
13:00-14:00
Topic: Academic perspectives on building peace
This session will provide a platform for leading academics in Kyrgyzstan to present their papers, research and ideas on different practices in peacebuilding and how different segments of society can work together to build peace, followed by an open discussion with the public. This event will be followed by the publication of the research materials presented and discussed during the event.
Approach: Theoretical discussion (Offline - International University of Kyrgyzstan)
Facilitator:
Speakers: Adrien Fauve - Asel Murzakulova
Hub: Acted
14:00-15:00
Topic: Shared Prosperity through Cooperation in Border Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
This session will give an opportunity to share experiences about supporting cultural exchange, collaborative learning, and natural resource management, as well as plans for cooperation in IT, innovation and tourism, to promote social cohesion in border areas. Learnings from grassroot levels (project beneficiaries including women self-help group leaders, youth, and local self-government representatives) will be shared.
Approach: Reflection on the Practice of Peacebuilding
Facilitator: Camp-Alatoo
Speakers:
Azada Kydyralieva - SHG leader from Aksy,
Shekerbek uulu Kamchybek- Head of Kasha-Suu AO
Roza Zhusupova- SHG leader from Aravan
Hub: UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators in the realm of natural resource management and climate change adaptation
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to natural resource management, which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Format:
Facilitator:
Hub: Acted
Time TBC
Topic: Yntymak Week Quiz Night
The Peacebuilding Hub will host an informal quiz night where participants can test their knowledge of various peace and conflict topics.
Approach: Edutainment
Venue: TBC
Hub: Yntymak Week Team
Theme of the day:
Natural Resource Management & Climate Change Adaptation
10:00-11:00
Topic: Adapting environmental peacebuilding to the Kyrgyzstan context
This session will explore how environmental peacebuilding can be used to address the challenges faced by communities in Kyrgyzstan, and will present research on the use of traditional knowledge and values in ensuring effective natural resource management while building on NGOs experiences in environmental peacebuilding and implementation at the very local level. It will also introduce the "Tazar mobile application" to the audience, outlining practical steps they can take in their own lives.Approach: Theoretical Discussion (Hybrid session - online/offline)
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s): Elnura Kazakbaeva/ Aimeerim Tursalieva
Hub: Peace Nexus, Acted
11:00-12:00
Topic: Greening businesses for peace
This session will outline the legislative framework in Kyrgyzstan relating to green business, as well as the current state of enforcement of "green incentives". It will present an overall vision of how green business can contribute to peacebuilding in the country.
Approach: Theoretical discussion
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s): Askar Sydykov + Uluk Turdubekov
Hub: Peace Nexus, Acted
12:00-13:00
Topic: Master class on "Climate Frescо"
This session will present the 'climate fresco' methodology to facilitate thinking about climate security issues and potential conflicts over diminishing natural resources.
Approach: Edutainment
Hub: UN Women
13:00-14:00
Topic: Academic perspectives on building peace
This session will provide a platform for leading academics in Kyrgyzstan to present their papers, research and ideas on different practices in peacebuilding and how different segments of society can work together to build peace, followed by an open discussion with the public. This event will be followed by the publication of the research materials presented and discussed during the event.
Approach: Theoretical discussion (Offline - International University of Kyrgyzstan)
Facilitator:
Speakers: Adrien Fauve - Asel Murzakulova
Hub: Acted
14:00-15:00
Topic: Shared Prosperity through Cooperation in Border Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
This session will give an opportunity to share experiences about supporting cultural exchange, collaborative learning, and natural resource management, as well as plans for cooperation in IT, innovation and tourism, to promote social cohesion in border areas. Learnings from grassroot levels (project beneficiaries including women self-help group leaders, youth, and local self-government representatives) will be shared.
Approach: Reflection on the Practice of Peacebuilding
Facilitator: Camp-Alatoo
Speakers:
Azada Kydyralieva - SHG leader from Aksy,
Shekerbek uulu Kamchybek- Head of Kasha-Suu AO
Roza Zhusupova- SHG leader from Aravan
Hub: UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators in the realm of natural resource management and climate change adaptation
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to natural resource management, which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Format:
Facilitator:
Hub: Acted
Time TBC
Topic: Yntymak Week Quiz Night
The Peacebuilding Hub will host an informal quiz night where participants can test their knowledge of various peace and conflict topics.
Approach: Edutainment
Venue: TBC
Hub: Yntymak Week Team
Day 4
September 21, 2023
Theme of the day:
Responsive Governance
Approach: Reflection (Webinar)
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Saferworld
11:00-12:00
Topic: Using modern storytelling tools for greater peacebuilding impact
This session will address the most common pitfalls in communicating both results of peacebuilding work and in explaining what peacebuilding means in itself. While storytelling and modern technologies are effective methods of communication, they require their own strategies and approaches when dealing with complex concepts. This session will elaborate on the role of storytelling and modern trends in making communications strategic and impactful.
Approach: Learning from Other Context
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Search for Common Ground
12:00-13:00
Topic: Using insights from behavioral economics to improve peacebuilding design and practice
This session will explain the effect of cognitive biases and heuristics on human behavior and decision-making processes. The session aims to provide practical advice to improve decision-making in refining our programming. Do we have evidence-based policy or policy-based evidence? The session will explore applications from behavioral economics to develop cost-efficient and people-centered interventions for promoting peace.
Approach: Learning from Other Context
Hub: Search for Common Ground
13:00-14:00
Topic: Civic education and identity
This session will introduce participants to the concept of Kyrgyz Jarany, explore how the government promotes civic education, and look at the role of peacebuilders in supporting these initiatives.
Approach: Reflection on the Practice of Peacebuilding
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: Peace Nexus
14:00-15:00
Topic: Exchanging experiences on preventing crime through Local Crime Prevention Centers
This talkshow, which will air on KTRK, will provide a platform for Local Crime Prevention Centers (LCPCs) to exchange experiences, challenges and successes related to preventing crime and adopting a collaborative and inclusive approach to problem solving between communities and the authorities.
Approach:
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: Saferworld
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to effective and responsive governance which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Format: Participatory session
Facilitator:
Hub: Saferworld
Time TBC
Plov Party
The Peacebuilding Hub will host a (self-funded) Plov Party, providing a platform for participants to network and enjoy good food.
Approach: Edutainment
Venue: TBC
Hub: Yntymak Week Team
Theme of the day:
Responsive Governance
10:00-11:00
Topic: Working with local authorities to prevent crime and address social issues
This webinar will bring together local crime prevention centers and juvenile police inspectors to exchange experiences on preventing crime, involving youth in local action, and on using collaborative approaches to problem solving.Approach: Reflection (Webinar)
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Saferworld
11:00-12:00
Topic: Using modern storytelling tools for greater peacebuilding impact
This session will address the most common pitfalls in communicating both results of peacebuilding work and in explaining what peacebuilding means in itself. While storytelling and modern technologies are effective methods of communication, they require their own strategies and approaches when dealing with complex concepts. This session will elaborate on the role of storytelling and modern trends in making communications strategic and impactful.
Approach: Learning from Other Context
Facilitator(s):
Speaker(s):
Hub: Search for Common Ground
12:00-13:00
Topic: Using insights from behavioral economics to improve peacebuilding design and practice
This session will explain the effect of cognitive biases and heuristics on human behavior and decision-making processes. The session aims to provide practical advice to improve decision-making in refining our programming. Do we have evidence-based policy or policy-based evidence? The session will explore applications from behavioral economics to develop cost-efficient and people-centered interventions for promoting peace.
Approach: Learning from Other Context
Hub: Search for Common Ground
13:00-14:00
Topic: Civic education and identity
This session will introduce participants to the concept of Kyrgyz Jarany, explore how the government promotes civic education, and look at the role of peacebuilders in supporting these initiatives.
Approach: Reflection on the Practice of Peacebuilding
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: Peace Nexus
14:00-15:00
Topic: Exchanging experiences on preventing crime through Local Crime Prevention Centers
This talkshow, which will air on KTRK, will provide a platform for Local Crime Prevention Centers (LCPCs) to exchange experiences, challenges and successes related to preventing crime and adopting a collaborative and inclusive approach to problem solving between communities and the authorities.
Approach:
Facilitator:
Speakers:
Hub: Saferworld
15:30-17:00
Topic: Co-creation of peace & conflict indicators
This session will bring together various stakeholders to co-create peace and conflict indicators relating to effective and responsive governance which will help measure changes in the Kyrgyzstan context over time.
Approach: Collective Action
Format: Participatory session
Facilitator:
Hub: Saferworld
Time TBC
Plov Party
The Peacebuilding Hub will host a (self-funded) Plov Party, providing a platform for participants to network and enjoy good food.
Approach: Edutainment
Venue: TBC
Hub: Yntymak Week Team
Day 5
September 22, 2023
Theme of the day:
Closing Day and Nominations&Awards
Theme of the day:
Closing Day and Nominations&Awards
10:00-13:00
Closing Ceremony
- Welcome coffee
- Summing up and reflecting on Yntymak Week
- Vox Pop Short Videos to show key takeaways from Yntymak Week
- Networking in the form of "Speed Dating"
- Awarding of participants according to nominations TBC
- Closing remarks
The Peacebuilding Hub
Harmonizing Peacebuilding Efforts
Uniting Peacebuilding Actors
Bridging Peacebuilding Initiatives
Uniting Peacebuilding Actors
Bridging Peacebuilding Initiatives
Kyrgyzstan is home to a vibrant community of organizations spearheading peacebuilding efforts in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and beyond. With so many enthusiastic peacebuilders working in parallel, the potential to make an even greater impact by uniting them was waiting to be unleashed. In October 2022, Acted, International Alert, PeaceNexus, Saferworld, Search for Common Ground, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in the Kyrgyz Republic, and UN Women came together to do just that, forming an informal network called the Peacebuilding Hub.
Briefly about Hub
Today, the Hub serves as an informal platform upon which Kyrgyzstan’s leading peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian organizations exchange experiences, knowledge, best and promising practices, and learnings; conduct joint analysis; coordinate actions; and cultivate an active and growing peacebuilding community in Kyrgyzstan.
Peacebuilding Hub Members
Yntimakweek@gmail.com
Acted
15/1 Maldybaev, Bishkek
DVV International
Frunze, 402, Bishkek
15/1 Maldybaev, Bishkek
DVV International
Frunze, 402, Bishkek
Saferworld
19 Razzakova Street, Bishkek
Search for Common Ground
61 Kulatov Street,
Ololo Yurt, Floor №4,
Bishkek
19 Razzakova Street, Bishkek
Search for Common Ground
61 Kulatov Street,
Ololo Yurt, Floor №4,
Bishkek
Peace Nexus
113 Bokonbayev Street,
Altair Business Center, Floor №8, Bishkek
113 Bokonbayev Street,
Altair Business Center, Floor №8, Bishkek
UN Resident
Coordinator’s Office
160 Chui Avenue, UN House,
Bishkek
UN Women
195 Kiev Street, Bishkek