Bishkek, June 1, 2022 - Two days of training were carried out for media representatives to introduce the principles of Kyrgyzstan's Civic Identity Development Concept. About 60 journalists participated in interactive exercises and discussions to explore key ideas and points of the concept and possible ways of introducing these ideas through media.

The trainings were organized by the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the joint UN project "Inclusive Governance and Civic Identity for Sustainable Peace and Development" funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and OHCHR.

In 2020, a Presidential Decree approved a Concept of Development of Civil Identity in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2021-2026. The main purpose of the Concept is to provide an enabling environment for the development and promotion of a common civic identity of Kyrgyz Jarany, uniting all ethnic communities while preserving their ethnocultural identity.

The role of the media is very important in promoting the main components of the Kyrgyz Jarany Concept, according to Deputy Minister Chyngyz Esengul uulu.He emphasized: "As part of the implementation of the adopted Concept, a Communication Strategy has been developed together with media experts, authors and stakeholders.  Media Plan, I hope to be approved  jointly with representatives of the media.”

The priority areas of the Concept are:

1. Forming an informed understanding of Kyrgyzstan's civic identity.

2. Strengthening the unity of  Kyrgyzstan’s people, increasing tolerance and preserving respect for the values of diversity.

3.Development and promotion of the state language, preservation and development of multilingualism.

4.Creation of equal conditions in access to governance and decision-making processes.

5.Increasing trust in political institutions and state authorities.

The implementation of the Kyrgyz Jarany Civic Identity Concept started in January 2022.  Development of communication strategy and coordination meetings with governmental bodies and representatives of the general public are also conducted within the framework of this joint UN project. The Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy coordinates the implementation of the concept among the state bodies of the country.

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Photos from the training: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzSfd3

Media contacts: Nurzhan Alymkanova, UNDP Communications Officer,