The trainings were delivered under the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF)-funded project “Strengthening the capacity of institutions and border communities of the Kyrgyz Republic to enhance cooperation with the Republic of Uzbekistan,” implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Organization for Migration in partnership with national authorities.

The initiative aimed to strengthen the capacities of border personnel as frontline peace actors, enhancing their ability to engage with women and children in a rights-based and conflict-sensitive manner, prevent and de-escalate tensions, counter trafficking in persons, and support safe, orderly, and regular migration.

The training programme integrated technical expertise with peacebuilding competencies. It emphasized gender- and child-sensitive approaches, the application of national legislation and international human rights standards, and the operationalization of conflict sensitivity in everyday border management practices. Participants developed skills in identifying risks and vulnerabilities, including those linked to marginalization and cross-border dynamics, and in responding through protection-oriented and context-aware approaches.

From a peacebuilding perspective, the trainings contribute to strengthening trust between state institutions and border communities, as well as fostering constructive cross-border relations along the Kyrgyz–Uzbek state border. By enhancing the capacity of border services to act in a responsive, accountable, and people-centred manner, the initiative supports the transformation of borders from potential fault lines into spaces of cooperation and dialogue.

Border services play a dual role as providers of security and as key interfaces between states and communities. Strengthening their ability to apply conflict-sensitive and human-centred approaches contributes to reducing drivers of tension, mitigating risks of exclusion and grievances, and promoting social cohesion and peaceful cross-border interaction between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The initiative is closely aligned with national priorities of the Kyrgyz Republic related to strengthening good-neighbourly relations, ensuring the security and sustainable development of border areas, and enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of public institutions.

At the same time, it contributes to the implementation of international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peaceful, just and inclusive societies, with a focus on the protection, dignity, and security of women and children in border and migration contexts.

The project demonstrates how targeted investments in institutional capacity and human capital can generate peace dividends by preventing conflict, strengthening trust, and establishing sustainable mechanisms for cross-border cooperation.

A dedicated module addressed trafficking in persons through a protection and prevention lens, including victim identification, referral pathways, and survivor-centred approaches. Participants also strengthened communication and profiling skills relevant to conflict-sensitive border management. In addition, they were introduced to basic conflict analysis tools, enabling them to better understand the drivers of local tensions and apply early and preventive responses.

The practical component included scenario-based exercises, case studies, and group work, ensuring that peacebuilding approaches are effectively translated into operational practice.

Participants reported a significant increase in their knowledge and skills, particularly in applying conflict-sensitive, rights-based, and gender-responsive approaches in their daily work. All participants completed pre- and post-training assessments, and certificates were awarded upon completion.