OSCE Academy Graduation Ceremony for Class of 2022-2024

On 16 February 2024, the OSCE Academy awarded graduate degrees to its students of the MA Programmes in Politics & Security and in Economic Governance & Development (class of 2022-2024). In total, 36 students from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan successfully completed their studies and joined the Alumni Network of the OSCE Academy.

Dr. Kate Walker, Director of the OSCE Academy, welcomed graduating students, representatives of the Kyrgyz Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, partners, donors, and families, and congratulated the students on successful completion of their studies. Dr. Indira Satarkulova, Deputy Director of the OSCE Academy, highlighted the accomplishments of the graduates throughout their studies and emphasized professional and educational opportunities for alumni provided by the OSCE Academy, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and other partners. Dr. Walker and Dr. Satarkulova expressed the Academy’s sincere gratitude to the Board of Trustees of the Academy, as well as to the donors and partners; their continuous support enables the OSCE Academy to deliver educational programmes of excellence for young people of the wider Central Asian region.

Ambassador Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the OSCE Academy, greeted guests at the ceremony and congratulated the graduating class of 2024. 'Today is a day to look back on achievements, but it is also a day to look ahead. And all of us congratulate you on your future accomplishments, I believe you will achieve. I also believe that your time at the OSCE Academy has been a proving ground for you to learn, to make mistakes, to improve and to become stronger,' said Ambassador Rogov.

Ms. Helga Schmid, OSCE Secretary General, addressed students online and extended her felicitations. Ms. Schmid emphasized that as alumni of the OSCE Academy, students will serve as ambassadors, promoting the institution's numerous merits, academic excellence, and values: ‘We need a young generation like you, educated and eager to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and ultimately peace and security.’ The Secretary General acknowledged the difficulties faced by students from Afghanistan and assured continued advocacy for their right to high quality education, especially for young women. Ms. Schmid also called attention to the students who undertook an internship at the OSCE Secretariat and expressed her appreciation for their contributions.

Ms. Jamilya Jamanbayeva, Akyikatchy (Ombudsman) of the Kyrgyz Republic, also shared her warm words and expressed her best wishes to the class. Recognizing the students' accomplishments, Ms. Jamanbayeva highlighted that their achievements are not only a source of pride for their families and the Academy's community but also for their respective countries and the entire Central Asian region. At the end of her speech, Akyikatchy handed an Appreciation Letter to the OSCE Academy for all of its activities.

The following speech was on behalf of H.E. Mr. Asein Isaev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, which underlined the OSCE Academy’s uniqueness as educational institution not only in Kyrgyzstan but in Central Asia, and reassured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stands for strengthening the Academy and expanding of its activities.

Ms. Lira Samykbaeva, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, expressed support and assured continued effective assistance to the Academy as a member of the Board of Trustees, and a participating State of the OSCE. Ms. Samykbaeva congratulated the 36 students who are joining the OSCE Academy Alumni Network and encouraged them to continue strengthening the human resources potential in the region.

Thereafter, students received their Diplomas, awarded by Ambassador Rogov, Dr. Walker and Dr. Satarkulova.

The ceremony continued with addresses by lecturers who taught the graduating students. Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, MA in Economic Governance and Development, and Dr. Emil Dzhuraev, MA in Politics and Security, congratulated the students and delivered inspiring speeches on how to excel further in both academic and practical spheres. Furthermore, the lecturers announced nominees for the Best Thesis and Top GPA awards. Mahtob Gulayozova, MA in Economic Governance & Development, and Tokzhan Atenbekova, MA in Politics & Security, received the Best Thesis awards. Bibigul Arzybaeva, MA in Economic Governance & Development, and Katsiaryna Vinnikava, MA in Politics & Security, were honored with the TOP GPA awards.

As of February 2024, the total number of alumni thus reached 655, out of which 340 are women and 315 are men.

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