OSCE Academy Gathers Central Asian Representatives for the Certificate Training in Peace and Conflict

From 13-17 November 2024, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, in partnership with CRISP, organized an intensive Certificate Training in Peace and Conflict. This five-day programme brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to delve into the core principles of conflict transformation and peacebuilding, equipping them with practical tools and strategies for addressing complex conflict scenarios. The training was formally opened by Ms. Kateryna Pavlova, Chief Operating Officer and Trainer at CRISP and Ulugbek Nurumbetov, founder and director of the Institute for Peace and Development.

The first training day began with introductory sessions about key concepts of сonflict, peace, and violence. Participants explored various dimensions of these terms through discussions and exercises, examining their relevance to real-world scenarios.

The programme's second day was held outdoors, in an Ethno-resort Supara Chunkurchak, fostering the discussion on peace through gastro diplomacy. Apart from learning about the local Kyrgyz culture via traditional cuisine, participants discussed creative methods of peaceful conflict transformation in Central Asia. The discussion, moderated by Dr. Pal Dunay, Interim Director of the OSCE Academy, who also shared the history of the OSCE Academy and its contribution to peace in the region, centred around the global trends in international politics and their impact on Central Asia, a region absent of great powers but heavily influenced by them.

The third day was dedicated to an Introduction to Conflict Analysis, tools, and case studies. Participants explored why conflict analysis is necessary and which role it plays in designing and implementing projects. They also learned about data collection methods, and creative application of analytical tools in case studies.

On the fourth day, participants participated in the simulation game segment. They were immersed in a realistic cross-border conflict scenario designed to simulate typical challenges encountered in peacebuilding efforts. Guided by the trainers, they navigated complex conflict dynamics, tested their newly acquired skills, and collaboratively devised strategies for effective intervention. The simulation was followed by a comprehensive debriefing session, during which participants reflected on their experiences, shared insights, and discussed lessons learned.

The final day of the programme shifted focus toward actionable peacebuilding. Sessions introduced participants to successful peace projects worldwide, emphasizing conflict-sensitive design and the “Do No Harm” approach. These discussions laid the groundwork for participants to draft their project proposals to foster peace and address conflicts within their communities.

The training concluded with a formal certificate presentation ceremony, presided over by Dr. Pal Dunay, Ms. Kateryna Pavlova and Ulugbek Nurumbetov. Both expressed gratitude to the participants for their active engagement and applauded their commitment to advancing peace and conflict resolution in their respective spheres of influence. The closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and the role of initiatives like these in building a resilient and peaceful Central Asia.

CRISP is an organization based in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the few organizations worldwide that develops and applies the method of simulation-gaming to the fields of conflict transformation, civic education, and citizen participation. Geographical areas of intervention are the South Caucasus, Ukraine, Central Asia, the Western Balkans, the MENA Region, and the EU.

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