OSCE Academy Alumni Gather for the 6th Reunion

Between 14 and 15 June, the OSCE Academy hosted its 6th triannual Alumni Reunion, bringing overall 150 people, including more than a hundred graduates, distinguished guests, experts, faculty, staff and current MA students to strengthen the community and network of the Academy. The event was officially opened with a speech by Dr. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy, using a quote from Heraclitus of Ephesus: “You can’t step into the same river twice,” acknowledging the significant change and growth of the OSCE Academy, now offering three Master’s programmes and a Bachelor’s programme, alongside an expanding staff and faculty members and a community of over 700 alumni.

Dr. Dunay expressed gratitude to the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB), led by H.E. Ambassador Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE POiB and Chairman of the OSCE Academy’s Board of Trustees, as well as to the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), the Global Campus of Human Rights, donors, partners, and OSCE participating states for their invaluable support that helps sustain the Academy’s mission of high-quality education, research, executive training, and regional development.

Following his remarks, Dr. Dunay handed the floor to Ambassador Rogov, who emphasized the Academy's growing impact in Central Asia and beyond. “Since its inception, the Academy has evolved from a visionary idea into a vibrant centre for learning, policy dialogue, and regional cooperation,” he stated. Ambassador Rogov encouraged alumni to reinforce their network and uphold shared values, urging them to “Stay connected, support one another, collaborate, and share opportunities.” He expressed his gratitude to the Kyrgyz state authorities, numerous donors, the Board of Trustees, and the Academy’s staff and faculty.

Following the Ambassador, in her online address, Ms. Kate Fearon, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, stated, “The size and diversity of this group is a testament to the Academy's strongest suits,” emphasizing that it facilitates regional and even cross-regional connections. She then mentioned that the topics to be discussed are “core to the OSCE’s work, including in Central Asia,” where the OSCE’s “five field operations work closely with local partners.” She concluded her speech with heartfelt thanks to the authorities of Kyrgyzstan, the Academy's donors, members of the Board of Trustees, staff, faculty, and alumni.

The final distinguished guest speaker of the opening panel was Ms. Maria Gjørwad Hagen, Senior Adviser of the Section for Prevention and Stabilization at the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). She stated, “It's a privilege to address this gathering at the OSCE Academy, an institution that Norway has supported since its founding, because we believe, knowledge and dialogue are the safest investments a nation can make.” She aligned the Academy’s work with Norway's foreign policy, which “rests on a rules-based international order, inclusive security, and sustainable development,” and added, “the Academy embodies all three of them.” With the alumni who “speak the language of cooperation across borders and disciplines.” Norway that is now chairing the OSCE Structured Dialogue, “counts” on alumni to “keep that dialogue honest, evidence-based and forward-looking.” She mentioned that the Helsinki Final Act was signed 50 years ago, stating that principles such as “sovereignty, human rights and cooperation” “remain [our] compass,” and the generation of alumni “must chart the course.”

The second part of the opening ceremony commenced with a session titled “Alumni Achievements: Inspiring and Motivating,” and was moderated by Ms. Victoria Orazova, Head of the International Department at the OSCE Academy. Mr. Nurbek Tashbekov, alumnus of 2013, Economic Governance and Development (EGD) programme (Kyrgyzstan), Head of the Department of Political and Economic Research of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic; Malika Toqmadi, alumna of 2012, Politics and Security (PS) programme (Kazakhstan), Co-Founder of PaperLab, and PhD candidate at the University College London, and Visiting Scholar at Harvard University’s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies; Mingul Seitkazieva, alumna of 2007, PS programme (Kyrgyzstan), World Bank Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Vienna, Austria; and Zarlasht Sarmasht, alumna of 2021, PS programme (Afghanistan), shared their success stories.

The final session of the opening ceremony consisted of an expert panel titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Threats and Opportunities,” moderated by Talant Sultanov of the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP). The 95-minute panel began with a presentation by Dr. Baurzhan Rakhmetov, Assistant Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Kazakhstan, on the topic “AI and Disinformation: How Not to Get Lost in the ‘True or False’ Information Flow.” The next speaker was Dr. Nuria Kutnaeva, alumna of 2005, PS programme, Director of the Training Center specializing in AI and Data Protection, who spoke on “AI and Education: New Approaches and Prospects.” The third to present was Mr. Azis Abakirov, General Director of the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, with a topic on “AI and the Job Market: Which Skills Are to Be Honed.” The final speaker was Dr. Dana Utegen, Vice Dean for Academic and Career Development at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Kazakhstan, who presented on “AI and Personal Data: How to Stay Safe Online.” The panel concluded with an engaging Q&A session.

The opening ceremony was wrapped up with a lunch and a group photo.

The second half of the day was dedicated to simultaneous workshops, seminars, and interviews at the OSCE Academy. During the 3.5 hours, alumni and guests were able to participate in the following activities:
1. Round Table in a hybrid form on “The Future of Water Security in Central Asia”, with the following themes and speakers:

•  “Regional Dynamics and the OSCE’s Role in Transboundary Water Management in Central Asia,” by Ms. Tatiana Turcan, Officer-in-Charge (Deputy Head of Office), PO Programme Office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (online)
• “Hydro Politics in a Warming Environment: Climate Change and Water Diplomacy in Central Asia,” by Dr. Asel Murzakulova, Senior Research Fellow, Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI), University of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan
• “Water Governance in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan,” Mr. Mirsaid Uzakov, Partnership and Mobilization Support Office, UN Volunteers, alumnus of 2019, MA in PS Programme, Uzbekistan
• “Multilateral development banks (MDBs) Investments in Central Asia’s Water Sector: Trends, Tensions, and Opportunities,” by Ms. Shoira Olimova, International Accountability Project (IAP), alumna of 2011, MA in PS Programme, Tajikistan

2. Session “How to Prepare a PhD Proposal” by Dr. Emil Juraev, Senior Lecturer at the OSCE Academy;
3. Workshop “Publish or Perish: A Journey from a Great Idea to a Journal Article” by Dr. Viktoria Akchurina, Independent Researcher, Adjunct Lecturer at UOC/Barcelona–UNITAR;
4. Joint Session on “Introduction to Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) and the Role of Media in the Security System” by experts from the OSCE Secretariat, OSCE RFoM, and DCAF;
5. Session on “Surveillance in the Age of AI” by Dr. Baurzhan Rakhmetov, Assistant Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University, Kazakhstan.

The first day of the alumni reunion was wrapped up with a reception on the terrace of Hotel Orion, and the Alumni Award Ceremony. Dr. Pal Dunay opened the programmе by expressing gratitude to alumni, partners, and guests, calling their presence “an important demonstration of the appreciation of the activity of the OSCE Academy and its contribution to its noble objectives.” Reflecting on the Academy’s long-term impact, he added, “When you support the OSCE Academy, rest assured, you contribute to teaching the next generations, bringing them together, eliminating mental barriers.” He also thanked the OSCE POiB, the host state, donors and participating states, the Board of Trustees, and gave special recognition to Ms. Victoria Orazova and her team for organizing the event on top quality.

Following him, Ambassador Alexey Rogov also sincerely thanked donors, participating States, and alumni for their support. After his speech, the microphone was passed to Dr. Alexander Wolters, former Director of the OSCE Academy from 2017 to 2022. In his address, he thanked alumni for “showing the way” to current students aspiring to build their careers. He encouraged alumni: “Continue this work, be a network, be a community, help this region come ever closer together.”

After the speeches, Ms. Orazova, alongside Dr. Dunay, handed Alumni Award Certificates to the nominees, including the Alumni of the Year, who were Mr. Abdulvahhobi Muminjoniyon, alumnus of 2019 of the EGD programme, and Ms. Dilfuza Kurolova, alumna of 2015 of the PS programme. The ceremony was concluded by the address of Shoira Olimova, alumna of 2011 of the PS programme.

Last to close the official part was Mr. Colin McCullough, Senior Planning and Co-ordination Officer at the OSCE POiB, who expressed his gratitude to the alumni community and announced the essay contest in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the founding document that created the CSCE (that became the OSCE in 1995). He remarked, “The OSCE Academy is the longest-running project in the history of the OSCE; everybody affiliated with it best represents the spirit of the Helsinki Final Act.” He also called on alumni to come up with ideas for a mascot that will represent and promote the OSCE Academy.

The second day of the Alumni Reunion was dedicated to a team-building activity where graduates and staff of the OSCE Academy spent the day at Kara-Bulak Eco Resort.

The Alumni Reunion is generously funded by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) – the OSCE Academy’s distinguished donor, partner, and member of the Academy’s Board of Trustees.

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