On 5 June 2026, the OSCE Academy celebrated the graduation of its first BA cohort in Economics Programme. The graduation of the class of 2022-2026, adds nine new graduates to the OSCE Academy’s Alumni Network, which now totals 767 Alumni.
The ceremony was opened by Dr. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy, who welcomed graduates, faculty, partners, diplomats, family members and friends. Reflecting on the Academy’s development, he noted that the BA in Economics programme, launched in 2022, was an initiative of then director, Dr. Alexander Wolters, supported by the OSCE Programme Office and the Board of Trustees of the OSCE Academy. It represented a major step in the Academy’s evolution from a postgraduate institution entering undergraduate education. He also underscored the programme’s recent EdNet accreditation, which enables graduates to continue their studies internationally.
Dr. Dunay emphasized the Academy’s role in fostering regional cooperation and intellectual development, thanking the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, participating States, institutional partners, donors, faculty and staff for their continued support. Addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to remain engaged with their alma mater and to serve as ambassadors for the Academy as they embark on their professional journeys.
Following Dr. Dunay, the keynote address was delivered by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Volker Frobarth, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OSCE Academy. Congratulating the graduates on reaching this important milestone, Ambassador Frobarth described the occasion as “not only the culmination of four years of study but also the beginning of a new chapter.” Ambassador Frobarth expressed appreciation to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for its continued support of the Academy and thanked the Academy’s leadership, faculty and staff for their contributions to the success of the programme. He paid tribute to Dr. Pal Dunay’s leadership, noting his “exceptional leadership and acumen in guiding this programme to its first graduation.”
Addressing the graduates directly, Ambassador Frobarth reflected on the relevance of economics in today’s rapidly changing world. He noted, “Economics, your field of study, is defined as the allocation of finite resources. Reading the news today makes the urgency of that definition painfully clear.”
He encouraged graduates to use their education in service of their societies and, emphasized the importance of acting with purpose. He concluded his address by invoking the words of the renowned Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov: “The wheel of time is gathering speed.” He urged graduates not to delay in applying their knowledge and talents to addressing the pressing challenges of their generation.
The second keynote address was delivered by Dr. Renaud Vuignier, Programme Manager for International Cooperation and Head of the Economic Development and Governance Domains at the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic, as a representative of the participating State holding the chair of the OSCE in 2026.
In his speech, Dr. Vuignier highlighted that the Academy “has established itself as a leading institution in Central Asia, combining academic excellence with real-world relevance. And Switzerland is proud to have been among its founding supporters.”
Dr. Vuignier emphasized Switzerland’s “longstanding commitment to the OSCE, rooted in the belief that inclusive dialogue and multilateral cooperation are essential tools for addressing modern security challenges – whether political, economic, environmental, or humanitarian.” He outlined the priorities of Switzerland’s 2026 OSCE Chairpersonship, including strengthening the OSCE as a platform for dialogue, promoting human security through youth and education, and deepening engagement with Central Asia.
Linking this message to the graduates’ own experiences, he noted that education itself is an investment in the future. Dr. Vuignier concluded his speech by urging Graduates to remain committed to diversity, cooperation, integrity and analytical rigor as they contribute to the future development of the region.
Following the keynote addresses, diplomas were awarded to the graduates by Amb. Frobarth and Dr. Dunay.
The ceremony then proceeded with the speech of Ms. Begimai Abdraeva, Lecturer at the OSCE Academy, on behalf of the faculty of the BA programme, followed by the recognition of outstanding academic achievements for Top GPA to Ms. Aigerim Matmusaeva and The Best Thesis to Mr. Iskender Abdizhalilov.
After the awards ceremony, Ms. Nurai Tynybekova gave a farewell speech on behalf of the graduating class.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Dunay, followed by a group photograph and reception celebrating the achievements of the inaugural BA in Economics graduating class.
