On 14 September 2026, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek officially opened the 2026-2027 academic year, welcoming 47 new graduate students from the five Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, Spain, and Russia. The students have joined the Academy’s MA in Politics and Security (MAPS), MA in Economic Governance and Development (MAEGD), and MA in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) Programmes.
Dr. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy, opened the ceremony and encouraged students to make the most of their 18-month academic journey by participating actively in classes and taking advantage of the workshops, conferences, internships, exchanges, and other opportunities offered by the Academy.
“I ask you to interact across nationalities, programmes and cohorts. The OSCE Academy is a regional institution where one of the great benefits is the opportunity to interact across borders and widen your worldview,” said Dr. Dunay.
The Director then welcomed H.E. Ambassador Dr. Volker Frobarth, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the OSCE Academy, who addressed the incoming students.
“The OSCE Academy is much more than a place where you acquire another academic qualification. It is a space where different perspectives meet – different countries, cultures, professional experiences, and ideas about the future of this beautiful region,” said Ambassador Frobarth.
H.E. Ambassador Siroco Messerli, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic, also delivered welcoming remarks. Switzerland, which holds the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2026, has been a longstanding supporter of the OSCE Academy.
“When diplomacy seems impossible, it becomes indispensable,” said Ambassador Messerli, quoting Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. “I think this is exactly the spirit of the OSCE Academy and should also be the spirit of your ambition here.”
The Director then welcomed Mr. Kushtarbek Shamshidov, Head of Division at the Department of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and a 2010 alumnus of the OSCE Academy’s MA in Politics and Security programme.
“The Academy creates a space where students from different backgrounds can study together, exchange views, and better understand the perspectives of their neighbours. In a region where cooperation, mutual understanding, and trust are particularly important, this experience has lasting value,” said Mr. Shamshidov.
The students were also welcomed by representatives of the Academy’s three Master’s Programmes. Dr. Sebastian Mayer, DAAD Associate Professor at the OSCE Academy, spoke on behalf of the MA in Politics and Security Programme; Dr. Burulcha Sulaimanova, Senior Lecturer, represented the MA in Economic Governance and Development Programme; and Dr. Zhyldyz Tegizbekova, Senior Academic Tutor, addressed students of the MA in Human Rights and Sustainability Programme. The professors noted that this year’s students have already distinguished themselves as a particularly communicative, engaged, and proactive cohort, demonstrating strong interest and active participation from the beginning of their studies.
The opening ceremony concluded with a group photo and welcome coffee, providing students, faculty members, and guests with an opportunity to meet and mark the beginning of the new academic year together.
