The Global Centre for Pluralism (Ottawa, Canada), in partnership with the University of Central Asia, invites you to a Forum on “Pluralism in Kyrgyzstan: Fostering Inclusive Citizenship” on June 10th, 2015 from 4:00pm -5:30 pm at the University of Central Asia in Bishkek.

The Global Centre for Pluralism is committed to supporting inclusive citizenship and civic identity in Kyrgyzstan. To inform discussion of these issues, the Centre has commissioned research which elaborates the drivers of pluralism, and points to ways in which Kyrgyzstani society can move towards greater cohesion and inclusion.

The Centre invites you to participate in a lively discussion about how existing opportunities in Kyrgyzstan could be harnessed towards building of an inclusive civic identity, setting the conditions for lasting stability and development in the country. The Centre’s research partners will share their findings, followed by a moderated discussion with the audience.

Language

The forum’s working languages will be both Russian and English. Translation will be provided upon prior request.

Location

Conference Room, University of Central Asia, 138 Toktogul Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

Registration

Please RSVP to meerim.marat@ucentralasia.org with your name and affiliation. Please indicate if you require translation.

* The views presented in this forum are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of the University of Central Asia or any of its staff

Agenda:

Welcome and introduction

- Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko, Director General, University of Central Asia

- Ms. Jayne Barlow, Director of Programs, Global Centre for Pluralism

Panel Discussion

- Dr. Erica Marat, “Kyrgyzstan: Prospects for Pluralism”

- Dr. Marat’s research explores various drivers of pluralism in Kyrgyzstan, including socio-economic deficits and inequalities that are underlying root causes of interethnic tensions, and points to a number of opportunities to foster an inclusive civic identity.

- Dr. Jeff Sahadeo, “History and Memory: Implications for Pluralism in Kyrgyzstan and the Ferghana Valley” Drawing on Kyrgyzstan’s rich history of cultural exchange and peaceful coexistence,

- Dr. Sahadeo’s research points to concrete ways in which history and memory could be used to advance pluralism in Kyrgyzstan.

Discussion

Discussant: Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko (Director General, University of Central Asia)

Moderator: Dr Kemel Toktomushev (Research Fellow, Institute of Public Policy,

University of Central Asia)

Information:

The Global Centre for Pluralism is an international research and education centre founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, in partnership with the Government of Canada, to advance respect for diversity as a new global ethic. The Centre is inspired by Canadian pluralism, which demonstrates what governments and civil society can achieve when human diversity is valued and recognized as a foundation for successful societies.

The University of Central Asia was founded in 2000 to offer an internationally recognized standard of higher education and prepare graduates to contribute leadership, ideas and innovation to the economies and communities of the region. The International Treaty and Charter establishing this private, secular university was signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, ratified by the parliaments of the founding states and registered with the United Nations. UCA is the first internationally chartered university in the world. UCA’s mission is to foster the socio-economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, while helping the peoples of the region preserve and draw upon their rich cultural heritages as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information on UCA, please visit: www.ucentralasia.org