Archives: (Русский) Новости

Topic: Enclaves in Central Asia

Expert: Munar Esenbaev, Reserve Colonel, candidate of legal sciences, was awarded the medal “For excellence in guarding the state border of the USSR”, Laureate of the Lenin Komsomol Prize for ensuring the security of the USSR state border (1982), received an award from the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, author of 20 articles.

This paper analyses the terms “enclave” and “exclave” as used in international law, distinguishing the two from each other. The historical and legal analysis of the establishment of borders between the former Soviet Republics during the national-territorial delimitation of Central Asia from 1924 to 1927 is summarized, the sources and problems of the formation of enclaves in Central Asia are investigated, and the author’s evaluation of this process is presented with recommendations.

Special attention is paid to the challenges of international legal registration of state land borders and their demarcation in the modern history of Central Asia. Negotiations regarding the delimitation of state borders in Central Asia, specifically in reference to the exact borders between enclaves and their surrounding territories, have proven to be the most difficult procedure in this process, having lasted over 20 years.

Currently, enclaves are one of the main factors complicating the positive development of intergovernmental and interethnic relations in the region. Most of the region’s border conflicts arise precisely in the areas where enclaves are located. An early solution to the problems related to these enclaves will contribute to the establishment of a stable state border situation and to the improvement of interstate relations in Central Asia.

The results of this research may inspire interest in university students, as well as graduate students and experts studying the problems of national and regional security in Central Asia.

This event was sponsored by The Nippon Foundation and Japan Central Asia Friendship Association

Topic: Wheat market in Central Asia: current status and features

Expert: Nurlan Tokobaev, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor at the Department of Economics and Commerce at the International Kuwait University, Representative of the Community Leaders International Program in Kyrgyzstan.

This article investigates the wheat market, which is a vital food product in Central Asia and is one of the strategically important agricultural crops. It takes the lead in sown area, and also provides the largest proportion of calories and nutrients in the diet of the country’s population.

Over the past few years, wheat trade has been marked increased in the global agricultural economy. It is primarily related the law of a market economy, namely because of the growth of supply and demand. Growing world wheat consumption at the same time creates profitable opportunities for the development of international agricultural trade and prospects, to set new wheat export records.

The level of development of grain production is playing significant role not only in providing food security in every country, but also one of the main indicators World Food Security Assessment. The followings are found as the main reasons of wheat price increases;

The first reason for the increase in world wheat prices is the consequences of the COVID – 19 pandemic, which led to increased external demand. The panic among consumers in most countries of the world was pushing importers to create maximum stocks of flour, fearing closure borders.

The second reason is the introduction of export restrictions in some countries. For example, Russia and Kazakhstan have established restrictive quotas for the supply of wheat to the international market until the end of the current season.

Thirdly, this is a drop in oil prices in the world market, the subsequent weakening of the national currency in each country led to an increase in wheat prices in the international agricultural market.

Topic: Kyrgyzstan 5 years in the EAEU

Expert: Merim Koichueva, Doctor of Science in Economics, Professor. Economics department of the National Academy of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.

In this paper, results of the quantitative analysis of integration of the Kyrgyz Republic into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) were presented. Analysis of macroeconomic indicators of EAEU member states is based on statistics from the World Bank, Eurasian Economic Commission, National Statistical Committee Kyrgyz Republic, National Bank of Kyrgyzstan. A comparative conclusions on the situation and role of Kyrgyzstan in this integration association and recommendations for more wider integration were provided. 

The issue of Kyrgyzstan joining the Customs Union and the EAEU in 2015, which included Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and, at that time, Armenia already entered, was a foregone conclusion. It was clear that integrating with these associations, Kyrgyzstan would face many problems in the short term, and there was no definite answer what would be the positive effect in the long term for our country.

Nevertheless, Kyrgyzstan and its “neighbors” need deep and wide economic integration, where there would be no economic “borders” between the countries – barriers, but everything would be open, and free movement of resources, goods, capital, and labor would be ensured.

Recommendations:

1. Economic legal laws, regulations and “rules of the game” should be the same or very approximate, consistent, identified and not contradicting each other;

2. Uniform or approximate prices for goods and services, tariffs for transportation must be consistent;

3. On the basis of a general approach, the determination of the levels of wages, its minimum level and the levels of the minimum consumer budget should be gradually solved;

4. A common position in relation to the external to the market should be developed.

This event was sponsored by The Nippon Foundation (TNF) and Japan Central Asia Friendship Association (JACAFA)

The concept was written by group of experts in field of education, academicians, and representatives of governmental and private education institutions (Almazbek Beishenaliev, Salidin Kaldybaev, Toktobubu Ashymabeva, Almazbek Toktomametov, Nazira Duisheeva, Ulanbek Mambetakunov, Gulnur Mamyrova, Nurlan Atabaev, Mirgul Esengulova).

This paper reviews, analyzes the existing documents, legislations, regulative conditions including “The concept of development of education in the Kyrgyz Republic until 2020 of the year”, “Strategy for the development of education in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2012 – 2020 years”, “State standards of education of secondary schools “, “Development Program for 2018 – 2022. Unity. Confidence. Creation” and “The National Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018 – 2040”, and proposes the new concept of education development. In these documents identified strategic directions for the development of education, the formation of students’ competencies, the implementation of personal oriented education of children, building an information education system using information technology, exchange of information at the level management, improving the quality of education through the development of regions of the country etc.

The proposed concept for the development of education of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2030 was established based on the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Education” and on the above documents in order to deepen the basic ideas embedded in them. Education in the Kyrgyz Republic aims to develop human resource abilities, and also the implementation of two large-scale affairs. First, preservation and further development in conditions of globalization of national identity, national values, cultural identity and diversity. Second, integration into the world educational system, taking into account the combination of patterns of globalization and national identity. Questions must prevail in this process, educating the younger generation on the basis of national values, determining the level of knowledge that students in different education concentrates.

As a result, the following key priority directions of development of the education system in The Kyrgyz Republic were outlined:

• Particular attention to the correspondence of the goal and the result. Necessary at all the steps of the education system to clearly indicate graduate models. This will provide maintaining the principles of continuity and consistency. In the future, individual specialties will become obsolete; new specialties will appear. Therefore, education should switch to the training of specialists who meet the requirements developing labor market.

• Formation of students’ competence and functional literacy. Current student must understand, be able to use the knowledge gained to solve emerging problems, and also be able to independently deepen knowledge. Very important to enter into the school system those subjects that can contribute the formation of students’ self-learning skills.

• Textbooks should be “sharpened” on the formation of competencies. The content of textbooks should not be aimed at memorizing theoretical facts, and on the formation of functional literacy, contribute to the solution life problems using knowledge.

• Emphasis on education on the formation of national values. Education requires a combination of globalization and national values.

• The need for research accordingly development priorities of the Kyrgyz Republic. Scientific research universities with technology parks where priority research.

• Training of specialists in IT technologies. Currently in the markets labor of all countries, including Kyrgyzstan, there is an urgent need for IT technology staff.

• Providing personality-oriented, safe education. To create a safe and a student-friendly learning environment institutions, families and local authorities.

The topic of the fifth roundtable was “The Role of Women in Central Asia: Trends and Prospects”. Author: Ms.Perizat Suranova, President of the Public Foundation “Kanykey Ene”, member of the political council of the political party “Zamandash”, member of the working group on improving the electoral legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic by decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, specializes in issues of socio-economic development, political participation of women.

 This publication reflected the role of women in Central Asia: trends and prospects, progress made, some of the unresolved issues in achieving gender equality in the social, economic and political spheres. The publication brought together concrete examples, the best practices and good practices from Central Asian countries. The publication examined the participation of women in the social life of society, business, the work of parliaments and political parties, in elections and politics at different levels. This included the participation of women in political life, in the context of the status of women in society as a whole.

The relevance of the publication lies in the fact that it tried to fill the existing gap in the study of place and role of women in political life of Central Asian countries. The problems raised in the publication stem from the daily practice of building a renewed region. In this regard, this work is important, but it is also necessary in practical terms. It is also associated with the need to create favorable conditions for the participation of women in political life of society. Of considerable importance are the recommendations proposed by the author on improving the means and methods of increasing the business and civic activity of women in the republic.

Central Asia consists of five countries. The diversity of the region is expressed in the multiplicity of its ethnic groups, languages ​​and religions. Moreover, the region has its own special history of development, implementing 28 years of fundamental, political and socio-economic reforms in connection with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transition from a planned to a market economy.

One of the main aspirations of people during the transition period to democratic rule and a market economy was the hope of expanding the opportunities for citizens to participate in life of society, which they will create and enjoy its benefits. Citizens should be represented at all levels and in all areas of decision-making so that their voice is heard by decision makers, and so that the decisions are made considering a wider range of opinions, which means that they are more effective. In addition, the transition period in the economic, social and political life of the region led to the elimination of state’s monopoly on ensuring gender equality. Women found themselves in an open environment with new conditions in relation to equality with more opportunities and dangers.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, new borders formed and new social, economic and political, opportunities were created as well. For 28 years of independence, in order to assert their rights, women had to overcome great obstacles due to the difficult political and social situation.

The role of women is growing dynamically in all areas of society. No one disputes that this is a global trend. Women, not only an integral part of the historical process, but also its increasingly significant driving force.

So, what is the role of women in modern Central Asia? It consists not only in fulfilling her direct duties at work, but also in realizing herself as a good mother, an exemplary wife and mistress. The main principle for any woman was the ability to comply with the rule of the “golden mean”; Women have a very honorable and important role in society. After all, with her kindness and attitude, she softens conflicts and channel male power and energy in a

positive direction. If society succeeds not only in raising the position of women, but also in equalizing its importance in building society, then many problems will be solved.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For the formation of a balanced state policy, parity democracy in the countries of Central Asia, for the promotion of female leadership, it is necessary to maximize relevant activities, which is expressed in the following:

1. To create sustainable and transparent democratic institutions and ensuring the rule of law. The definition and practice of such activities include the exercise by women of leadership and authority along with men.

2. To ensure equal and real participation in political life, based on the principles of society, including all citizens, in which everyone has an equal right to vote, to run for office, and the government represents the interests of citizens.

3. Further reform of civil society institutions is required, which will contribute to greater activity of the women’s movement, will be the vehicle of gender policy in the state, their development and consolidation as a social base.

4. The state policy on women should not exclude the international aspect, fulfill the international obligations of states in connection with the ratification of relevant international conventions, and actively cooperate in the framework of international organizations.

5. The study of foreign practice suggests that it is necessary to fully consider modern challenges, namely, the increasing globalization of gender inequality, as a result of which the trafficking of women, prostitution, drug addiction and poverty are increasing.

6. The use of media to strengthen the role of women in public and economic life and to prevent stereotypes that form a negative attitude towards women and contribute to the strengthening of gender prejudice.

7. Strengthening political parties, as they are a kind of springboard for political positions and the key to promoting women’s full participation in political processes. Parties should not only include women on equal terms in party lists of candidates, but also actively implement internal party democracy and support women leaders (selection, training, provision of

resources for propaganda, fundraising, networking, as well as opportunities and ways to influence government policy, etc.).

8. For the governments of Central Asian region, it is necessary to systematically form a reserve of women leaders, not only from public servants, but from the ranks of NGOs, representatives of international organizations and business. This list should be open and accessible to all interested parties; political parties, state organizations and executive authorities.

9. Introduction of temporary special measures (in the form of a 30% quota for the representation of women in government), which are aimed at accelerating the establishment of de facto equality between men and women are not considered as discrimination or infringement of democracy.

10. Promotion of entrepreneurship and business development among women with access to borrowed funds, capital markets and finance.

11. Formation of women’s assets through access to land and property rights.

12. Improving the financial and political literacy of women.

13. Providing better jobs for women and raising wages, improving working conditions and the system of benefits.

This event was sponsored by The Nippon Foundation (TNF) and Japan Central Asia Friendship Association (JACAFA)

Topic of the fourth roundtable’s topic “Investigating the impact of Livestock and poverty in Kyrgyzstan in the context of Central Asia”. The expert was Dr.Kadyrbek Sultakeev, Phd Candidate (second degree), Institute of Agricultural Policy and Market Research, Chair of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy, Justus-Liebig Universität Giessen, Germany.

Agriculture is one of the main sectors of the economy in Central Asia. Most of the agricultural land in Central Asia is desert and pasture mountains. Consequently, livestock is an important part of Central Asian agriculture and plays a vital role in supporting rural life.

This study illustrated the current trend of livestock in Central Asian countries and estimated the impact of livestock on poverty in Kyrgyzstan. Data for the current study were taken from the Statistical Reports, FAOSTAT and the Life in Kyrgyzstan (LiK) survey. To estimate the contribution of livestock on poverty, author used the data of LiK for 2010 and 2013 to measure the average treatment effect and compare the poverty level between the livestock group and the non-livestock group.

Responding to these questions provides useful information on how well the livestock sector can alleviate poverty.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Kyrgyz Republic carried out the land and agrarian reform by redistributing land and property shares among rural residents. However, despite the reform, government support for farmers is still weak. The study addressed a highly policy-relevant question in Central Asian countries: given that among the countries of Central Asia the Kyrgyz Republic was the earliest reformer, most of the Kyrgyz population lives in rural areas and depends on livestock as a source of livelihood. Thus, Kyrgyzstan provides a unique opportunity to study livestock. However, an empirical investigation into the case of Central Asian countries has not yet been conducted. For this reason, the results of this study have several important policy implications for poverty reduction, where the government plays a key role in planning the livestock sector to increase agricultural production.

The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) which measures the impact of livestock on rural poverty is determined by combining the difference in difference method with propensity score matching. The results of this method show that having livestock reduces poverty and giving-up increases the poverty level of households. These results lead to several prominent political implications for poverty reduction in Kyrgyzstan, which are essential in terms of supporting the livestock sector but without overgrazing. Having livestock reduces poverty in both the short and long term. Nonetheless, giving-up livestock increases poverty, but it mainly depends on limited livestock assets because poor people do not have enough livestock to sell and earn income. If the poor farmers receive livestock through relief programs from governments or non-governmental organizations, then they can escape poverty more sustainably.

Authors recommendations:

• Government should pay attention for planning to promote the livestock sector to increase agricultural production.

• Poor should be supported to raise livestock in order to reduce rural poverty, but without overgrazing.

• Access to credit and poor education level would contribute to reducing rural poverty.

• Creating a global brand of “Kyrgyz eco-meat” in the world and exporting it to other countries in huge volumes will be the best strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction in the country.

• The implementation of an animal identification system should be completed as soon as possible.

• Small scale family-style peasant farms need to be integrated into modern supply chains. A stable macroeconomic and political situation, a fair judicial system, and the presence of foreign direct investment allow farmers to become part of modern supply chains.

• Despite the reform, government support to farmers remains weak. Therefore, increased support for farmers, enhanced disaster risk management and the rehabilitation of degraded pastures will be key to achieving agricultural development.

• Farmers should contribute to the development of veterinary services by providing compulsory vaccination of animals and helping to identify the origin of any animal infections.

• Improve rural infrastructure and market to reduce the cost of selling livestock.

This event was sponsored by The Nippon Foundation (TNF) and Japan Central Asia Friendship Association (JACAFA)

On February 11, 2020, the Regional Institute of Central Asia held a monitoring of the CFLI-2019-ASTNA-kg-0009 project “ENhancing the competencies of young girls from rural areas of Kyrgyzstan through STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)” funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

This project is aimed at training young girls from rural areas of Issyk-Kul region through STEM methods and technologies, as well as improving the skills of secondary school teachers in the application of these methods in teaching.

The participants of the monitoring:
– Ms. Julia Cloutier, political counselor at the Embassy of Canada;
– Ms. Anar Kassymova, political and public affairs officer at the Embassy of Canada;
– Ms. Anna Zhugan, CFLI coordinator
– Mr. Beishenaliev, RICA chairman
– Mr. B. Mamadiev, Director of RICA
– Ms. E. Sagyntai kyzy, project manager at RICA

The following issues were considered during the monitoring:
* amount of work done ;
* compliance of completed works with the approved schedule;
* reached result ;
* main problems and factors that influence the project implementation.

At the end of the monitoring, Ms. Cloutier, and Ms. Zhugan made a preliminary conclusion on the monitoring and made some recommendations.

# Canadafundforlocalinitives
# Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan
# Canadiancanadian
# Regionalinitiatives
#RIKE
#STEMCAMPKG
# STEMCAMP
#STEM
#CFLI
#Stenkilsson
#rica_network

Don’t forget to subscribe
Embassy of Canada in Kazakhstan
Regional Institute of Central Asia
https://www.facebook.com/Canada-Fund-for-Local-Initiatives-717604794993926/

11.12.19

A THREE-DAY TOT TRAINING OF USING STEM IN TEACHING FOR TEACHERS OF SCHOOLS FROM RURAL AREAS OF THE ISSYK-KUL REGION AND UNIVERSITY INSTRUCTORS IS TAKING PLACE IN KARAKOL

The Regional Institute of Central Asia is conducting a three-day TOT for secondary school teachers from rural areas of the Issyk-Kul region and university professors from the city of Karakol from December 11 to December 13, 2019 as part of the project “Improving the competencies of young girls from rural areas of Kyrgyzstan through STEM training (science, technology, engineering, and math) ”supported by the Canadian Foundation for Local Initiatives. The project is aimed at teaching through STEM the methodology and technology of young girls from rural areas of the Issyk-Kul region, as well as improving the skills of secondary school teachers in the application of these methods in teaching.

During the three-day training, experienced experts and trainers will familiarize participants with the concept of STEM and intensively teach methods of its application in teaching. The training will be held in the format of active assimilation of the material using interactive methods, teachers will get acquainted with innovative materials in the field of STEM and STEAM. TOT is attended by teachers of secondary schools in mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, computer science from all areas of the Issyk-Kul region and teachers of the Issyk-Kul State University. Yelena Chigibaeva, co-founder and chairman of the board of PF “Tekayym”, National Expert of the World Digital Summit Award in Kyrgyzstan, a graduate of TechWomen 2018, was invited as a trainer. Gulzire Minbaeva, an official representative of Khan Academy in Kyrgyzstan, also acts as a co-trainer Academy in Kyrgyzstan, TechWomen 2018 graduate.
The training is taking place in the conference hall of the Altamira hotel from 9.00 – 17.00.

The project plans to conduct pilot classes in secondary schools with the use of new techniques acquired as a result of TOT, as well as the STEM camp with young girls. This project was made possible thanks to the support of the Canadian Foundation for Local Initiatives. Strong support in the organization was also provided by the regional institute of education and the city department of education.

The initiator of the project – the Regional Institute of Central Asia attracts experienced instructors, trainers, innovative teachers in order to generate interest in the application of STEM training, as well as pay attention to the education of girls and their support in professional development. RICA will make every effort to fruitfully implement this project and are ready to cooperate with interested organizations in solving the above problems.

Regional Institute of Central Asia (RICA) held the first information conference on December 6, 2019, as part of the project “Improving the competencies of young girls from rural areas of Kyrgyzstan through STEM training (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)” with the support of the Canadian Foundation for Local Initiatives. The project is aimed at teaching through STEM the methodology and technology the young girls from rural areas of the Issyk-Kul region, as well as improving the skills of secondary school teachers in the application of these methods in teaching.

During the conference, experienced experts and trainers explained the participants about the role of education, the role of women in society, the effectiveness of education for different age groups. Along with this, there were also presentations on the development of women’s entrepreneurship, the concept of STEM and methods of its application in teaching. The conference was held in the format of active assimilation of material using interactive games. Teachers of mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, TRIZ in secondary schools of the Issyk-Kul region and teachers of the Issyk-Kul State University, as well as regional representatives of state social protection bodies, employment centers and organizations supporting women issues were invited to the conference. Asylbek Zhodonbekov, Banur Abdieva, Perizat Suranova, Zhyldyz Rysbek kyzy were speakers and moderators.

Within the framework of the project, it is planned to conduct TOT, as well as pilot classes using new techniques in secondary schools, and to conduct STEM camps with young girls. This project was made possible thanks to the support of the Canadian Foundation for Local Initiatives.

The initiator of the project – the Regional Institute of Central Asia attracts experienced instructors, trainers, innovative teachers in order to generate interest in the application of STEM training, as well as pay attention to the education of girls and their support in professional development. RICA will make every effort for the fruitful implementation of this project and are ready to cooperate with interested organizations in solving the above problems.

The October roundtable was about “Mass Media of Central Asia in 21st Century”. The expert was Doctor of Science in Philology, former Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to England (2006-2010), Chairman of PF «Journalists» Kuban Mambetaliev.

This talk was special because with extra support of TNF and JACAFA, the roundtable was included in the Alumni program of TNF and JACAFA. There were representatives of Embassies, International Organizations, faculty members of journalism program of universities in Bishkek, and, of course, Alumni and new scholarship recipients.

The media in Central Asian countries began its development after gaining sovereignty after the collapse of the USSR. In this process, each country has been practicing its own path with both positive and negative news. They have one thing in common: in all states the media has two positions both with, state newspapers, radio, television, news agencies, and non-state mass media. The difference is that in one country these positions are somehow opposed to each other, and in another country they are almost leveled in one line without confrontation.

Expert started telling about the history of mass media in Central Asia in past decades, and how they reacted to happenings in their countries. Examples of different journalism experiences were presented.

For print media, the expert recommended the followings:

1. All authorities of the country (executive, legislative, judicial, presidential) to leave the status of the founder of newspapers and magazines at all levels – republican, regional, district, departmental.
2. Legislatively consolidate all power structures to act as the founder of newspapers or the holder of a controlling stake in the media.
3. Government should collaborate with civil society working on freedom of speech. Media should not be centralized in a country as a legacy of USSR. Active and constructive participation of civil society groups should in prerequisite for a government.
4. The restrictions on freedom of speech by government must be reasonable and proportionate and must not render freedom of speech illusory or make it ineffective.
5. Unbearably rude or offensive types of expressions should be dealt with by society (civil society groups dealing with mass media), not by the state. In other words, the state should not take a regulating position in freedom of speech.

This event was sponsored by The Nippon Foundation (TNF) and Japan Central Asia Friendship Association (JACAFA)