Partner: Ministry of Culture
By Kanatbek Abdiev
In Kyrgyzstan, the collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in a civic vacuum. Soviet-era identity policies had suppressed local ethnic, religious, and regional identities. Following independence, an exclusive ethno-nationalist vision emerged. This contributed to two significant inter-ethnic conflicts, in 1990 and 2010, which deepened divisions and eroded trust in public institutions, particularly among minorities and youth.
A breakthrough occurred with the creation of Kyrgyz Jarany (KJ). This civic identity and social cohesion policy was developed through an unprecedented nationwide participatory process. For the first time, ethnic and religious minorities, women, youth, and grassroots groups contributed to shaping a national framework intended to unite, rather than assimilate, diverse communities.
The process ignited two key shifts: it helped restore trust in state institutions and began to bridge long-standing social divides. What started as policy design evolved into a broader social movement. Kyrgyz Jarany defined civic belonging not in ethnic terms but as a shared commitment to inclusive values, mutual respect, and national unity through diversity.
At the heart of this transformation was the Department for Inter-Ethnic Relations under the Ministry of Culture. Once a bureaucratic entity delivering one-size-fits-all solutions, it shifted towards a conflict-sensitive approach. Staff developed new skills in critical thinking, inclusive communication, and inter-group dynamics, moving from top-down control to responsive engagement.
This institutional change sparked practical reforms. The department collaborated with universities and the Academy of Management to develop a guidebook and training modules. Over 460 state and municipal officials were trained in inclusive governance and conflict-sensitive community engagement. Local actors began adapting their outreach to minority groups and tailoring public services to reflect the community’s needs better. A network of 20 regional trainers continues to support this work, embedding new practices beyond the capital.
The participatory design of Kyrgyz Jarany also influenced how the concept was communicated. Instead of broadcasting state messages, the Ministry co-created its strategy and visual identity with migrants, women, youth, and religious groups, ensuring they were not just recipients but authors of the message.
The peacebuilding impact of Kyrgyz Jarany lies in its transformation of institutions and relationships. It created space for shared civic values to take root and gave excluded groups a meaningful stake in shaping the national vision. It also fostered new trust and collaboration between government and civil society.
Beyond Kyrgyzstan, neighbouring countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have taken note, exploring similar civic identity processes inspired by this inclusive model.
PeaceNexus has provided conflict sensitivity support to the Ministry of Culture since 2021.I decided to share this story because it shows how state institutions, by embracing inclusive approaches and adopting conflict-sensitive practices, can play a leading role in fostering unity, tolerance, and respect for diversity.
