PeaceNexus supports the Ministry of Culture to develop creative ways to strengthen civic values and implement the concept of Kyrgyz Jarany through cultural initiatives with the general public.
The partner
The Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter – the Ministry) is a state executive body that performs functions regarding the development and realization of state policy relating to culture, information, youth, sports, physical culture, tourism and interethnic relations. It took on the responsibility for interethnic relations in 2021 when the State Agency for Local Self-Government and Interethnic Relations (GAMSUMO) was integrated into the Ministry.
The Ministry is responsible for developing an Action Plan for the implementation of the concept of civil identity development – Kyrgyz Jarany – in the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2021-2026. The Kyrgyz Jarany concept is considered crucial to social cohesion by developing a common and shared civic identity, while preserving and cherishing ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity of the country.
Our support
In the first phase of the partnership (2021-2022), PeaceNexus supported the Ministry in strengthening its capacity to promote and implement the Kyrgyz Jarany concept, as well as enhancing effective communication and coordination with development partners for its successful implementation.
In its second phase, the partnership focused on conducting research on civic values and presenting it to the high-level decision makers including the State Secretary and President’s office, as well as to the wider public via academic publications, integration into the training materials for schoolteachers and civic education centers across the country.
The results
The capacity of the Ministry to coordinate the implementation of Kyrgyz Jarany has significantly increased, which is recognized and praised at the biannual reporting inter-ministerial meetings chaired by Vice Prime-Minister. The brand book and logo of Kyrgyz Jarany was developed by the Ministry in an inclusive way in close consultations with youth and ethnic diasporas. The impact of research on civic values can be observed in TV and radio shows, expert discussions and numerous extracurricular activities by schoolchildren on how youth civic activism contributes to local development and cohesion.
In late 2023, a Kyrgyz Jarany Conference was held to reflect on the achievements. It highlighted significant improvements in the Ministry’s operational capacity, inclusivity, and public engagement. These changes have had a tangible impact on fostering a shared civic identity and promoting social cohesion in the country.
