SalamAlum 2017

OSCE ACADEMY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

“I believe that transformation of our societies ISSUE 7 | WINTER 2017
is possible only when voices of all are heard
and every group is represented equally. IDEA 1
is a mission-driven organization that prepares
young advocates who use non-violent means
to bring positive changes in their communities.”

Alumna of the Year 2017
Elvira Kalmurzaeva ’15
(pg 7)

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Contents

Welcome............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Alumni Network in Numbers......................................................................................................................... 3
OSCE Academy Updates
New Appointments.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Junior Public Officers 2016-2017................................................................................................................... 4
New Role, New Challenges, New Opportunities......................................................................................... 5
Alumni Achievements
Idea to have an IDEA....................................................................................................................................... 7
Alumni in the Public Sector............................................................................................................................ 10
Zahidullah Jalali ’09......................................................................................................................................... 10
Hijrat Zakhilwal ’12......................................................................................................................................... 11
Zabihullah Mudabber ’16................................................................................................................................ 12
Sona Khal Mohammad ’16............................................................................................................................. 13
Sharifullah Danesh ’16.................................................................................................................................... 14
Life after Academy........................................................................................................................................... 15
Alumni Opportunities
One-Year Stay at NUPI................................................................................................................................... 20
Fellowship at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly International Secretariat ........................................... 22
European Scholarship for Central Asia to study at the GCSP and University of Geneva...................... 23
Alumni Relationships: Love Story of Madina and Sino............................................................................ 24
Alumni Around the World
Central Asian Korean in Papua New Guinea............................................................................................... 26
From Cross Culture Programme in Germany to Tackling Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan................ 28
Welcoming New Alumni
MA in Politics and Security Programme 2016-2017................................................................................... 32
MA in Economic Governance and Development Programme 2016-2017.............................................. 33

2 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Welcome

Alumni Network
in Numbers

Geography

Dear Readers, KZ 10.1%
UZ 6.2% KG 31%
We are pleased to present our The Academy’s Partner Institu- TM 2.2% TJ 14.5%
seventh issue of the Alumni tions, Norwegian Institute of In-
Magazine SalamAlum. ternational Affairs (NUPI) and AFG 8%
This year, 2017 has been filled Geneva Centre for Security Pol- Out-of-Region 28%
with Academy and alumni icy (GCSP), continue to provide
events and achievements. The unique opportunities for our Employment
OSCE Academy welcomed a alumni. Some of the experiences
new Director Dr. Alexander are shared by alumni in this mag- Employed 80%
Wolters and new Finance/Ad- azine. The Alumni Network con- Continue Education 8%
ministrative Manager Ms. Lilia tinues to develop academic and
Melzetdinova. thematic activities to meet the in- Employment by Sectors
Two of our graduates had the terest of alumni and attract more
opportunity to experience pro- new partners and donors. NGO 5% Education and International
fessional engagement provided OSCE Academy is proud of the Public Sector Research institutions Organizations
by the OSCE Academy – intern- achievements of its alumni. This
ship at the State Agency for In- issue highlights some of the suc- 14% 20% 40%
vestment and Export Promotion cess stories of our graduates who
under the Ministry of Economy are working in different spheres, Private Sector
of the Kyrgyz Republic and fel- including civic engagement, work 21%
lowship at the Secretariat of the in the governments and academia.
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Our sincere gratitude goes to the The data provided illustrates
International Secretariat. OSCE, the OSCE participating the general statistics, which
The Junior Public Officers Pro- states and especially to the Royal is based on the results of the
gramme in Afghanistan proved Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Alumni Survey 2017 and
to be a success therefore the Affairs, the Norwegian Institute contains information on 330
Academy has signed a new of Foreign Affairs (NUPI), which alumni.
Agreement with the Ministry of specifically fund the alumni ac-
Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Re- tivities of the OSCE Academy 3
public of Afghanistan regarding
the internships of graduates for Victoria Orazova,
another five years.
Alumni Affairs Coordinator

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OSCE Academy Updates

OSCE Academy Updates

Dr. Alexander Wolters

New Role, New Challenges, New Opportunities page 5

In March 2017 the OSCE Academy installed a new
Director, Dr. Alexander Wolters, who joined the
Academy in August 2013 as a Visiting Professor,
through the partnership between the OSCE Acad-
emy and the German Academic Exchange Service
(DAAD). Dr. Wolters was, at that time, teaching Po-
litical Theory, Contemporary Security Issues, and
European Politics to students of the MA in Politics
and Security Programme.

Ms. Lilia Melzetdinova
In July 2017 the OSCE Academy welcomed new Fi-
nance/Administrative Manager Ms. Lilia Melzetdi-
nova. Lilia holds MBA from the Management Acad-
emy under the President of KR (2006), Diploma in
Management of Marketing, HR, Advertising, PR and
Finance from Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University
in Bishkek (2002) and Higher education in World
Languages Faculty from Osh State University (1998).
Before joining the team of the OSCE Academy Lil-
ia worked with the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF)
Secretariat Support to Joint Steering Committee and
Peacebuilding and Recovery Facility (PRF) projects
and UNDP in Kyrgyzstan.

Junior Public Officer 2017

In 2017 first Junior Public Officer, Alan Mamatov ‘16 (MA in Economic Governance and
Development Programme) completed the internship at the State Agency for Investment and
Export Promotion under the Ministry of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic, under the Agreement
signed on 16 June 2016.

“The JPO programme developed by the OSCE Academy
in Bishkek is truly a unique experience for a young grad-
uate and a precious addition to a master’s degree. There,
I received a chance to enhance obtained knowledge with
practice, and participate in promoting large-scale in-
vestment projects. Moreover, as a JPO from the OSCE
Academy, I was constantly given complicated tasks on
the same level with the experts of the agency. I encourage
our prospective graduates to apply, and would like to
send my warmest gratitude to the OSCE Academy for
organizing such powerful opportunities for its students.”

Alan Mamatov

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OSCE Academy Updates

New Role,
New Challenges,
New Opportunities

Dr. Alexander Wolters has been part of the Academy for several years,
teaching courses to MA in Politics and Security students, but in this

interview he will share his views on the Academy from a new position.

Q.: Dr. Wolters, con- Q.: As a professional,
gratulations on your what are the challeng-
appointment! Alumni es and opportunities
and students were hap- you face in this posi-
py to hear that you are tion?
now the Director of the
OSCE Academy. What A.: The challenges were
was your reaction and are multiple and most
when it happened? of them I face because I
find myself in a position
A.: I was both relieved where management ques-
and excited when I got tions occupy me for most
the final news. Relieved of my time. I believe that
that a long process to get is less surprising consid-
ready and to prepare for ering that in the past I
this position was finally concentrated on teaching
met with a positive result; and research. Today, as
and excited knowing that director, questions of
I was entering now a new budgeting and human
stage in my professional resource management,
of institutional develop-
career. Even more so, ment and visibility, are
I was very much constantly re-appearing
looking forward on my agenda. And these
to head the are both challenges and
Academy opportunities, since even
and to en- when faced with new
gage with complexities I also always
project learn something new and
work and gain invaluable experi-
the devel- ence.
opment
of new Second, if we turn to the
educational Academy, in the broad-
programmes er context in which we
for our insti- operate, has changed and
tute. is still changing. Events

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OSCE Academy Updates

and developments in the OSCE mus+, the EU funded programme often frightening dynamics and
world affect our institute and to facilitate such projects. I hope the developments and events they
compel us to reach and to further we will be able to offer to students trigger. Here at the Academy
develop our institutional structure the opportunity to visit partner we sit down with new efforts to
and to reach out to new partners universities in Europe for mod- engage into this formation of a
and to find additional support. ule classes and perhaps, at some better understanding. Even more
Combined with my vision of the point, full semesters. All that so, with our location in Bishkek
Academy as a full-fledged grad- requires a lot of work and prepara- and with students and scholars
uate institute, this requires that tion, but I am hopeful that we will from the whole region and from
we reform ourselves, build up our fill our first application coming in further afar, we form a unique
own capacities and start develop- Spring. And third, but not least, community at a special place to
ing ideas for new programmes. I a change that I would like to see make this engagement an in-
am glad to be in this quest togeth- realized at the Academy is the tellectual adventure of its own.
er with an extremely professional establishment of full-time faculty Here at the Academy people meet
team that likewise seeks to move positions. For quite some time our that are exposed to these chang-
the Academy to a new level. As it Academy has been host to many es, often in dramatic ways, yet
happened, we just received, after visiting professors and very much also best prepared to work and
long and intensive preparations benefited from their insights and deal with in the years to come. I
from the side of our colleagues, their commitment. In addition to think that makes our Academy a
an unlimited accreditation for our guest lecturers I want to have very exciting place and the pro-
our MA in Economic Governance faculty members that stay with the grammes we run most relevant
& Education programme. to our students, but also,
This stands as one of the to all who care about our
examples of our success- chances to manage the
ful work at the Academy “Even more so, with our location in changes around us to all
to make our programmes our benefit.
sustainable and also un- Bishkek and with students and scholars
from the whole region and from further

derlines the solid ground- afar, we form a unique community at a Q.: What would you
ing of our institutional special place to make this engagement wish/advice to our alum-
framework.
an intellectual adventure of its own.” ni community?

Q.: The OSCE Acad- Academy permanently and help us A.: I would like to wish
emy is a well-established attract partners and projects, work that our alumni community stay
institution, but you probably towards institutional outreach in connected among themselves,
brought new ideas on further Bishkek and towards the region, with our partners close by and
development of its activities. and also allow us to provide regu- far away, and of course with our
What are they? lar access to advisors and supervi- Academy, our colleagues and
sors for our students. our staff. I think in order to be
A.: As mentioned above, my a community we need to actu-
vision of the Academy is that of Q.: How do you see the ally care for our connections, to
a graduate institute. That means importance of the OSCE make sure to come together in
that I hope we will manage both Academy in nowadays wider real life (not only via social media
to expand our MA programmes Central Asian region? – though this is important too)
toward a third one and, with and to conceive and develop new
the support of partners abroad A.: I believe the Academy and the projects. I hope we will find more
and here in Kyrgyzstan, to start work we do is more relevant than and new ways to reach out to our
developing a PhD programme ever. Our world is transforming graduates and I invite our alum-
in the field of political sciences. and the international relations ni to come to the Academy with
Such plans follow our attempt to regime that we thought solid and their suggestions and ideas and
engage more into opportunities lasting has been severely shaken. to sit down with us and together
to organize educational exchange We only begin to form a better think how to realize those ideas
with partner universities and understanding of those new and in the best possible way.
institutions in Europe via Eras-

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Idea to have an
IDEA

Elvira Kalmurzaeva is a graduate of Q.: Elvira, what is than 3,000 young people
the MA in Politics and Security, class IDEA and why do from the CIS coun-
you think it is im- tries and implemented
of 2015. This year Elvira received portant to have it in about 20 projects. The
the Alumna of the Year 2017 Award Central Asia? organization is a part of
for her professional achievements, international network
E.: IDEA Central Asia with offices in UK, the
her enthusiasm and contribution is a youth-led for youth Netherlands, Tunis, and
to the development of the youth organization that em- Macedonia.
of the region. During her studies, powers young people We work in Kazakh-
Elvira was one of the most active to actively participate stan, Kyrgyzstan and
students and after the graduation in their community’s Tajikistan. Recognizing
started realizing her ambitions lives. We aim to build the fact that Central
further. Today Elvira is the Executive an open and inclusive Asia has a vibrant
Director of the International Debate society by developing political environment
Education Association in Central critical thinking skills and while youth is a
Asia (IDEA CA), who finds time in youth, establishing majority of our society,
to run marathons, fight for human dialogue platforms and it is important that they
rights, and participate in many other increasing sensitivity are able to contribute
towards inequality. to policies and com-
projects. IDEA CA uses debate munity development
technologies and oth- processes. I believe that
er various methods transformation of our
and actively promotes societies is possible only
peer-to-peer approach. when voices of all are
For the last three years, heard and every group
we have trained more

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Alumni Achievements

Participants of the International Ch. Aitmatov Debate Academy

is represented equally. IDEA is a right direction in terms of achiev- member shares IDEA’s vision
mission-driven organization that ing our own strategic goals. It is and understands why our work
prepares young advocates who my first experience managing a is valuable. Thus, we constantly
use non-violent means to bring team of ten - fourteen people. remind ourselves about big goals
positive changes in their commu- Challenges become an important we have put on front of us.
nities. part of my everyday life. I don’t In addition, when you are pas-
see them as a huge problem now, sionate to contribute to your
Q.: What is it to be a CEO? however, I used to panic at the community, it is often hard to
Did you face any challenges beginning then I realized that it prevent burning out. Field work is
while managing your orga- is not the way to handle every sit- the best part of our job, however,
nization? And how do you uation. At the end of the day, all I got to experience it very little. In
overcome them? these issues force me to be more times of burnouts or when I run
creative. I am a very demanding out of ideas for project proposals,
E.: It has been a year since I manager and that’s why some- I leave my office work and meet
became the Executive Director times it is not easy to get alone with our participants, interview
and to be honest, it is a constant with me. My first two months them and hang out with them.
learning process. There are many were the most difficult. I had to They are really an endless source
things I learned by doing. I am make some very serious decisions of inspiration.
very passionate about the work and work on building own team.
that we do in IDEA. Stories of our When you work with people it I also combine my hard work in
alumni inspire us to keep up our is always delicate; one has to be the office with sport and parties
work and feeling that I am part sensitive to the needs and pecu- with friends. This year I managed
of big changes makes me happy. liarities of everyone. I realized to run a half-marathon and train
Since we are youth organization, that when you are a manager you for another one. It helps me to
there is no strict hierarchy in the tend to forget that they are hu- concentrate on my own thoughts
office. Most of the decisions are mans with own views in the first and clear mind.
taken together with the team. Of place, and then that they are your
course, as a CEO, I have greater employees. In our organization Q.: Did the OSCE Academy
responsibilities and make sure it is important that every team experience help you in this
that organization is moving in a uneasy task?

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Alumni Achievements

E.: Certainly! Since we are work- trying to find the best way to may happen to you. I learned that
ing in the Central Asian region, organize all processes so that sometimes it is OK not to control
the knowledge I received about we deliver good quality work on everything and take life easier.
socio-economic and political time. It sounds so cliché, but I Only sometimes though.
contexts helps me to define the deem that good time manage-
causes of existing issues and ment is based on good planning. Q.: What are you plans for
frame our activities. Thanks to I make a “to do” list for every day, near future?
the Academy, I also gained a week, month, quarter and a year,
network of people from all three categorize some tasks according E.: I love my work and it is a great
countries. They help me with to its importance and urgency. I privilege to manage a team of
recommendations and contacts. I usually start my day with small brilliant young professionals. I
became more sensitive to human assignments. Completed tasks en- hope to continue expanding our
rights issues, including gender courage me to continue and give work and contributing to the em-
inequality, while discussing with more enthusiasm to finish the list. powerment of youth. Right now,
classmates during our seminars However, sometimes planning we are working on development
in the Academy. Moreover, my does not prevent some unex- of a curriculum for the Ministry
Master life taught me how to pected interventions. I have days of Education that includes inter-
multi-task and work hard. These when partners want me to have active methods of teaching and
skills definitely help me now to a quick look on an idea and send hopefully very soon we will able
manage the organization. them feedback right away; do- to integrate it into our school
nors request to change the event’s system.
Q.: In your position, with concept and update it asap; board
lots of traveling, you must be members need some information; Later I want to try politics; maybe
a good time-manager. Can a staff person asks for help with I will join one of the government
you give some hints on how a training module, etc. Some- structures or run for office. This is
to deal with many issues in a times it is 6 pm and I have not a good time for me to think about
short period of time? completed any tasks that I gave to my own gaps and skills I have,
myself. If you are a planner freak, as well as analyze where I can be
E.: Frankly speaking, I don’t it is the most horrible thing that helpful the most.
know the answer. I, myself, am

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Alumni Achievements

Alumni in the Public Sector

Work in the Public Sector provides a chance to bring positive change in the country on the deci-
sion-making level. In this issue the OSCE Academy Alumni Network is pleased to publish five stories
of alumni from Afghanistan who dedicated their lives to service in the Public Sector.

Zahidullah Jalali ’09, your school in Afghanistan is together and we both have been
MA in Politics and Security all about how to succeed the en- on board until the interview
Programme trance exam and get enrolled in session’ but he was not lucky
a higher education institution, enough to go further. After the
The school you are preferably the public Universi- preparatory programme, I chose
attending matters! ties. You have to already make the undergraduate programme
your mind up about your future ICP (major) and Business Admin-
Iattended one of the elite career and choose the field of istration (minor) at the American
schools, the Amani High your interest. University of Central Asia and
School, which was estab- Anyhow, I attended the men- that’s where the destiny took a
lished by the Afghan and tioned exam and I made the different path.
German Governments back in necessary score for the Medi- The knowledge obtained at the
1924 in Kabul, and had devoted cine Faculty in the University of American University qualified
part of the post-school time to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. me for the Masters Programme
participate in private courses to At least my parents were happier at one of the reputable post-grad-
boost my English language and to see my future profession in uate schools in the region, the
computer skills. It was much the field of medicine, but they OSCE – Academy. I did my
about learning, thanks to the probably did not know that I am Masters in Political Science and
full package support provided seeking other opportunities too. probably I was the first Afghan
by my parents. Making it to any of the medicine to join the Alumni family of the
The last faculties in Afghanistan has nev- OSCE Academy in 2009. The year
year of at the OSCE Academy has been
er been an easy job and it still remarkable for many reasons and
remains a highly demanded it turned to be a gateway for new
field of education requiring opportunities. I got acquainted
the highest grades. with a couple of well-respected
An accidental meet- people who later helped to make
ing with a school time my determination and dreams
friend changed the come true. The following year I
rest of the story. He attended the European Training
brought up the issue Course in Security Policy at the
of scholarship scheme Geneva Center for Security Policy
for the undergraduate (GCSP) which had been a signif-
programme at the Amer- icant addition to my knowledge
ican University of Central and broadened my perspective on
Asia (AUCA) in the Kyrgyz Security issues. And it was there
Republic. It took my special when I received the offer to join
attention and we both went the Foreign Service of Afghani-
stan, which happened right after
to get the application forms. my return to Kabul.
We basically managed My work experience at the Min-
preparing every schol- istry of Foreign Affairs is a differ-
arship requirement

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Alumni Achievements

ent story, which I will avoid to Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in Since 2013, I became the CEO of
discuss here, but I had the oppor- 2012. the Silkaram Group, and have
tunity to serve in different capac- In 2010, I joined the United Na- been responsible for project con-
ities at the Ministry and Afghan tions Development Programme tract management within Afghan-
Missions in Bishkek and Kiev. In (UNDP) as Monitoring and istan, UAE and Canada, preparing
April 2017, based on the nomina- Evaluation Consultant to man- annual budget, assessing adminis-
tion of the Afghan Government, aging support team focusing on trative processes, and maintaining
all SAARC Member States (India, the National Area Based Devel- government relations.
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, opment Programme (NABDP) at Recently, in 2017 I became the
Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Maldives) the Ministry of Rural Rehabilita- first Honorary Consul of Brazil
approved my appointment as the tion and Development (MRRD). in Afghanistan. The principle
Director General of the SAARC Following that I joined the Minis- objective of the Honorary Con-
Arbitration Council (SARCO) try of Counter Narcotics as Policy sulate along with other functions
with effect from 13 October 2017. and Planning Advisor to the is to defend the rights and to
SARCO is a specialized body of Minister, where I monitored some present assistance, in case of
the South Asian Association for of the international conventions, emergency or otherwise, to Bra-
Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and similar movements to formu- zilian citizens in its jurisdiction,
with its headquarter in Islamabad, late policy researched trends in always in coordination with the
Pakistan. the systems, budgets and social Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad,
I have always felt proud about aspect and other programmes Pakistan.
the schools I have attended and to recommend to research and
they mattered in every job I have advocacy on ceased drugs.
applied for or every position I I also worked briefly with the
have been considered for. I never United Nations Office for Drugs
miss a chance to visit them and and Crime as a consul-
refresh the good old memories tant on the development
there. And, I also take this oppor- of Afghanistan Drug
tunity to thank and appreciate Reporting System.
my parents, my spouse (Suhailla, Following a successful
Alumna of the American Uni- implementation of the
versity and OSCE Academy), my drugs reporting system
respected instructors, the staff for UNODC, I joined
members, colleagues and dear a World Bank-funded
friends who have accompanied programme called Sus-
and remained beside in this long tainable Development
journey and contributed. of Natural Resources
Programme (SDN-
Hijrat Zakhilwal ’12 RP) at the Ministry of
MA in Politics and Security Mines & Petroleum as
Programme a strategic communi-
cations advisor.
Iwas born in Jalalabad, Af-
ghanistan, in April 10, 1986. I
received my Bachelor’s degree
in Political Science, minor in
International Relations from the
University of Carleton, Ottawa,
Canada in 2010, and the Masters
of Arts in Politics and Security
of Central Asia from the OSCE

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Alumni Achievements

Zabihullah Mudabber ’16 growth and get my MA degree WTO and I published my first
MA in Economic Governance in Economic Governance and article “Afghanistan’s Acces-
and Development Programme Development in Central Asia - sion to the WTO: A Cost and
the OSCE Academy, I decided Benefit Analysis”. After that, I
When working, when to make sure that I take full wrote my Master’s thesis on
networking, and when advantage of this professional “Challenges and Opportunities
making friends, I try network and confirm that I find of Afghanistan’s Accession to
to keep my priorities straight like-minded highly qualified the World Trade Organization”
and my moral compass intact. I individuals to work together which was highly appreciated
believe networking is one of the for the common cause of peace, by the Minister of Commerce
most powerful instruments of trade and development and and Industries of Afghanistan
personal development, success building inclusive institutions H.E Mr. Humayoon Rasaw and
and leadership. in Afghanistan. Deputy Minister for Commerce.
During my studies at OSCE The study was an initiative that
Before starting my studies at Academy, I was regularly in I have conducted because a
OSCE Academy I was working contact with my colleagues at significant portion of academic
at the Ministry of Commerce MoCI and I was closely follow- research was missing on the
and Industries (MoCI) of Af- ing the important events and topic at that time. This appreci-
ghanistan as a manager, where achievements of the Ministry. ation and my hard work led to
I established a strong relation- Afghanistan’s accession to the another milestone in my career
ship with my office colleagues World Trade Organization and the leadership of the Minis-
and worked to bring about (WTO) was one of the major try decided to appoint me as the
positive change. In 2015 when achievements in this duration. head of the WTO department
I was awarded the OSCE schol- Since Afghanistan’s member- in the post accession era for
arship to seek out educational ship in the WTO was a new ex- Afghanistan.
opportunities for I am currently the director of
personal perience for the country the WTO affairs at MoCI and
with very little prac- responsible to plan and lead
tice in multilateral the work of the WTO affairs
trading system directorate and report the work
and mechanisms. of the WTO department to the
It led to discus- Minister and Deputy Minister
sions with my vis- for Commerce. My inspiration
iting lecturers from and steadfastness for my com-
the Institute of mitment to utilize my skills
Law Studies, Polish and education for the reform of
Academy of Scienc- Afghanistan’s trade and eco-
es and Norwegian nomic sector emanate from the
Institute of Inter- faith that I have on myself. I
national Affairs at believe Afghan youths are the
the Academy and strongest and most powerful
later into Costs and force for building a prosperous
Benefits analysis and Afghanistan; and the future of
Afghanistan could be different
my Master’s thesis. and better if we the youths start
We did analysis serving Afghanistan in the best
of Afghan- way.
istan’s
accession
to the

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Alumni Achievements

Sona Khal Mohammad ’16 transit, trade and energy in the support on convening Bilateral
MA in Economic Governance region. Thus, the government Economic Commissions and
and Development Programme is determined to take care of prepare reports on regional
regional economic cooperation. development projects including
Towards Fulfilling my After the decades of conflicts in progress report, briefing on
Dream the last 16 years, Afghanistan projects, prepare materials and
started a new chapter of bilat- resources to the Minister for
At the end of my six years eral relations with its partners presenting and discussing at
educational journey in within the region and beyond the meetings and conferences.
US, I decided to come under the frame work of the Drafting and finalizing agree-
back to Afghanistan and have Joint Economic Commissions. ments and Memorandum of
a part in the reform and de- Bilateral cooperation covers Understandings with the rele-
velopment of my Country. But Trade, Investment, Education, vant ministries, embassies and
before coming back, I decided Health, Cultural and historical internal authorities; meanwhile,
to enrich my knowledge and ties, Infrastructural projects analysing Afghanistan econom-
focus my education specific to and broader Economic issue of ic relations and growth with
Afghanistan and its role in the mutual interest. OSCE Academy the partner countries are other
region. Therefore, I chose OSCE equipped me with all the aca- aspects of my working area. I
Academy as my next path; obliv- demic and key knowledge to set am deeply grateful for OSCE to
ious that it would be one of the a step closer to where I am and pave the way to reach my goals
best decisions in my life. I am dreamed to be in the future. and am eager to leverage my ed-
thankful to the Academy for I am currently working with ucation, experience and abilities
creating an amazing learning Afghanistan Ministry of Fi- attained from the Academy to
and innovating environment nance- Chief of Staff as a senior make a significant contribution
as well as building a lifelong specialist in Bilateral Economic in the process of building my
relationship. Commission Directorate. In community and development of
this position I am putting my my country.
The government of Islamic Re- theoretical knowledge from
public of Afghanistan has rec- the Academy in a practical
ognized that Afghanistan has work frame. My main job is to
the potential to become the cen- facilitate and provide technical
tre of economic integration and

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Alumni Achievements

Sharifullah Danesh ’16 But, the post-2014 challenges trative Specialist with NPA-AOP
MA in Economic Governance including massive emigration of under Afghanistan Public Finan-
and Development Programme youth from Afghanistan gave me cial Management Reform Project
a reason to think of a different (PFMRII-WB). I can proudly say
I chose staying over academic discipline, because I that the assignments and practic-
migration chose staying over migration. I es during economic governance
picked up OSCE Academy’s MA and regulations modules had
Igraduated from MA Econom- syllabus and found it responsive enabled me to work in regulatory
ic Governance and Develop- to my professional and career reform projects in the public sec-
ment in 2016. I am currently development plan. Luckily, I was tor. Above all, the studies at the
studying my second masters granted the scholarship and as OSCE academy made it possible
through Chevening Scholarship committed after the graduation, to succeed in obtaining another
programme 2017-18. I am study- I started my job at the Adminis- prestigious scholarship award
ing ‘MA International Develop- tration Office of the President – and become part of global alumni
ment Management’ at the School National Procurement Authority community.
of Peace Studies and Internation- (AOP-NPA) as Senior Adminis-
al Development - University of trative Specialist. From International NGOs to
Bradford in UK. Public Sector; Challenges and
The impact of studying at OSCE Opportunities.
Employment academy in Bishkek on my
professional and career Devel- I have worked for more than 12
I have had worked for more opment years with International NGOs
than 10 years with donor fund- in Afghanistan. Working in the
ed INGO projects (2004-2015). The studies at the academy played public sector was a challenging
In 2015, I decided to obtain my a vital role in reaching those job for me, particularly when
Master’s degree and work in objectives. It provided me the someone like me has never been
public sector. After opportunity to join Ministry of in a public position or has come
the successful from a more convenient working
completion of Foreign Affairs through environment. On the one hand,
BBA in Fi- the JPO programme it was my first public service
nance, the coordinated by the and on the other hand NPA was
best option OSCE Academy. a newly merged entity within
would be to This was a stepping AOP structure. Obviously, newly
go for an stone to start work- established public entity come
MBA in ing in public sector. with new policies or reforming
Finance. Moreover, the former ones. NPA was not only
modules in macro- under the process of perpetual
economic, economic reforms in public procurement
governance and regu- regulations, but also promoting
lations, project man- e-Procurement and e-Gover-
agement and develop- nance. During the short period of
ment studies had already time, I learned a lot and put into
practice what I had learned in my
improved my competency previous jobs and the academic
to be part of large public modules at the OSCE Academy.
policy reform project Above all challenges, working in
within Adminis- an independent organization like
trative Office of National Procurement Authority
the President (NPA) under the direct admin-
in Afghan- istration and collaboration of
istan. I President’s office is highly inspir-
started ing and motivational.
working
as Senior
Adminis-

14 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Alumni Achievements

There are essential needs for Life after Academy to achieving the success of being
young leadership in the public a powerful woman in a very male
offices. Therefore, after the grad- By Raushan Bolotalieva ‘11, sector of security.
uation from my second master’s Kyrgyzstan In fact, I have invested much
degree, I would like to return and effort and time, which resulted in
join public organizations, par- Looking back to my having professional skills and a
ticularly those promoting public post-graduate studies at the certain purpose as well as under-
policies and development in the OSCE Academy and then standing that now I have to work
country. Moreover, I would like tenure with the OSCE mission in with much more passion. Knowl-
to be part of an academic insti- Kyrgyzstan, I would describe this edge gained through a post-grad-
tution in Afghanistan to deliver valuable page of my life with a uate MA programme in Politics
what I have learned throughout legendary phrase of Britain’s Iron and Security, which I completed
the degree programmes. Lady. She replied giving a right at the OSCE Academy in 2011,
Eventually, I would like to call formulation of success “What is has been put into practice with
upon the Afghan students and success? I think it is a mixture of the police-related projects of the
graduates at the OSCE Academy having a flair for the thing that OSCE field operation in Kyrgyz-
and around the world to choose you are doing; knowing that it stan to get insight into the sector
“staying over migration” and be is not enough that you have got of security. All these have paved
part of the developmental chang- to have hard work and a certain
es in the country. sense of purpose.” Likewise,
OSCE Academy has provided me
a good opportunity to get closer

The OSCE Academy is always
proud of speaking about the
alumni achievements and their
career developments. Success
stories of alumni motivate cur-
rent and potential students to
move further, and encourage
new graduates to put up new
goals and move towards them.
Raushan Bolotalieva ’11 and
Mingul Seitkazieva ’07 de-
scribe their experiences before,
during and after the OSCE
Academy and provide a great
example of successful young
professionals.

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Alumni Achievements

At the founding conference of the Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector
with Member of the Parliament A. Altybaeva and the Head of the OSCE Programme
Office in Bishkek H.E. Ambassador Pierre von Arx

my way to success which is em- stan are admitted to the Academy I presented my MA thesis as well
bodied in my becoming Security by means of a highly competitive as OSCE Academy during meet-
Sector Governance/Reform and selection process. ings with Norwegian Ministry of
Gender Advisor to Members of Owing to my studies at the OSCE Foreign Affairs.
Parliament as well as the Deputy Academy, I have been selected to The course at the Moscow Diplo-
Chairwoman of Kyrgyz Associa- do my internship at the Norwe- matic Academy included many
tion of Women in Security Sector. gian Institute for International interesting round tables, lectures
The OSCE Academy has greatly Affairs (NUPI) and later to im- and discussions held by represen-
inspired me with its exemplary prove my capacity at the Moscow tatives of the Russian MFA, the
study process which is tailored Diplomatic Academy. I have faculty of the Diplomatic Acad-
for the needs of Central Asian greatly benefited from my intern- emy and OSCE/ODIHR. I have
graduates. In my mind, the Mas- ship at NUPI where my scientific managed to broaden my knowl-
ter of Arts in Politics and Security supervisor, Dr. Indra Overland, edge of such international orga-
Programme has been designed to headed the Department of Rus- nizations as the UN, OSCE and
perfectly combine taught courses, sian and Eurasian Studies. Under Council of Europe. Sessions held
modules with public lectures and the guidance of my supervisor, by the OSCE/ODIHR trainers
meetings with high-level policy I wrote MA thesis which was were practice-oriented and there-
makers from national, regional entitled “The Osh events: impli- fore, I have learned all necessary
and international levels. Based cations for early warning theory information on international
on international standards of and methodology.” In addition to election observation. Modules
teaching, the MA programme has writing my MA thesis, I provided on the OSCE activities including
immersed its students into the assistance with NUPI projects by result based management, proj-
one-year-studies focused on pol- developing databases of research ect management, gender main-
itics, comprehensive security and institutions, translating articles streaming in project management
international relations. It needs and contributing to the research and recruitment in OSCE were of
to be reminded that young people work of NUPI fellows. Moreover, particular interest to me since I
from Central Asia and Afghani-

16 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Alumni Achievements

wanted to seek employment with control over the police and law international organizations.
OSCE. enforcement reform. As a result, In my current capacities as SSG/R
Knowledge received at the MA regional sessions of the Interior Advisor to MP A. Altybaeva and
programme has been translated Ministry’s Public Council have KAWSS Deputy Chairwoman,
into tangible work experience been organized. Moreover, I have I believe that I could make a
with the OSCE mission in Kyr- supported delivery of the public better contribution to enhancing
gyzstan where I was engaged in opinion survey carried out at the women’s policy-making role in
developing, implementing, mon- end of 2014, 2015 and 2016 as an the security sector of Kyrgyz-
itoring and evaluation of the ac- external assessment of the new stan. I have already managed to
tivities within the Police Matters police performance evaluation raise the profile of these issues
Programme. With the support of system. The survey results com- by messages sent by MP Altybae-
my colleagues I have contributed piled in an analytical paper were va at international conferences
to strengthening parliamentary presented at the Interior Minis- organized by OSCE and other
and civil oversight of police and try’s high level annual collegians organizations. There is still much
wider security sector reform as and in the regional sessions of the more to be done in terms of rais-
well as establishing the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry’s Public Coun- ing the capacity of women and
Association of Women in Security cil. In addition, I have joined men employed in the security
Sector (KAWSS). These efforts forces with the OSCE Secretar- sector, promoting parliamentary
have been highly appreciated by iat to make the public opinion oversight of the security sector as
my counterparts from Parliament, surveys available at the organiza- well as empowering women’s role
Government and Ministry of In- tion’s website. in public and political life. More-
terior and as a result I have been I am particularly proud of play- over, these challenges could also
awarded with certificates, letters ing a special role in establishing be jointly discussed by women
of gratitude and medals. the Kyrgyz Association of Wom- representing security sector from
I have closely cooperated with en in Security Sector (KAWSS). other Central Asian states as a
the Forum of Women MPs of the This has been achieved through regional co-operation effort.
Kyrgyz Parliament to strength- mobilizing support of Parliament I would like to take the opportu-
en parliamentary control over and providing expert advice to nity to thank all who helped me
the police and law enforcement Kyrgyz Association of Women including faculty of the OSCE
reform. Accordingly, regional Police (KAWP) in its will to unite Academy, my scientific supervi-
sessions of the Forum of Women women from other law enforce- sor, my colleagues from OSCE
MPs have been organized in the ment and security-providing particularly Pavel Khalashnyuk,
south and north of the country to institutions. As a result, I have Ibrokhimzhon Ulmasov and
oversee the reform process. The developed a concept paper on Shamshybek Mamyrov, for work-
regional sessions to promote the establishing Kyrgyz Association ing side by side with me to make
parliamentary control, were con- of Women in Security Sector our joint work a success. I do
solidated with important deci- (KAWSS) to enhance women’s hope that three above-mentioned
sions. As a result of these sessions role in security sector governance. numerous achievements, which
the reform has been promoted to On 2 March KAWSS was estab- are highly evaluated by our local
such extent that President of the lished at a founding conference counterparts, will be sustained
Kyrgyz Republic has approved a organized by the OSCE in co- and strengthened adding value
decree on Law Enforcement Re- operation with the KAWP, the to the KAWSS and the OSCE
form Measures and Inter-Agency Presidential Administration, the mission in Kyrgyzstan. In 2018
Working Groups have been es- Parliament, the Security Council, the OSCE mission will be taking
tablished by the Government and the Supreme Court, the Govern- stock of the advances being made
Security Council to develop new ment, the Prime Minister’s Office, in Kyrgyzstan for 20 years of its
legislation on law enforcement of the Interior Ministry and all state operation. I believe that these
the Kyrgyz Republic. security-providing structures. achievements gained with the
Moreover, I have closely interact- The conference brought together support of the OSCE will feature
ed with the Interior Ministry’s around 100 delegates represent- this undertaking to become the
Public Council to encourage civil ing the above-mentioned national jewel in the crown.
stakeholders, civil society and

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Alumni Achievements

By Mingul Seitkazieva ’07, duct research and gather data to ways in addressing cross-border
Kyrgyzstan identify potential sources of ten- and inter-ethnic disputes. An-
sion and conflict in cross-border other inspirational course at the
Assalam Aleikum, dear communities of the three south- OSCE Academy, Human Rights
readers of the SalamAlum ern Jalal-Abad, Osh and Batken in non-European world taught
journal, oblasts of Kyrgyzstan. To sum up, by Dr. Scott Newton from School
my personal experience of living of Oriental and African Studies
I was born in Kadamjay, one of close to border and research on in London that gave insights into
the remotest corners in Fergana border disputes on grass-roots modern inequality and discourse
valley that inherited post-Soviet level made me search for possible on priority of political rights vs.
complex of border, enclaves and resolution of tense situation in economic rights. And of course,
inter-ethnic problems between Fergana valley. My MA in Politics many thanks to Dr. Tim Epken-
three Central Asian states, Tajiki- at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek hans for sharing his brilliant
stan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. offered me the resolution. systematic knowledge that helped
I liked challenging atmosphere at me understanding global and
While being a student of Osh the OSCE Academy with teach- regional phenomena in Political
State University, I took part at the ing staff from Europe, Australia, Islam. And finally, I also need to
very first OSCE Central Asian Russia and Kyrgyzstan. I found mention the course in history of
Youth Network (CAYN) in Uz- conflict resolution course and Central Asia where we discussed
bekistan. Together with my peers transcendence approach taught the difficult process of national
from other Central Asian coun- by Austrian peace mediators and territorial delimitation “razme-
tries, I took part in a research practitioners Gudrun Krammer zhevanie” in Central Asia 1920s
seminar on regional problems. and Wilfred Graf very insight- by the central Soviet government
ful in terms of finding efficient in Moscow and its impact on
Afterwards, I joined the Agency creation of enclaves and ethnic
for Technical Cooperation and
Development (ACTED) to con-

18 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Alumni Achievements

composition of the southern Academy is friends from all over security. Working in internation-
parts of Kyrgyzstan. Central Asia and beyond with al environment with colleagues
Apart from studies, it was nice many of whom I have been keep- from all over the world, I attend
to live in Bishkek(the city named ing in touch during 10 years after various cultural events in the
Frunze in Soviet times) where my graduation through reunions in VIC. Also, I want to establish
parents studied back in 1960s at Bishkek and Vienna. Central Asian club in Vienna
the Polytechnical Institute and My post-Academy period is con- International Centre.
Medical Academy; both of which nected with Vienna. After grad- Living in Austria, I developed
are located close to the Botan- uation I was invited by the OSCE new interests and made personal
ichesky Pereulok and to walk the Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE achievements like learning to
same streets my parents walked PA) to work as a Research Fellow bike.
so many years ago. With the only in its Vienna Liaison Office. The I like Vienna because it is a mix
difference that maybe my parents OSCE PA is one of the institu- of an international city with the
did not feel how fragmented Kyr- tions of the OSCE headquartered cultural touch of the Habsburg
gyzstani society along regional in Copenhagen. This Fellowship Empire. It is also a city with
(north-south dichotomy), ethnic, was a great school for multi-lat- great musical tradition. However,
clan, tribal lines as I felt myself eral diplomacy and parliamen- living in Austria I understood
when I lived in the capital of tarian cooperation. It is often that integration into Austrian
independent Kyrgyzstan in 2006- referred as “the fourth parliamen- society is difficult and in order to
2007. Often political opposition tarian dimension” of the OSCE. understand the Austrian culture
protests against second president The OSCE PA Office in Vienna I took German and Transcultural
Bakiev’s government happened represents Parliamentary Assem- Communication courses at the
in Bishkek and there were discus- bly at the Permanent Council, University of Vienna. I also found
sion topics at our classes with Dr. Forum for Security and Coopera- my family in Austria and I raise
Vanessa Ruget which focused on tion, Committee on Environmen- multi-lingual children. Living
“failed states” theory that helped tal and Economic Affairs, Human abroad I understood that it is very
me better understand society of Dimension Meetings, Advisory important to integrate but not
Kyrgyzstan. Committee on Management and assimilate. I also feel important
I am proud that I am a graduate Finance, meetings with Asian to transmit to my children my
of OSCE Academy because it is and Mediterranean partners for Central Asian cultural code. My
a unique chance to explore the Cooperation and other OSCE son Ermek Georg attends Sunday
Central Asian region through interests that takes place in Kyrgyz language courses, orga-
friendships, networks and in- Hofburg. I encourage all OSCE nized by the Kyrgyz diaspora.
ternships. I was lucky to explore Academy students to apply for the Culturally, Austrians are very for-
Turkmenistan, almost exotic and Research Fellowship of the OSCE mal in address and like acknowl-
closed country due to its geo- PA. I would like to thank OSCE edgement titles such academic
graphical and political distance PA staff in Copenhagen and Vi- titles Dr. and Mag. Another
to other Central Asian countries. enna for this unique opportunity cultural feature different from
I was invited by the OSCE Center to work and learn about parlia- this part of the world I come
in Ashgabat to participate in its mentary dimension of the OSCE. from is that Austrian women
internship programme in sum- Currently, I work at the Vien- automatically change their last
mer of 2007. It was a great op- na International Centre based names after marriage and take
portunity not only to learn about Comprehensive Nuclear Tests their husband’s last names. In my
OSCE field activities but also to Ban Treaty Organization (CTB- culture women keep their family
see the beauty of Karakum desert, TO) which mission is to elim- names after marriage.
Caspian sea, Amudarya river inate nuclear tests around the Living abroad, I understood a lot
and the modern architecture of world through implementation about Central Asia and started to
Ashgabat. of its global verification network value Central Asian culture.
The most important treasure of seismic, infrasound, acoustic
that I received through OSCE and radio nuclear stations. The
CTBTO is the leader in nuclear
non-proliferation and global

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Alumni Opportunities

One-Year Stay at NUPI

Galina Khegay ’16, pean University Institute; found
Uzbekistan new topics of interest and set
new goals. None of this would
Idid my internship with NUPI have been possible if the OSCE
during my MA studies in Academy had not accepted
2016. Though it was short and me for the MA programme in
I was overwhelmed by my thesis 2015, and if Indra Øverland and
project at the time, by the end of Helge Blakkisrud had not found
my stay I applied for the fellow- me suitable for the position. I
ship and hoped to come back. am grateful for all of it.
Besides, after Trolltunga hike,
it was a must to conquer other
spectacular fjords of Norway.

The fellowship was a perfect The year inv was exceptional also
combination of professional because I was blessed with the
growth, career development, right person next to me - Saule.
self-study, and fun. I attended Together we studied for the
events where I met Prime-min- torturous GRE, literally got lost
isters, Ministers of Foreign Af- in one of the fjords in Norway
fairs, and Ambassadors; talked because of fog, visited haunted
to academics whose works I places, met extraordinary people,
used to study; got to experience hosted great gatherings at our
tough and, at times, tedious place, were in different awkward
realities of research; traveled to and funny situations, and had
Florence to present my research hundreds cups of coffee while
work on migration at the Euro- having endless conversations.

Exploring Norway

Saule Aripova (left) and
Galina Khegay (right)

20 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Alumni Opportunities

from my colleagues. At NUPI I
understood how challenging and
demanding the research work
is, as it is completely self-driven
and requires endless discipline,
curiosity and creativity.

In addition to extraordinary
experience of being part of the
NUPI team, I had a chance to
travel to the West-North of Nor-
way and see a breathtaking, and
at times harsh, beauty of Norwe-
gian nature. In a 5-day car trip
with Galina, we explored 2 of the
most famous sights of Norway:
Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten,
saw Bergen, some say, the most
authentic Norwegian city, and
lived in 3 different camping sites.

Saule Aripova ’15, pursuits of all kinds. We got to Thanks to my dearest friend,
Kyrgyzstan listen to outstanding speakers flat mate and colleague Galina,
like president of Estonia, Min- this year in Norway was full of
Avisiting research fellow- isters of foreign affairs from warmth, support, soulful talks
ship at NUPI was profes- Georgia and Moldova, as well as and amazing food. This year will
sionally valuable and a distinguished scholars at NUPI. I be an unforgettable memory also
personally enjoyable experience. had a chance to work on my own because of wonderful friends
NUPI provides a highly stimulat- projects and get valuable feedback we made in Oslo. It is here that
ing environment with seminars, I understood how conscious,
workshops, and varied social responsible and smart people
events inspiring for scholarly truly make their home country
prosperous. I am very grateful
for the opportunities the OSCE
Academy provides and want to
thank our research team at NUPI
for this unforgettable experience.

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Alumni Opportunities

Fellowship at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
International Secretariat

Sergey Marinin (middle), with the ex-President of the OSCE PA Christine Muttonen,
Secretary General Roberto Montella and other Fellows

Sergey Marinin ’14, determined to join the fellowship. managed to take part in a couple
Kazakhstan Here I am in Copenhagen. The of major events. More to come.
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly I keep telling all my friends and
Hi, my name is Sergey and International Secretariat staff met colleagues that the OSCE Acad-
I am an Alumnus of 2014 me with warmth, introduced me emy in Bishkek is an exceptional
class (Politics and Secu- to my main duties and functions. academic, educational and train-
rity). I am currently in Denmark Currently I work at the Media ing institution. It is even more
at the research fellowship pro- and Communications depart- than that – it is a strong and
gramme, representing the OSCE ment, familiarizing myself with vibrant community of brilliant
Academy being the first of a kind. various editing programmes and people, who support each other,
My story began almost one year tools and, of course, sometimes promote the region and contrib-
ago before I finally found myself I do some research projects. At ute to their local societies. The
in Copenhagen in September the moment, I am working on importance of the Academy for
2017. The decision to try myself in the Annual Report of all election the region can hardly be over-
the programme was quite sponta- campaigns PA observed. I also estimated. And I would like to
neous and instinctive, like some have a few ‘regions of expertise’ express my sincere gratitude to
of the most important decisions assigned to me such as Central everyone at the Academy for the
in my life. At the time of the ap- Asia, Ukraine, Belarus and Mol- opportunity to become a part of a
plication I worked in the field of dova. Among other things I assist larger OSCE family, the possibili-
human rights, which also became in organizing different meetings ty to learn from top international
possible thanks to the and conferences. I have not been professionals and for providing
OSCE Academy networking. The here for a long time, but I enjoy me with lots of support through
entire selection process, change of my stay very much and already my career.
my arrival date (it was postponed
by three months), obtaining a
visa took nine months in total.
The long wait made me even more

22 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Alumni Opportunities

European Scholarship for Central Asia to study at the
GCSP and University of Geneva

Regina Sokolova (right), with her group mates

Regina Sokolova ’14, dynamic group work and discus- and professional backgrounds.
Tajikistan sions, ask to solve crisis situations Each participant shared his/her
and come up with extraordinary distinctive expertise on certain
Experience in Geneva solutions. Geneva is the cen- issues and home region. We
is a milestone in my ter of international governance organized multicultural dinners
life. and being next to the Graduate with national food, participated
Institute I had a chance to attend in social events organized in Ge-
When Ms. Julie Hollins open lectures and discussions on neva where learned about Swiss
informed me that I contemporary security challeng- culture, history and people.
was granted a Europe- es, multilateral diplomacy, global The course succeeded in harmo-
an Scholarship for Central Asia to trends in terrorism, human rights nizing knowledge and experience
study at the GCSP and University and role of state and non-state to prepare us as policy-makers
of Geneva, I had a mixed feel- actors in peace building. The and leaders. I am grateful to
ing. But by the end of the pro- learning experience and shared the OSCE Academy, GCSP and
grammes I knew that this experi- classes with NISC (New Issues University of Geneva for learning
ence was a milestone in my life. in Security Course) participants and networking opportunities.
not only enriched my knowledge I express my deepest gratitude
The learning environment at the about contemporary security and to GCSP and UNIGE faculty
GCSP is truly unique and holistic. leadership topics, but has turned members as well as my group-
High-ranking military officials, my thinking upside down. mates for their contribution to
diplomats, mediators, scholars Despite the intensive schedule we my professional and individual
and practitioners with an ex- also had fun. Our group rep- transformation.
tensive international experience resented a diversity of cultures
deliver presentations on variety
of security-related topics, make

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Alumni Relationships

Our magazine is returning back to a nice tradition of sharing love a celebration of Women’s Inter-
stories. The year of 2017 presented us with new alumni-family national Day in our office and he
Madina Muratova ’15 and Sino Ruziev ’15 from Tajikistan. We joined the team very quickly. Fur-
warmheartedly congratulate them on this occasion and share ther, in a month we were assigned
their story with all alumni. to do one research project that
was a beginning of our collabo-
Love Story of the first day. But I think the real ration.
Madina and Sino spark between the two of us was
born in the working process Q.: You have studied in one
Q.: Madina and Sino, tell us when we started to collaborate class at the OSCE Academy.
how did you meet? together as a team. It was also Did that year play a role in
that time when we found out that your relationship?
S.: Well, let me start first. It was we were meant to study the Mas-
the 7th of March 2014 and I just ter degree together in the OSCE S.: I think it was a very important
came back from Cyprus. The first Academy. By the way, it was turning point for our relationship.
place I have been invited to was Madina’s constant insistence for We spent most of our time in the
Zerkalo where my future beloved me to apply as I did not actually Academy, shoulder by shoulder,
Madina Muratova was working plan to continue with academic writing papers and preparing pre-
as an analytical specialist. To be learning. sentations. Thus, the time spent
honest, I thought I made a really M.: I would agree with Sino. The in the Academy showed us to
weird impression on Madina the first impression was interesting what degree and extent we were
first time I met her as I started and I never saw a person that ready to compromise our person-
our first discussion really weird would smile so warmly and share al differences.
by asking if I had to prepare a positive energy even during the
coffee for the whole office from tough stressful deadlines. It was M.: For me, the year at the OSCE
Academy was twice as difficult as
I came from a sociological back-

24 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Alumni Relationships

ground with the very general pic-
ture of what politics and security
is. The first couple of months I
was annoying Sino so much with
obvious questions on concepts,
facts, and theories. At that time,
I understood that Sino is a very
patient and tolerant person that
made me admire him a lot.

Q.: With your academic
backgrounds, do you often
discuss\debate on political
issues during dinners?

S.: Well, we often discuss political
issues not just during dinners but
mainly during the whole day. I
even began to wonder how Ma-
dina can stand me always talking.
Indeed Madina and I find each
other in harmony while discuss-
ing various issues and that makes
me love her even more for her
understanding and patience.

M.: What can I say? I love him decision-making process has Q.: What would you recom-
for talking about the politics and been based on the process of joint mend to our Alumni Net-
then starts to debate a lot when it discussions. work and students?
concerns social trends. His inter- M.: Being raised in a Tajik family,
est in world politics and diploma- comparatively modern, but still M.: Study hard, but never forget
cy always keeps me updated on patriarchal, I was always not wel- to build the network as we are
whatever is going on around the comed with my Feminist points one of the strongest networks
world. My husband is an eternal of view. Now, I am so happy to in the region. Thanks to OSCE
and never ending source of new be with Sino, who has not only Academy network, we meet so
information. values as equity, equal division of many friends in Tajikistan from
responsibilities, but also practices the region and it is always tre-
Q.: How do you build your it in our life. We do everything mendously interesting to travel
family model? Do you have together, we make decisions joint- and see our friends from Acad-
special roles and duties ly and look forward to our future emy. Also, but not recommend,
assigned or every day is together. would wish that everyone will
different? find their soul mate, as I did.

S.: Well, we try as much as we
can to divide our duties equally
and some duties we do together.
For example, if Madina cooks I
do dishes. If I cook then she does
the dishes. On Sundays, we come
together for overall cleaning up
of our apartment. We also visit
our close relatives. One time my
side and the next her side. The

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Alumni Around the World

Development of the Central Asian region is the prior goal of the OSCE Academy alumni. Interna-
tional experience helps alumni to acquire new skills and knowledge and apply them in their home
countries. Natalia Lee ’13 and Svetlana Dzardanova ’09 share about their international experienc-
es and its implication on their professional development.

Central Asian Korean in
Papua New Guinea

INatalia (on the right) with her colleagues from the Budget Team
was representing Kazakh- GIZ after my graduation. I had ODI Fellowship Scheme
stan along with my other an opportunity to travel across Overseas Development Institute
two classmates in the first Kyrgyzstan with GIZ and en- is a research think-tank and
cohort of MA Economic Gover- counter poverty and problems based in London. ODI offers
nance and Development pro- I only heard about, but could fellowship to postgraduate
gramme at the OSCE Academy. never imagine their real scale. economists and statisticians
It was my first ever experience It became my passion and gave and is open to everyone from all
in many aspects: studying in new meaning to my life to do over the world with a Master’s or
foreign language and having something useful for develop- PhD in economics or statistics
friends from all over Central ment of the country. However, I (https://www.odi.org/odi-fel-
Asia and Afghanistan. It taught soon noticed that I was lacking lowship-scheme). The fellowship
me a lot about being truly international experience and contract runs for two years and
open-minded and the beauty of expertise, so I went on studying cannot be prolonged.
diversity. Moreover, it opened a and got a scholarship for MSc I applied while I was studying
door into a development indus- Development Economics at the at Sussex and got invited for an
try for me, as my thesis supervi- University of Sussex, UK.
sor later became my employer at

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Alumni Around the World

interview. I was the first person most interesting and challenging if I can help with my technical
from Kazakhstan they inter- part, and I really get my hands on knowledge that is just great.
viewed. The fellowship is de- all the technical details of public In conclusion
mand-led, and the governments financial management. Working in a foreign government
choose themselves who they Papua, New Guinea is a re- gives me a unique opportunity
would like to have. That’s why I source-rich country which has to see how a developing coun-
had no idea where my posting extensive reserves of oil and gas, try’s government works from the
would be. And so, it happened gold and copper. Moreover, it is inside. I’ve worked in the devel-
that the Papua, New Guinean one of the largest exporters of opment sector ever since I grad-
government found me suitable agricultural commodities – cof- uated from the OSCE Academy,
for their Department of National fee, cocoa, vanilla and coconut. but now I see the development
Planning and Monitoring. Only However, for a developing coun- from perspective of the govern-
later on my colleagues here said try, it can be difficult to manage ment and the challenges it faces.
that they liked my experience at its natural resource endowment. I think if you want to pursue a
GIZ with the mineral resources It is also the case for PNG, and career in development, it is very
sector and thought I might be as a development economist I am important to understand how the
helpful for them. excited to work here. counterpart government works,
Day-to-day job and PNG context Culturally and ethnically PNG what they need and most of all,
My department is responsible for is a fascinating and very diverse what is their capacity to absorb
planning the development of the country with beautiful nature and donors aid.
country, including policies, strat- even more beautiful people. Even It has been 6 months since I
egies, and capital investment. I though security is an everyday is- arrived to PNG. It is an intense,
am involved in drafting the major sue, my managers, colleagues and challenging and incredibly inter-
development policy papers and friends here are so incredibly sup- esting experience, and it’s only
formulating and consolidating portive and caring, it makes life the beginning of this journey.
capital investment budget. Work- here enjoyable. I feel privileged to
ing on the national budget is the be able to learn from them, and

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Alumni Around the World

From Cross Culture Programme in Germany to Tackling
Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan

By Svetlana Dzardanova ’09, Turkmenistan

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Alumni Around the World

A year ago today I was in Stutt- change me. The Cross Culture ifa.de/en/funding/crosscul-
gart amidst my Cross Culture Programme offers young pro- ture-programme.html). I found
internship writing myself a fessionals and volunteers from myself among other lucky CCP
letter that later was to be sent Germany and countries of the scholars from Morocco, Egypt,
by IFA CCP team to my ad- Islamic world an opportuni- Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia, Paki-
dress in Bishkek. Enjoying the ty to get experience abroad (I stan, Iran, Central Asia, Belarus,
surroundings and new people, hope many of you reading this Russia, Ukraine and Germany
I did not yet fully realize how will also use the opportunity. of course. My internship was a
much the experience would Learn more here: http://www. perfect combination of academ-

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Alumni Around the World

Round table Bride kidnapping. The status quo and the formation of public opinion approaches,
practices, problems, opportunities

ic exchange, inter-cultural ex- many amazing projects. I feel I, however, enjoyed very few of
perience, travel and research. It lucky and privileged to get to them as majority were held in
is worth mentioning right away know all these young leaders for German and also my extensive
that IFA CCP team did great their communities that strive to travel schedule for planned and
job organizing planned events make lives around them better. side IFA CCP activities. In
and side activities enriching our I learned a lot from our trainers spite of this, I still remember an
experiences in Germany both in and other participants: German outstanding presentation by Dr.
professional and inter cultural planning with Moroccan smile John Heathershaw at the Insti-
terms.” “One of these events un- and Algerian positive attitude tute for International Politics
doubtedly was Stuttgart week- would make few examples. at Helmut Schmidt University
long training meeting with CCP My three-month internship was on “Dictators Without Borders”
team and German language with the Centre for OSCE Re- book of his and Dr. Alexander
classes. I consider CCP one of search at the Institute for Peace Cooley authorship. I worked
the best programmes I have Research and Security Policy with Dr. Anna Kreikemeyer and
ever been part of. Inter-cultur- at the University of Hamburg Dr. Esther Somfalvy on Hori-
al workshop by Tanja Reisser (IFSH), which is the institute zon2020 proposal and Prospects
and Ulrike Krone were on what I have long been interested in for Peace Research in Central
culture is and what it is not, on due to their expertise in Cen- Asia Between Discourses of
accepting and understanding tral Asia and the fact that they Danger, Normative Divides
differences and similarities, were one of the founders of the and Global Challenges interna-
stereotypes and prejudices. I OSCE Academy in Bishkek back tional conference at IFSH 17-18
met so many people that do in 2002. One of the immedi- November 2016 funded by the
things so differently from me, ate pluses of internship at the German Foundation for Peace
like architecture, music, jour- IFSH was the opportunity to Research. Both my supervisors
nalism, filming and culture. Its visit colloquiums and lectures. inspiring professionals were
amazing people involved in very supportive and made my

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Alumni Around the World

stay comfortable and beneficial. The main idea behind this is to training and tournament orga-
I enjoyed different German change the perception of the nized in cooperation with IDEA
cities during October Fest, the practice from generally accept- Central Asia among school
Unity Day and also was there ed tradition to illegal crime. children on gender issues and
long enough to still catch the I have been living and working bride kidnapping. It will take
Christmas miraculous atmo- in Kyrgyzstan for many years place between 9-12 December
sphere with glühwein, night now and I remember my first 2017. We are now also working
walks and friendly smiles. I encounter and shock of real- on information leaflets to be
enjoyed most places I traveled izing that the practice of bride distributed in schools and uni-
in and outside Germany and it kidnapping was real. My room- versities.
became clear that this country mate almost became a victim of The main idea of these infor-
is not only about a big multicul- bride kidnapping and later yet mative products is to show that
tural and financial centre like became wife of the person who this is not a tradition and there
Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg attempted to kidnap her. So one is nothing cool, manly or brutal
(my favourite forever), but even imagines, I take it personal. In about kidnapping a human
more so about Marburg and Kyrgyzstan the ugly practice of being (being strong, mascu-
Halle and Bremen where you Ala Kachuu-Zorduk (bride-kid- line and cool is very important
can grasp real German lifestyle napping) still prevents many in Kyrgyz society). All these
and see what German daily rou- smart and promising young products will be promoted and
tine is or holiday season looks women from education, from shared via social media chan-
like. I should mention the house leading a decent life, from nels like Facebook, Twitter,
I lived in – a beautiful piece seeing the world beyond her Instagram. I am really grateful
of art built in 1902 was full of abusers’ household and chores. to all amazing, bright, inspiring
nice and open people. Living The criminal code of Kyrgyz- people who joined the project
across from the history museum stan provides for up to 7 years and want to promote better
and Platen un Blomen and few of imprisonment for kidnapping opportunities for young women
buildings away from Komponis- of a person under 17 to enter a and girls and this starts with
tenquartier where Brahms lived marriage relationship. Despite them knowing their rights and
and worked as well as Reeper- legislation, law enforcement freedoms.
bahn, St Pauli, made my eve- authorities do not consider There is also an idea of follow
ning walks unforgettable. kidnapping and forced marriage up with a big national pro-
I got back to Bishkek and the a serious crime. I always wanted gramme that will involve state
office at the OSCE Academy to contribute and become part structures, activists, school,
and one day received a letter of the solution. This project is a universities and offer a series
I had addressed myself few chance for me to get actively en- of focus groups, workshops,
months earlier. It was also a gaged into the issue and hope- trainings, films, art exhibitions
very motivating experience. I fully only a first step to provid- to different target audiences of
again was lucky that CCP Plus ing a multifaceted response to schoolchildren, young women,
Programme extended to include the problem. We want to work young men, parents throughout
Central Asia. A great and timely with youth via art and debates. the project year to change the
idea allowing alumni of IFA One of the instruments we use perception on the phenomenon.
CCP to contribute to the com- is a short story written by local I would like to express my
munities they live in. I applied writer Altyn Aman “Erkinay” sincere gratitude to CCP team
for a project and received a soon to be published in three and thank them once again
grant. languages and also to be ani- for the great job they are doing
The project I am working on mated by cartoonist Tatyana connecting people of different
now aims at youth as the main Zelenskaya who did the series of cultures and backgrounds and
audience to inform, engage and stories of kidnapped women “I making our projects possible!
fight bride-kidnapping; still was kidnapped…” another very
common practice in Kyrgyzstan. important part of our project
is a 4-day intensive debates

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Welcome New Alumni

MA in Politics and Security
Programme 2016-2017

Aaron Joshua Pinto, Abdul Hameed Ayan Serikov,
Canada Fedayi, Kazakhstan

Afghanistan

Azis Isa, Baatyrkan Kubanych Chyngyz Israiilov,
Kyrgyzstan uulu, Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan

Ermek Baisalov, Firuza Kazidzhanova, Galina Kolodzinskaia,
Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan

Gulzhan Begeyeva, Jyldyz Abdyldaeva, Kasiet Erkinbekova,
Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan

32 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Welcome New Alumni

Musilmbek Buriev, Nemat Haydarinezhad, Nuriza Begalieva,
Tajikistan Afghanistan Kyrgyzstan

Romal Sulimankhil, Sayed Qutbzadah, Shakhlo Alavova,
Afghanistan Afghanistan Tajikistan

Shamsiya Alibakhshova, Suhrob Yerlan Kassym,
Tajikistan Abdullojonov, Kazakhstan

Tajikistan

Yorkinjon Khaydarov, Yrys Abdieva, Zhanygul Kaparova,
Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan
33
WWW.OSCE-ACADEMY.NET

Welcome New Alumni

MA in Economic Governance and Development
Programme 2016-2017

Abdylkaiyr Eshmamatov, Aigerim Almazova, Akbar Saidakhmatov,
Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan

Azamat Esenamanov, Banidkhuu Chantsal, Danat Tumabayev,
Kyrgyzstan Mongolia Kazakhstan

Dzhamshet Salomov, Faizullah Azizi, Feraidon Salaatin,
Tajikistan Afghanistan Afghanistan

Fikret Aliev, Inomullo Mirboboev, Javlon Juraev,
Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan
34 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE

Welcome New Alumni

Kanykei Nurdin kyzy, Khalil Kadzhiev, Madina Bandishoeva,
Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan

Medina Abylkasymova, Mohammad Haroon, Naqibullah Ahmadi,
Kyrgyzstan Afghanistan Afghanistan

Sabrinisso Valdoshova, Sitora Ramkhudo, Umedakhon Pulatova,
Tajikistan Tajikistan Tajikistan

Zafar Sultonov, Zhamila Aitakunova, Zhoodar Dzholdoshov,
Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan
35
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OSCE Academy in Bishkek
1A, Botanichesky pereulok
720044 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Tel: +996 312 54 32 00 (ext. 117)

Mob: +996 770 98 41 02
E-mail: [email protected]

36 SALAMALUM MAGAZINE