A regional forum titled "Women's Leadership for Peace and Sustainable Economic Development of Border Areas" was held in Batken with the support of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Programme Office in Bishkek, within the framework of the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the National Development Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2030.
The forum brought together around 120 participants, including representatives of government institutions, the business community, civil society, and international organizations from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The forum was organized in the context of a new stage of regional co-operation following the signing of the Khujand Declaration of Friendship, which laid the foundation for strengthening peace, trust, and economic co-operation in border areas. As well as the gathering served as a practical continuation of the regional platform launched at the Fergana Peace Forum in 2025. In this context, women play a particularly important role as key actors in peacebuilding and economic development processes.
The main objective of the forum was to provide a platform for:
- promoting women's leadership and advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda;
- developing cross-border entrepreneurship and trade;
- strengthening trust and co-operation between border communities;
- integrating economic initiatives into peacebuilding processes.
The programme included panel discussions, practical sessions, and experience-sharing activities. About 40 key speakers and panellists contributed expert inputs to generate ideas and discussed practical solutions. Participants presented real cases related to conflict prevention, business development, and engagement with local communities. The forum also featured an exhibition of women-led initiatives and field visits to entrepreneurs in Batken Region.
As a result of the forum, participants developed practical recommendations (Resolution) to support women's entrepreneurship and peacebuilding initiatives, as well as proposals for strengthening further regional co-operation.
Key message of the forum:
Women's leadership is not only a matter of equality, but also an important tool for conflict prevention and sustainable development in border regions.
