Forum Mekendeshter

The Forum Mekendeshter is a modern platform for a constructive dialogue between compatriots, associations, and members of the Kyrgyz diaspora living abroad. The Forum was created by the “Rosa Otunbayeva Initiative” International Public Foundation with the support of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the International Organization of Migration in the Kyrgyz Republic, and funded by a grant from the Swiss Bureau on international cooperation. The Forum discussions are aimed at uniting and resolving the issues of migrants and other members of the diaspora, implementing joint projects and initiatives, demonstrating achievements, and promoting investments from compatriots in the country's social and economic development. From 2012, the Forum has become a platform for dialogue and the establishment of direct contact between compatriots, the Kyrgyz diaspora living abroad, various government structures and different public organizations. Project Goals and Objectives: A compelling need for systematic and constructive interaction between compatriots and the Kyrgyz diaspora living abroad led to the creation of the Mekendeshter World Forum of Compatriots. The forum aims to identify and address social and political problems that our compatriots face abroad. Issues of particular relevance are: improving the competitiveness of potential migrants, and strengthening the diaspora for successful integration in their countries of residence. Conversely, the Forum also aims to create incentives and expand opportunities for financial, intellectual and technological investments in the development of Kyrgyzstan. In November 2018, taking into account the recommendations of the 4th Mekendeshter Compatriots Forum, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, signed a decree “On the Council under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on Relations with Compatriots living abroad”.