Trainings on the formation of basic knowledge about innovative approaches and the development of skills for Socio-Economic Development Programs (SEDP) at the local level were conducted

Within the framework of the project "Active Women's Civil Society Organizations of Kyrgyzstan for Peace," seminars were organized and conducted from September 29 to October 2. These seminars focused on building fundamental knowledge about innovative approaches and developing skills for creating Socio-Economic Development Programs (SEDP) at the local level, aligning with government programs' objectives and the needs of local communities.

The workshop was organized by representatives from the International Public Foundation Roza Otunbaeva Initiative, UN Women, and the World Food Programme, with the support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

During the training seminars held in the Issyk-Kul region, participants included representatives from local self-government bodies, district administrations of Batken and Leilek districts, members of local NGOs, activists, and women members from local councils. They learned to develop socio-economic development programs using innovative methods such as design thinking and speed dating. Seminar attendees also familiarized themselves with state and national strategies and assessed their interconnection with local-level development programs.

The participants gained valuable knowledge about mainstreaming climate change issues into SEDP, considering gender policy and diversity management, as well as understanding global and Kyrgyzstan-specific climate change trends and challenges. They also learned about the importance of integrating gender policy into addressing climate change issues, focusing on social cohesion. On the seminar's final day, a meeting was organized with M. Dorbaev, Deputy Head of Ak-Suu District of Issyk-Kul region, for a positive exchange of experiences.

During the seminar's last day, a cultural program was arranged for the participants, including a visit to the Museum-Center of Nomadic Civilization named after Kurmanjan Datka and cultural sites in the Issyk-Kul region. This allowed them to explore the region's rich culture and history.

The project "Active Women's Organizations for Peace" aims to mitigate climate change-related risks both at the target level in Batken and Leilek districts of Batken region and at the national level in Kyrgyzstan. This project supports women's civil society organizations in Kyrgyzstan and enhances their participation in addressing climate security issues.