The 6th EU–Central Asia Civil Society Forum Held in Bishkek

On February 5–6, 2026, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, hosted the 6th EU–Central Asia Civil Society Forum. Organized by UNOPS in partnership with the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) under the “EU Support to Civil Society in Central Asia” program, the event gathered over 200 participants, including 100 civil society representatives (approximately 20 from each Central Asian nation). The Forum’s history dates back to 2019, with previous sessions held in Tashkent (March 2023) and Almaty (January 2025). The Almaty forum was attended by 16 representatives from 15 Turkmen organizations; this year, Turkmenistan was represented by 15 participants.

Among the Turkmen delegation, nine individuals represented various NGOs: Tebigy Kuwwat, Aarhus Centre of Turkmenistan, the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan, the Union of Economists of Turkmenistan, Junior Achievement Turkmenistan, Yenme, Taze Zaman (Turkmenabat), Ecodurmush (Dashoguz), Mashgala (Mary), and Mirasly Senet. The delegation also included representatives from the “Ynamly Durmush” business entity, Turkmengazaragatnashyk, an intern from the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan, a freelancer, and a student.A Platform for Strategic Dialogue.

The 6th Forum serves as a key annual platform for structured dialogue between civil society organizations (CSOs), the European Union, and development partners. This year’s session built directly upon the outcomes of the 2025 Forum and the official establishment of five regional Thematic Working Groups (TWGs):

– Digital Transformation

– Climate Change and Environmental Protection

– Youth Participation

– Governance and Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship

– Women’s Empowerment

The Forum advances the EU Strategy for Central Asia and the priorities of the Global Gateway Initiative (GGI), strengthening the role of CSOs in the region’s future.

Opening Remarks and High-Level Support. The session was opened by Mr. Vasyl Tolkachov, Project Manager of the “EU Fund for Civil Society in Central Asia,” who introduced Ms. Simonetta Siligato, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Austria, as the moderator for the opening ceremony.

H.E. Mr. Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized that a strong civil society is vital for building resilient nations and noted that the EU highly values these engagements. He specifically highlighted the Global Gateway initiative as a cornerstone of regional cooperation.

Ms. Saira Temirbekovna Yzakova, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic, welcomed participants and noted the importance of the Forum in improving connectivity across infrastructure sectors through the Global Gateway.H.E. Ms. Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator, addressed the forum remotely. She thanked the organizers and praised the Kyrgyz government for hosting the event. While emphasizing the role of CSOs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she also expressed concern regarding recent legislative trends affecting civic space in Kyrgyzstan, calling for reforms to restore a favorable environment for civil society.

Mr. Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, moderated a session on the Global Gateway.

Ms. Charlotte Adriaen (DG INTPA) detailed the Global Gateway Strategy, which aims to mobilize up to $300–400 billion in investments by 2027. Key priorities for Central Asia include digital connectivity, water, energy, climate change, and transport (including the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor). She mentioned Team Europe initiatives and major energy projects like Rogun and Kambar-Ata, stressing that the EU aims to “invest correctly” by listening to local communities and CSOs.

Mr. Andrea Rossi (EEAS) underscored the region’s geopolitical significance and the EU’s commitment to trade, green and digital transitions, transport, and security.

A session titled “Setting the Context: Central Asian Youth Perspectives,” moderated by Ms.Aizat Ruslanova (IDEA CA), featured representatives from Youth Advisory Councils (YAC):

• Vladislav Veber (Kazakhstan),
• Emira Seidenaliyeva (Kyrgyzstan),
• Firuz Okhunov (Tajikistan),
• Shukurgeldi Myradov (Turkmenistan)
• and Amirbek Salimov (Uzbekistan).

They concluded that regional stability requires investment in human capital and institutional partnerships.

In the afternoon, CSOs engaged in the technical task of developing regional recommendations. Key speakers from Turkmenistan included:

Climate Change and Environment: Berkeli Atayev (Director of PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat” and representative of Aarhus Centre of Turkmenistan) reported on major climate challenges and country-level recommendations.

Women’s Empowerment: Oksana Asadulina (Social Worker, NGO “Mashgala”) briefed on the status of women’s affairs.

Youth Engagement: Ayna Bayramova (Chair of “Junior Achievement Turkmenistan”) presented the national report.

Governance and Entrepreneurship: Yuri Aronsky (Chair of the “Union of Economists of Turkmenistan”) delivered the thematic presentation.

On the second day, a consolidated set of priority regional recommendations across all five thematic areas was approved.

Human Rights: Mr. Mikkel Schmidt Hansen (DIHR) discussed applying human rights and good governance principles within the Global Gateway framework.

The practical session on potential EU funding, moderated by Mr.Bolot Isakov, sparked high interest among the Forum attendees.

EU Funding: Ms. Snejana Popova (EU Delegation to Kazakhstan) and Mr. Stefano Corrado (EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan) provided practical guidance on grant application procedures and current funding opportunities.

The last session of the Forum was about Small Grants.  Ms. Regina Kireyeva (UNOPS) announced a call for small grants under the “EU Fund for Civil Society in Central Asia” project. For 2026, $225,000 has been allocated to fund 15 applications (up to $15,000 each), with a deadline of February 15, 2026.

Each session was followed by a dedicated Q&A period.

In his closing remarks, Ms. Simonetta Siligato, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Austria thanked all participants for their fruitful work, noting that the results would be instrumental in preparing for the 7th Forum and for the overall development of civil society in Central Asia.

Berkeli Atayev.