From Model UN to Art Workshops: UNODC in Kyrgyzstan Honors UN Day with Diverse Celebrations

In Kyrgyzstan, during the lively celebration of UN Day, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted its efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and support probation programs. On 26 October, UNODC celebrated the 79th anniversary of the UN and focused on shared goals of promoting peace, security, sustainable development, and ensuring Kyrgyzstan is free from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism.

Model UN for young leaders 

On UN Day, UNODC and CNS in Kyrgyzstan united to host a Model UN event for 100 students from "Sapat" School in Tokmok city, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in sustainable future. This initiative empowered young minds through legal awareness and healthy lifestyle promotion, sparking inspiration and fostering leadership skills. By immersing participants in UNODC's impactful work, the event showcased collaborative efforts with governmental and non-governmental entities to address drug control and crime prevention tailored to Kyrgyzstan's context. Through the Model UN experience, students not only honed their public speaking abilities but also embraced their potential to drive positive change within their community and beyond.

"These skills will empower you for positive change and influence. Your potential to lead others away from drugs, crime, and terrorism is immense," shared Mr. Andrey Seleznev, Head of the UNODC Programme office in Kyrgyzstan. 

UN Fair

The main celebration of UN Day was held in the National Historical Museum. According to Antje Grawe, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic: “It was deliberately chosen as the venue for the event. This museum, like the United Nations, is a reminder of where we have been and a guidepost for where we are going. Just as the museum preserves the history, culture, and identity of the Kyrgyz people, the UN seeks to preserve and promote the shared history and future of humanity”. 

Thematic exhibition covering various topics was spread across several floors of the museum, focusing on the Leave No One Behind pledge, climate change, health and food security, human rights, access to justice, youth and gender equality, and peacebuilding. These important issues were presented to the public in an engaging and artistic manner.

UNODC jointly with its EU/UNODC initiative #Just4ALL and the Probation Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic organized a series of master classes: drawing competition, Wushu and Mobilography in the museum. 

Engaging exercises involved both the youth and adults, drawing them into a lively quiz titled "What I know about Probation." Through simple yet thought-provoking questions, participants delved into the necessity of alternatives to imprisonment. 

Amidst enlightening lectures by the Probation Department officers on the legal consequences of criminal actions and the court procedures on granting probation to offenders, while the focus remained on reintegrating probation clients back into society.

Probation rehabilitation has a profound mission of social reintegration. The event, enriched by the enthusiastic participation of 10 probation youth, blended quizzes, artistic expressions on the theme of "Justice for All," sharpening athletic skills, and the creation of captivating reels, all under expert guidance and supervision.

In a show of solidarity with the EU/UNODC project, Kyrgyz Olympic champion Aisuluu Tynybekova visited the UNODC section, posing for a photo with quiz winners, probation clients, and the project’s staff.

Children's creative artwork unveiled deep perspectives on human rights and freedoms. Participants of all ages were welcomed to share their interpretations through artistic expression. Sonya, a participant who was sitting alone behind the stands of the exhibition, moved to tears while crafting her piece and shared a heartfelt revelation: " My son is currently on probation. This system has given him a second chance at life; I can hardly bear to think about what might have happened had he been incarcerated. The probation system has truly become a beacon of hope for his future transformation."

The United Nations is unique, as it “was built by the world and for the world”, as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded in his message on the occasion. He further recalled that “Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems. […], calling on all countries to “keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining."

For more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko, Communications Analyst, at +996775987817 (WhatsApp)