Opening Remarks by Ms. Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan

Esteemed Deputy Chairman of the National Agency on Religious Affairs and Inter-Ethnic Relations, Mr. Manas Muratbekov, 
Distinguished representatives of the Government and Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, 
Dear guests from neighbouring Central Asian countries, and from further afield, Dearest co-organizers and coordinators of Yntymak Week,

Esteemed colleagues from civil society, academia, media, development partners, and peacebuilding community!

It is a profound honour to greet you all at the launch of Yntymak Week here in Bishkek. This annual gathering has become a unique space in Kyrgyzstan to celebrate the values of peace, solidarity, and dialogue, while also reflecting on the challenges that shape our shared future.
We meet at a moment when civic and political life in Kyrgyzstan is undergoing important transformations. Societies everywhere are confronted with questions of inclusion, trust, and resilience in the face of rapid change. Regional and global conflicts continue to affect stability far beyond their borders, while climate-related security risks increasingly touch people’s everyday lives. In such times, it is more important than ever to reaffirm that peace is not merely the absence of conflict—it is a living, transformative process built on dialogue, participation, and respect for human dignity.

This year’s theme - “The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding and Civil Society Development” reminds us that Yntymak Week is not only a platform for reflection, but also a commitment to a whole-of-society approach that is vital for peace. It is an opportunity for young people, civil society, government representatives, international organizations, and communities to come together to discuss how we can strengthen peace and social cohesion in Kyrgyzstan. Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow. They are the heartbeat of today. They bring energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives essential for sustaining peace and fostering cohesion. As those often most affected by exclusion, and inequality, youth have a direct stake in peace and are uniquely positioned to bridge divides, challenge harmful norms, and promote dialogue where mistrust persists.

Kyrgyzstan has already taken important steps in this direction. The Concept of Youth Policy 2020-2030 recognizes youth as a strategic resource and active agents of transformation. It commits to expanding opportunities for young people to participate as equal partners in civic life, policy planning, and decision-making. Likewise, the National Development Programme 2030 acknowledges the country’s demographic advantage, emphasizing human capital development through education, vocational training, and youth employment. These commitments provide a strong foundation to place youth at the center of peacebuilding efforts.

Yntymak Week is more than an event—it is a shared forum of ideas and practices, where all generations can reflect on lessons learned, exchange experiences, and build synergies.

This year, it also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This milestone is not only an occasion to look back at the founding vision of “We the Peoples,” but also to look forward-towards renewing multilateralism and making it more responsive to the needs of youth, communities, and societies worldwide.

In that regard, the New Agenda for Peace, presented ahead of the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, and inspiring the commitments to peacebuilding and prevention in the Pact for the Future adopted by world leaders, provides us with a roadmap. From

2025 onwards, the focus is shifting from vision to implementation: advancing prevention strategies, investing in social cohesion, addressing climate-security risks, and ensuring that peace efforts are inclusive of women, youth, and underrepresented communities. The New Agenda for Peace reminds us that peace is everyone’s business—requiring cooperation between states, local actors, and the international system alike.

Yntymak Week is held on the eve of the International Peace Day on 21 September. This year’s theme is “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, calling on everyone – from peacekeepers, community members, to students – to take concrete action against discrimination and inequality, practice respect and embrace diversity, in daily life.

Here in Kyrgyzstan, peacebuilding has long been rooted in local realities: advancing accountable governance, empowering women and youth, and strengthening a common civic identity. Today, we see women and youth leading initiatives that prevent violence, bridge divisions, and reduce climate-related risks. We also see cross-border cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan helping communities manage shared natural resources peacefully. These examples remind us that local action is the foundation of national and regional stability.

In a similarly forward-looking spirit, the finalized border agreements between Central Asian neighbours represent significant strides toward sustained peace and regional cooperation. Finalization of the border agreements opens renewed opportunities for trade, mobility, and cooperation. Yet we know from experience that agreements are only the beginning. They must be accompanied by sustained, confidence-building measures that ensure communities living along the borders feel the real benefits of peace. The United Nations stands ready to provide coordination support to local, national and international partners in these efforts – helping to strengthen trust, enhance cooperation, and ensure that borderlands become spaces of connection rather than division.

In closing, let me express my sincere hope that Yntymak Week 2025 will serve as an engaging and constructive platform, one that generates new partnerships, practical solutions, and renewed determination to build a more cohesive, inclusive, and peaceful Kyrgyzstan and Central Asian region. May the discussions and exchanges this week inspire us to carry forward a shared vision of peace that responds to the realities of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.

I wish you all productive and rewarding deliberations and reflections during Yntymak Week. 
Thank you all for participating! A special thanks to the co-organisers and coordination team that made this third annual Yntymak Week possible.