OSCE Academy in Bishkek discusses security trends in Central Asia

BISHKEK, 17 September - An annual OSCE-supported international forum for security policy took place in Bishkek from 15 to 17 September.

The event "Central Asia 2010" was organized by the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, and the Near East South Asia Centre for Strategic Studies from Washington D.C. It brought together over thirty experts from policy advisory think-tanks and universities from Eurasia, East and South-East Asia, Europe and the United States, as well as the OSCE and UN institutions.

The seminar participants discussed key security trends in Central Asia and their possible strategic implications in such areas as energy, socio-economic development, inter-ethnical situation, as well as political structures in the region and challenges of political extremism and religious radicalization in Central Asia and neighbouring areas.

Maxim Ryabkov, the Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, said: "This seminar offers an opportunity for the international expert community to exchange views on the region. The wide range of discussion topics corresponds to crucial the multidimensional character of security challenges and the complexity of the evolving policy response to them."

Dr. Graeme P. Herd, the Head of the International Security Programme of GCSP, said:
"The Geneva Centre for Security Policy is committed to promoting a better understanding of current strategic trends in Central Asia as an aid to strengthening co-operative policy responses to sources of insecurity. We are privileged to co-host this seminar at such a critical juncture for the region."

The GCSP will publish a synopsis of the seminar presentations, discussions and key conclusions.

The Forum was preceded by the biannual Board of Trustees of the OSCE Academy which brings together representatives of the partner states to discuss the Academy's achievements and its plans for the future, and followed by the 1st Alumni Reunion and Conference.