Young people from Central Asia explore OSCE toolbox for inclusive and comprehensive security at OSCE-DCAF Summer School

Twenty-three students and young professionals from Central Asia and Afghanistan explored practical approaches to building inclusive and comprehensive security during the OSCE-DCAF Summer School on Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R), held from 17 to 21 August 2026 in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. Building on the OSCE-DCAF Summer Schools organized in 2023, 2024 and 2025, this year’s edition continued efforts to strengthen the capacities of young graduates and professionals from across the region and deepen their understanding of the contribution that a well-governed security sector can make to stability and peace. 

The five-day course introduced participants to the OSCE’s broad toolbox for addressing contemporary security challenges, with a focus on SSG/R, human security, dialogue facilitation and confidence-building. Sessions addressed the principles of good governance applied to the security sector, inclusivity and intersectionality, Women, Peace and Security, human rights-based approaches to security challenges, resistance to change, as well as the role of OSCE field operations in supporting long-term peace and stability. Through a week-long simulation exercise, participants explored how the OSCE toolbox can contribute to prevention, crisis response, recovery and long-term peace and stability, while strengthening effective and accountable institutions.

Reflecting on the course, Elnura Ornurkulova-Ozierska, a participant from Kyrgyzstan, stated: “The OSCE-DCAF Summer School was an enriching opportunity to reflect on my 15 years of experience in international relations, the security sector, and human rights through fresh regional perspectives, practical discussions, and contemporary frameworks. It was especially valuable for building connections with colleagues working across the region, creating space for peer learning and potential future collaboration. The programme strengthened my ability to link evidence-based research, institutional accountability, and inclusive governance approaches to my professional work”.

The Summer School was co-organized and co-ordinated by the OSCE Secretariat and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), in close co-operation with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. Expert contributions were also provided by the OSCE Mediation Support Team.

The Summer School was supported through the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Support, capacity-building and awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) within the OSCE: Phase III”.