OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek helps to enhance inter-confessional dialogue in Kyrgyzstan

The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supported the bringing together of more than 80 representatives of religious organizations and communities of Kyrgyzstan for a tree-planting event in the capital on 6 April 2019. Some 100 trees were planted during the event, which aimed at enhancing inter-confessional dialogue, promoting inter-religious tolerance and raising public awareness about the denominations represented in the country.

The event was jointly organized with the State Committee for Religious Affairs in partnership with the Bishkek Mayor’s Office and with the support of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) in Kyrgyzstan.

This is the first of several public events to be held under the auspices of the Inter-Confessional Council of Kyrgyzstan. The Council was established in 2018 with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. It brings together representatives of 17 religious organizations from across the country, and its main goal is to strengthen interfaith dialogue, foster the principles of respect for various beliefs, build tolerance, as well as work towards the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.