These training sessions took place in the framework of the “Strengthening National Capacities for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding: Meaningful Civil Society Engagement for Trust-Building and Social Cohesion” Project of UNESCO and UNDP.
From August to September 2024, Kyrgyzstan hosted a series of training sessions focused on enhancing media and information literacy and developing conflict-sensitive communication skills for over 75 participants, including representatives from public advisory councils, civil society, and local media. The primary aim of these trainings was to equip government officials and civil society members with the tools to effectively engage with the media and improve overall media literacy.
Participants gained essential skills in critical thinking, identifying disinformation, and delivering reliable information, with a particular focus on modern communication techniques and crisis management, including the use of social media. Notably, the “Kyrgyz jarany” concept was introduced and articulated by the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic as a crucial initiative for promoting social cohesion and civic responsibility.
The workshops were organized by the Association of Community Media of Kyrgyzstan in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy, supported by UNESCO and UNDP, and funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund.