AGP Executive Report

CIS Culture Diplomacy: Bishkek hosts the XIX CIS forum of creative and scientific intelligentsia, with a report on “Kazakhstan in the Works of Chyngyz Aitmatov” ahead of the writer’s 100th anniversary. Film & Theatre Calendar: The IV Bishkek International Film Festival continues, with a Mongolian Film Week running June 9–12, plus a Bishkek premiere of Aitmatov’s puppet play “The Spotted Dog Running Along the Shore.” Education & Language Debate: Kyrgyzstan’s education minister says over half of students fail basic Kyrgyz reading and comprehension, warning the language could face extinction without improvement, while also pointing to bilingual programs. Public Safety Online: Nearly 40% of crimes in the first four months were cyber-related, with officials urging people to watch for phishing and scam calls. Heritage Underwater: Russian and Kyrgyz scientists are mapping and excavating the submerged Silk Road trading center of Turu-Aygyr in Lake Issyk-Kul. Youth & Environment: A China–Kyrgyz youth initiative “Defenders of the Panda and Snow Leopard” kicks off wildlife conservation awareness through joint activities. Sports Infrastructure: Construction begins on the Bishkek Academy of Physical Culture and Sports, including a long-dormant swimming pool slated for restoration.

Bishkek Culture Calendar: The IV Bishkek International Film Festival keeps rolling, with a Mongolian Film Week running June 9–12 at Ala-Too cinema, plus the festival’s opening spotlighting rising local funding for film. Theatre & Arts: Aitmatov-inspired play “The Spotted Dog Running Along the Shore” premieres June 6 at the Kyrgyz State Puppet Theatre, mixing Kyrgyz and Russian on stage. City Life & Sports Infrastructure: Construction has started on the Bishkek Academy of Physical Culture and Sports complex, including a long-dormant indoor swimming pool. Language & Education Debate: Education Minister Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva pushed back on criticism over Kyrgyz-language standards, warning that without improvement the language could face extinction. Online Safety: Parliament hears that porn-site blocking is working via providers’ ongoing blacklists, though VPNs can bypass it. Heritage Underwater: Russian and Kyrgyz teams report new finds from the submerged Silk Road trading center of Turu-Aygyr in Issyk-Kul. Wildlife Youth Exchange: China and Kyrgyzstan launch “Defenders of the Panda and Snow Leopard,” with young people signing conservation pledges.

Archaeology & Heritage: Underwater digs in Lake Issyk-Kul have uncovered a submerged medieval Silk Road trading center—roads, public buildings, a cemetery and Islamic burials—after an early-15th-century earthquake. Culture & Arts: Bishkek opened the IV International Film Festival, with funding rising to 928 million soms, and will host Mongolian Film Week (June 9–12) plus a new Aitmatov-based puppet play premiering June 6. Education & Language: Kyrgyzstan’s Education Minister pushed back on criticism over Kyrgyz-language schooling, warning that if reading skills don’t improve, the language could face extinction; she also pointed to bilingual programs. Cyber Safety: The Interior Ministry says nearly 40% of crimes in the first four months were cyber-related, with phishing and scam calls topping the list. Sports Infrastructure: Work has started on renovating Bishkek’s Academy of Physical Culture and Sports, including a long-closed swimming pool. Youth & Environment: A China–Kyrgyz youth initiative launched “Defenders of the Panda and Snow Leopard” to boost wildlife conservation awareness. Local Governance & Public Life: Bishkek’s CIS Forum of Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia begins June 9, focusing on culture, science, education and youth policy.

Cyber Safety: Kyrgyzstan logged 4,391 crimes in the first four months, with 1,711 tied to the cyber domain—officials warn scams are increasingly remote, from phishing fake bank sites to “safe account” calls and messaging-app fraud. Language & Schools: Education Minister Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva hit back after criticism over Kyrgyz-language remarks, saying over half of students struggle with basic reading and comprehension and warning the language could face extinction without improvement. Film & Culture: Bishkek kicks off the IV Bishkek International Film Festival, with a Mongolian Film Week running June 9–12 at Ala-Too cinema, featuring titles like “Horizon,” “Driver from the Silent City,” and “City of Winds.” Sports Infrastructure: Construction has started on the Academy of Physical Culture and Sports complex in Bishkek, including plans to restore a long-closed swimming pool. Heritage Discovery: Underwater archaeologists in Lake Issyk-Kul have uncovered remains of a submerged medieval Silk Road trading center, including roads, public buildings, and a Muslim cemetery. Preschool Access: The electronic kindergarten queue has moved to balalyk.edu.gov.kg, and a new preferential lending program for preschool development has been approved.

Education Infrastructure in Bishkek: The Ministry of Construction is building two new educational buildings for the Kyrgyz National University of Culture and Arts (named after Bubusara Beishenaliev) next to the main campus on Jantoshova Street, with engineering networks already laid to the third floor and work continuing on reinforced concrete and facade finishing. Language & School Policy: Education Minister Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva hit back at criticism over the Kyrgyz language in schools, warning that over half of students don’t reach basic reading and comprehension levels, while pointing to bilingual programs and the ongoing shift toward a 12-year education system. Preschool Access Gets a Digital Overhaul: Kyrgyzstan’s electronic kindergarten queue has moved to a new portal (balalyk.edu.gov.kg), with data transferred from the old site and parents able to track queue status; the ministry also approved preferential lending for preschool development and said preferential categories for enrollment are being removed to keep access equal through the unified queue. Culture & Community: A memorial plaque was installed in Bishkek for Karybek Moldobaev, founder of the Kyrgyz-Turkish University “Manas,” and Bishkek’s film calendar continues with a Mongolian Film Week (June 9–12) during the IV Bishkek International Film Festival. Local Heritage Under Pressure: Bishkek’s Mineral Museum faces eviction by July 1, with thousands of exhibits at risk of being packed and moved to an unknown location. Regional Security Talks (SCO): At an SCO meeting in Bishkek, Pakistan’s interior minister signed agreements with Russia to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, while discussions with Tajikistan focused on terrorist camps and narcotics production in Afghanistan.

Memorial & Education: A memorial plaque was installed in Bishkek for Karybek Moldobaev, the first rector of the Kyrgyz-Turkish University “Manas,” honoring his role in shaping the capital’s education and research landscape. Culture & Heritage: Bishkek’s Mineral Museum faces eviction by July 1, with thousands of mineral and rock exhibits at risk of being packed and moved to an unknown location. Education Access: Kyrgyzstan’s electronic kindergarten queue has moved to a new portal (balalyk.edu.gov.kg), and preferential categories for enrollment are being canceled to keep admissions equal through the unified system. Tech & Youth: Bishkek hosted the SCO Youth Digital Forum and KIT Forum 2026 under “AI for All,” drawing about 3,000 participants and major IT players. Local Life: In Batken’s Kara-Bak, residents raised land, housing, water, transport, medical, and education issues with the presidential representative, who tasked officials to respond. International Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan was elected to the UN Security Council for the first time, defeating the Philippines in a tight vote.

Education & Culture in Bishkek: The nearly 90-year-old Muratala Kureneev Music College is getting a new home after officials raised concerns about the old building’s foundation; construction is already underway, with the first part finished on Moskovskaya Street and work progressing on Panfilov Street. Museum on the Move: Bishkek’s Mineral Museum—Central Asia’s largest and only one of its kind—must vacate its building by July 1, with thousands of mineral and rock exhibits facing an uncertain future. Local Governance & Daily Life: The Old Square (T. Usubaliev Square) in Bishkek will be closed to motor vehicles from late June 5 to early June 8 for a cultural event, with drivers urged to plan detours. Preschool Access: Kyrgyzstan’s electronic kindergarten queue has moved to a new portal (balalyk.edu.gov.kg), and the Ministry of Education says preferential enrollment categories are being removed so all children enter through the same system. Tech & Youth: Bishkek hosts the SCO Youth Digital Forum and KIT Forum 2026 under “AI for All,” bringing about 3,000 participants together. Arts Calendar: This week’s Bishkek lineup includes opera “Eugene Onegin,” puppet and musical performances, plus ongoing fine arts exhibitions. International Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan has been elected to the UN Security Council for the first time in its history, beating the Philippines in a close vote. Regional Security: At an SCO meeting in Bishkek, Pakistan’s interior minister signed agreements with Russia to tackle illegal immigration and drug trafficking, with talks also covering Afghanistan-linked security threats.

SCO Security Talks in Bishkek: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed agreements with Russia’s Vladimir Kolokoltsev to curb illegal immigration, speed repatriation of citizens, and step up joint action against narcotics trafficking and drug-related crime. Naqvi also met counterparts from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, with Afghanistan’s terrorist camps and rising drug production a key concern. Preschool Access Update: Kyrgyzstan moved its electronic kindergarten queue to a new portal, balalyk.edu.gov.kg (with Tündük app support), aiming to boost transparency and cut corruption risks. The Ministry of Education also approved preferential lending for preschool development and clarified that preferential enrollment categories are being removed, with priority handled only through the unified queue. Culture & City Life: Bishkek’s Old Square is temporarily closed to traffic for a cultural event, and the Week of Mongolian Cinema runs June 9–12. Local Concerns in Batken: The presidential representative in Batken met Kara-Bak residents, hearing issues from land and housing disputes to water, transport, medical services, and kindergarten shortages. Education & Values: At KNU, a discussion focused on preserving historical memory to support interethnic harmony and patriotism education.

Preschool Access Update: Kyrgyzstan’s electronic kindergarten queue has moved to a new portal, balalyk.edu.gov.kg (with Tündük app support), and old queue data was transferred to keep children’s places intact. Education Policy Shift: The Ministry of Education says preferential categories for electronic enrollment are being canceled to match the law’s non-discrimination rules—priority now runs only through the unified queue. Funding for Kindergartens: A new government-approved preferential lending project backs private entrepreneurs to build, repair, or equip preschool institutions. Digital & Youth Tech: Bishkek hosted the SCO Youth Digital Forum and KIT Forum 2026, with “AI for All” as the theme and about 3,000 participants. Culture Calendar: Bishkek’s June lineup includes “Eugene Onegin” at the Opera and Ballet Theater, puppet and musical performances, plus several museum exhibitions. Chess Goes National: President Japarov signed a 2026–2030 decree making chess a state social-policy priority, including “Chess in Schools” clubs in 500 schools. UN Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan won a UN Security Council seat for 2027–2028 for the first time, beating the Philippines in a tight vote. Youth in Osh: A new Youth Center opened in Osh to train young people and connect them with local authorities, supported by UNDP and Russia. Rights & Identity Debate: Parliament adopted a first-reading bill banning legal and medical gender change.

UN Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan won its first-ever non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, beating the Philippines in a four-round vote (141–49), while Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe also secured places. Education & Youth: President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree launching interregional student mobility from September 2027, aiming to balance budget quota places between south and north with stipends and domestic air travel, plus plans for new dorms. Health & Universities: Kyrgyzstan’s Health Ministry reported results of state accreditation for medical schools: 34 institutions train medical staff, but several (including Avicenna International Medical University and ADAM University) did not pass. Culture in Bishkek: Old Bishkek unveiled a new mural panel honoring Kyrgyzstan’s founders of modern statehood, adding a fresh stop for culture lovers. City Life: Bishkek electric scooter operators agreed to cap speeds at 15 km/h as authorities push for safer streets. Sports Policy: Japarov signed a 2026–2030 decree to expand chess in schools and create a national training system. Culture Exchange: Turkish Cinema Days opened in Bishkek and run until June 7.

UN Diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan won its first-ever non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–2028, beating the Philippines in a multi-round vote (141 vs 49), with the term starting Jan. 1, 2027. Youth & Community: A new Youth Center opened in Osh to train young people, support initiatives, and connect them with local authorities, backed by Osh city funds, UNDP, and Russia. Education Watch: Bishkek has started state final certification for 9th and 11th graders in municipal schools, with the city stressing transparency and compliance with rules. Family & Rights Policy: The Jogorku Kenesh approved a bill banning legal and medical gender change in Kyrgyzstan, aiming to close gaps in civil status records. Urban Lifestyle & Safety: Bishkek is pushing electric scooter speed limits down to 15 km/h, with major rental operators already agreeing, while activists warn parks and green spaces are shrinking due to construction. Health & Training: The Kyrgyz Health Ministry reported results of state accreditation for medical education institutions, with some major academies not passing.

UN Diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan has won a UN Security Council seat for 2027–28, beating the Philippines in a runoff and returning to the Council for the first time since independence. Youth & Community: A new youth center opened in Osh to train young people, support initiatives, and connect them with local government, backed by Osh authorities, UNDP, and Russia. Culture & Events: Bishkek is set to host EU Fest 2026, a free, interactive “Journey Across Europe” festival with pavilions, workshops, and performances. Education Watch: Bishkek has started state exams for 9th and 11th graders, while the wider system faces a shortage of over 640 teachers—especially in Russian-speaking schools—alongside major professional development for 40,000+ educators. City Life & Safety: Bishkek’s city hall and scooter operators are pushing to cap electric scooter speeds at 15 km/h, with a possible full ban looming if accidents keep rising. Religion & Rights: Rights groups report Kyrgyz secret police deported and banned a jailed pastor after torture allegations, while authorities also warn that unregistered religious camps and courses can bring penalties.

Education & Staffing: Kyrgyzstan says it will be short of more than 640 teachers by the end of the 2025/26 school year, with the biggest gaps in Russian-speaking schools; the ministry also reports over 40,000 teachers have already completed professional development, and salary increases are planned from April 1, 2026. Bishkek Exams: State final certification for 9th and 11th graders has started in municipal schools, with the city stressing transparency and compliance with rules. City Life & Safety: Bishkek is pushing electric scooter operators to cap speeds at 15 km/h, warning that a full ban could follow if accidents rise; major rental firms already agreed to limit speeds. Culture & Community: EU Fest 2026 lands in Bishkek on June 6 with free, interactive “Journey Across Europe” activities, performances, and an “EU Fest Passport” quest. Urban Ecology: Residents and activists fear Bishkek’s parks and green spaces could keep shrinking as construction and roadworks expand, pointing to changes at Fuchik Park and the Botanical Garden. Rights Watch: Kyrgyz secret police deported and banned a tortured pastor, Rev. Pavel Shreider, prompting renewed calls for an independent investigation. Tech & Learning: AI content is booming on Kyrgyz social media, and local courses are teaching practical tools for generating media and solving business tasks.

Education & Exams: State final certification for 9th and 11th graders has started in Bishkek municipal schools, with the city hall stressing transparency and compliance with the Ministry’s schedule. Teacher Shortage: Kyrgyzstan faces a shortfall of over 640 teachers by the end of the 2025/26 academic year, with the biggest gaps in Russian-speaking schools; salary increases from April 1, 2026 are meant to help attract staff. Urban Mobility Safety: Bishkek’s scooter operators (including Yandex, ToGo, Sun Rent) have agreed to cap rental electric scooters at 15 km/h as the city considers stricter rules and warns a full ban could follow if accidents rise. AI in Everyday Life: Social media in Kyrgyzstan is seeing a surge of AI-made content, alongside fast-growing demand for AI training courses. Culture & Community: Karakol marked International Children’s Day with a parade, performances, and appearances by entertainers. Religion & Rights: Rights groups report Kyrgyz secret police deported and banned a jailed pastor, Rev. Pavel Shreider, after torture allegations. Summer Rules: The State Commission for Religious Affairs warns that religious camps and courses must be registered and permitted, or organizers face penalties.

Bishkek Urban Life: Residents and activists are worried that parks and green spaces in the capital could keep shrinking as roads and construction expand—Fuchik Park is cited as a clear example of how a once-large green area was turned into a small square. Education Watch: State final certification for 9th and 11th graders has started in Bishkek municipal schools, with the city saying exams will follow the ministry schedule and rules. School Reform: The Ministry of Education is discussing a shift to a 6+3+3 school structure as part of the 12-year education transition, changing primary, basic, and secondary timelines. Mobility Safety: Bishkek is pushing scooter vendors to limit speeds to 15 km/h, warning that a full ban could follow if accidents rise. AI in Everyday Life: Neural networks are booming on Kyrgyz social media, with paid courses promising fast, practice-first training for creating content and solving business tasks. Culture & Tastes: The II National Sommelier Competition is set for June 3–4 in Bishkek, bringing together regional hospitality talent for training, blind tasting, and service judging. Religious Freedom: Rights groups and the Human Rights Association are urging the release of imprisoned pastor Pavel Shreider, alleging torture and calling for an end to criminalization tied to unregistered religious communities. Summer Rights Reminder: The State Commission for Religious Affairs warns that summer religious camps and courses must be registered and permitted, or organizers face liability. Kids & Society: Karakol marked International Children’s Day with a parade, performances, and entertainment for families. Youth & Skills: Kyrgyz State Technical University students won second place at the “Anticounterfeit-M” forum in Astana, focusing on intellectual property and digital copyright issues. Children’s Support: The state children’s deposit “Kelechekke Salym” has opened for 3,524 orphans and children without parental care.

Teacher Training: Over 40,000 Kyrgyz teachers completed professional development courses as the country moves toward a 12-year education model, with offline sessions, mentoring, and even international online training. Education Reform: The Ministry of Education is discussing a new school structure—6 years primary, 3 years basic, 3 years secondary—and even flexibility on the school week, as the 12-year transition continues. Children’s Day in Karakol: Karakol marked International Children’s Day with a parade, performances, free treats, and appearances by local officials and pop artist Amirchik. Religious Freedom Under Pressure: Rights groups report Kyrgyz secret police deported and banned a tortured Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Rev. Pavel Shreider, while the Human Rights Association demands his release and an investigation into alleged abuse. Bishkek Eid & City Life: Kurban Eid prayers drew tens of thousands in Bishkek and Osh, while Bishkek also tightened rules on electric scooters and discussed new fines for under-18 rentals. Youth & Culture: Kyrgyz students won second place at an international “Anticounterfeit-M” forum in Astana, and Kyrgyz cinema continues to spotlight everyday lives beyond the usual mountain-and-nomad images.