OSCE Academy in Bishkek

The OSCE Academy in Bishkek came out as a product of partnership between the OSCE and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. In 2002 the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formalized the creation of the Academy as a regional centre of of postgraduate education and a forum for regional security dialogue and research. In 2004 the Academy launched its flagship programme, Masters programme in Political Science with focus on Central Asia. The programme was designed to serve the young generation of intellectuals from the whole region, and thus efforts have been taken to ensure balanced representation of each Central Asian state. In line with international efforts to assist political transition in Afghanistan, the Academy started accepting students from Afghanistan from 2008. In 2011 the second graduate programme was launched, MA in Economic Governance and Development. This came a result of the Academy's efforts to maximize its contribution to developing human professional capital in the sectors of particular importance for Central Asian states and societies. This multidisciplinary programme has been attracting students from various fields and with various background, but with common committment to contribute to economic development, governance and policy-making in Central Asia. Starting 2010 the Academy has successfully collaborated with the ministries of foreign affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan in arranging three-month long internships for selected alumni of the Academy in the respective MFAs. In July 2013 the Academy and the Kyrgyzstan MFA extended the agreement.