web-UCA-QNews-Vol2-No4-Eng

SPECIAL ISSUE: UCA CHANCELLOR VISITS KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
UCA NEWS | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 | Vol 2 No 4

UCA NEWS | OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2014
2
Contents
The First Word.........................................................................................................................3
UCA CHANCELLOR VISITS KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
Aga Khan Reviews Progress in Kyrgyz Republic....................................................................4
His Highness the Aga Khan Meets Kyrgyz Leaders................................................................5
UCA Chancellor Visits Naryn Campus....................................................................................6
CONSTRUCTION
Building it Differently................................................................................................................8
NEWS
Cities of the Dead Highlight Living History............................................................................10
Spotlight on Kyrgyz Family Farmers.....................................................................................11
Turkic Kurgan Found at Naryn Campus................................................................................12
Walk Together, Walk Far........................................................................................................13
ON LOCATION
UCA Chancellor Engages Partners and Stakeholders Across the Kyrgyz Republic ............14
PEOPLE
From the Ground Up.............................................................................................................16
RESEARCH AND LEARNING
Kumtor Study Offers Evidence and Projections....................................................................18
Geographic Information Systems Laboratory Opens............................................................19
Afghan Civil Servants Begin Policy Analysis Programme.....................................................20
Fellowship Offers Research for Development Training and Mentors....................................22
Partnerships to Increase Access to Technology....................................................................24
LAST PAGE
News Bites............................................................................................................................26
UCA Public Lecture Series....................................................................................................27
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakh-
stan and His Highness the Aga Khan signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private Univer-
sity, which was ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. UCA was established to offer
an internationally recognised standard of higher education in Central Asia and prepare graduates to contribute leadership,
ideas and innovation to the economies and communities of the region. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership
of the Aga Khan Development Network.
Cover photo:
Main photo: UCA Chancellor His Highness the Aga Khan reviews progress at the Naryn campus site.
Bottom left: His Highness the Aga Khan meets with Kyrgyz President His Excellency Almazbek
Atambayev. Bottom centre: His Highness the Aga Khan meets with Kyrgyz Speaker of Parliament
Asylbek Jeenbekov. Bottom right: Kyrgyz Prime Minister Joomart Otorbayev welcomes His Highness
the Aga Khan to the White House.

3
With the countdown to the opening of our first campus underway, the Uni-
versity of CentralAsia (UCA) welcomed its Chancellor, His Highness the
Aga Khan, to the Kyrgyz Republic in November 2014.
This issue features highlights of that visit, including a dynamic photo spread
of the Chancellor’s trip to the Naryn campus site, his visit to the School of
Professional and Continuing Education and meetings with Kyrgyz leaders. It
also features a behind-the-scenes look at UCA’s construction approach.
2014 also saw the launch of targeted programmes at UCAto increase evi-
dence-based policy making and applied research skills to address critical is-
sues in CentralAsia. By the end of the year, these programmes were already
bearing fruit. Learn how in first-hand accounts by anAfghan participant in
the rigorous Certificate Programme in PolicyAnalysis, and three recipients
of UCA’s CentralAsia andAfghanistan Research Fellowship.Afrank con-
versation with UCA’s Executive Chairman Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha sheds
light on what it takes to build a regional university.
The Institute of Public Policy andAdministration released findings of the
first evidence-based study on the current and projected socio-economic
impact of the Kumtor gold mine in the Kyrgyz Republic. Learn more about
the methodology and findings of this innovative study.
Learning from the past, we uncover recent findings at the Naryn campus site
archaeological dig and review a stunning new book on historic Kyrgyz cem-
eteries. Moving to the future, we feature UCA’s state-of-the-art Geographic
Information Systems lab and emerging partnerships to increase access to
new technology in remote villages.
Please note our new name, UCA News, and look for other exciting
changes in the magazine over the next few months.
Nisar Keshvani
Head of Communications and Marketing
nisar.keshvani@ucentralasia.org
The First Word
UCA News is the quarterly magazine of the University of Central Asia.
The stories featured in this publication are copyrighted to the University
of Central Asia. For permission to re-publish UCA News stories or
request high resolution images, please contact: Nisar Keshvani, Head of
Communications and Marketing: communications@ucentralasia.org
Editorial Team:
Managing Editor: Nisar Keshvani
Editor: Sia Nowrojee
Copy Editor: Shirin Nanjee
Writers: Kimberley Fortin, Sia Nowrojee, Ian Brown, Aline Rosset,
Alma Uzbekova, Gulazor Gulmamadova
Design and Photography: Mikhail Romanyuk
Case Method Links Learning to
Real World Situations
UCA Celebrates First CPPA
Graduates
UCA Launches Academic
Enrichment Summer Camp
Financial Literacy Training for
Youth during Global Money
Week
and more...
In our next issue:

UCA CHANCELLOR VISITS KYRGYZ REPUBLIC4
On 2 November 2014, University of Central
Asia (UCA) Chancellor, His Highness the
Aga Khan arrived in Bishkek, capital of the
Kyrgyz Republic, for a four day visit.
UCA was founded in 2000 through an interna-
tional treaty and charter signed by the Presi-
dents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and
Kazakhstan and the Aga Khan, ratified by the
Aga Khan Reviews Progress in Kyrgyz Republic
His Highness the Aga Khan received by former
Minister of Education Mr Kanat Sadykov and
Head of AKDN Representation in the Kyrgyz
Republic, Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha.
His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili
Muslims and Founder and Chairman of AKDN. In Islam’s ethical tradition, religious leaders not
only interpret the faith but also have a responsibility to help improve the quality of life in their
community and in the societies amongst which they live. For His Highness the Aga Khan, this has
meant a deep engagement with development for over 50 years through AKDN agencies.
parliaments of the Founding States and reg-
istered with the United Nations. UCA is the
first internationally chartered university in the
world. A regional university, UCA is advancing
construction of three residential campuses in
Khorog, Tajikistan; Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic;
and Tekeli, Kazakhstan. The University brings
with it the commitment and partnership of the
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The Aga Khan was in the Kyrgyz Republic to re-
view, and brief government partners on, progress
of AKDN initiatives, including the construc-
tion of UCA’s Naryn campus in advance of the
University’s opening in 2016. During the visit, he
engaged with government and diplomatic part-
ners, UCA staff and students and the media.
“UCA benefits from being part of the Aga Khan
Development Network, enabling us to draw on
the Network’s experience of developing the
Aga Khan University, now operational in
several countries of Asia and Africa and in the
United Kingdom” said Mr Shamsh Kassim-
Lakha, Head of AKDN Representation in the
Kyrgyz Republic.
East Asia
Australia
China
Malaysia
New Zealand
Singapore
Europe
France
Germany
Portugal
Russia
Switzerland
United Kingdom
West Africa
Burkina Faso
Côte d’Ivoire
Mali
Senegal
Middle East
Bahrain
Egypt
Iran
Jordan
Syria
UAE
Central & Eastern Africa
Burundi
DRC
Kenya
Madagascar
Mozambique
Rwanda
Tanzania
Uganda
South Asia
Bangladesh
India
Pakistan
Central Asia
Afghanistan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyz Republic
Tajikistan
North America
Canada
USA
Active in over 25 countries
60,000 employees
The Aga Khan Development Network
AKDN is a group of private, non-denominational
development agencies working to empower
communities and individuals to improve living
conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-
Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia and the
Middle East. The Network’s ten development
agencies focus on social, cultural and economic
development for all citizens, regardless of gender,
origin or religion. The Network’s engagement
has ranged from early childhood development
to university and adult education, from micro-
credit to banking and financial services, from
supporting tradition-bearers in music and oral recitation to building capacity of civil society institutions,
and from tourism to infrastructure development. Its annual budget for social development is US$600
million. In Kyrgyz Republic, close to 1,420 people, most of whom are local citizens, are directly employed
by AKDN and its agencies.

5
In a series of high-level meetings in Bishkek
on 4 November 2014, His Highness the Aga
Khan met with the Kyrgyz President His Excel-
lency Mr Almazbek Atambayev, Speaker of the
Parliament Mr Asylbek Sharypovich Jeenbekov,
Prime Minister Mr Djoomart Otorbaev and for-
mer Minister of Education Mr Kanat Sadykov to
discuss cooperation between the Government of
the Kyrgyz Republic and the Aga Khan Devel-
opment Network (AKDN).
During his meeting with the Aga Khan, Presi-
dent Atambayev underlined the importance of
AKDN activities for the country’s socio-eco-
nomic development. While meeting with Prime
Minister Otorbaev, the Aga Khan thanked the
Kyrgyz government for an active and effective
collaboration and noted that AKDN and the
Kyrgyz government have built a powerful foun-
dation for development of the partnership.
“The Aga Khan Development Network’s activi-
ties in Kyrgyzstan represent a unique model that
blends together various approaches, with one of
the most important area of activities being sup-
His Highness the Aga Khan Meets Kyrgyz Leaders
port to the development of mountain regions,”
responded Prime Minister Otorbaev.
Speaker Jeenbekov praised the successful im-
plementation of AKDN projects, emphasising
their role in the resolution of socio-economic
problems and the improvement of living stand-
ards of communities in mountain areas. The
Aga Khan expressed readiness to continue to
implement education projects in mountainous
regions of the country.
The Speaker also stressed the importance of the
construction of the University of Central Asia
in Naryn. Expressing hope that the University
will become a flagship of the country’s educa-
tion system, he said, “Implementation of this
project will lead to comprehensive infrastruc-
tural changes in the region.” The Aga Khan
responded that development of Naryn town’s
infrastructure and rehabilitation of the local
airport were discussed.
“We are interested in continuing implementation
of our projects and will continue to work in such
areas as education, health care, microfinance,
insurance, culture, tourism, banking, small busi-
ness and infrastructure development,” said the
Aga Khan, emphasising the effective public-pri-
vate partnership between AKDN and the Kyrgyz
government.
AKDN has been working in economic, social
and cultural development in the Kyrgyz Repub-
lic since 2000. AKDN operates the Aga Khan
School in Osh, the Aga Khan Music Initiative,
the First Microcredit Company, the Kyrgyz
Investment and Credit Bank (KICB), Jubilee In-
surance Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan Founda-
tion which works in Osh and Naryn in the fields
of rural development, early childhood develop-
ment, health, education and disaster reduction.
The Aga Khan meets with His Excellency
Almazbek Atambayev, President of the
Kyrgyz Republic.
“The Aga Khan Development Network’s activities in Kyrgyzstan
represent a unique model that blends together various
approaches, with one of the most important area of activities
being support to the development of mountain regions.”
- Prime Minister Otorbaev

UCA CHANCELLOR VISITS KYRGYZ REPUBLIC6
Naryn Phase I Facilities Taking Shape
UCA Chancellor Visits Naryn Campus
On 3 November 2014, UCA Chancellor, His
Highness the Aga Khan, visited UCA’s Naryn
campus to review construction progress. The
first of the University’s three undergraduate
campuses in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan
and Kazakhstan, the campus is located on the
banks of the Naryn River on 252 hectares of
land provided by the Kyrgyz Government.
The Chancellor was accompanied by former
Kyrgyz Minister for Education Mr Kanat Sad-
ykov, Naryn Governor Mr Amanbai Kaiypov,
Mayor Mr Rakhat Adiyev, the Akim of the
Naryn rayon Mr Zhanboev Tugolbai and UCA
leadership.
The delegation toured the first phase of con-
struction of the Naryn campus, which includes
an academic block, residential dormitories for
150 students and international standard sports
facilities. The master plan and concept design
for the campus were conceived by award-
winning architecture firm Arata Isozaki &
Associates.
“I am pleased that UCA’s Naryn campus will be the first to admit students,
starting in 2016. They will benefit from a unique curriculum developed in
partnership with world-renowned universities.”
-His Highness the Aga Khan
The Chancellor in discussion with members of the construction team.

7
Architectural Drawing of Phase 1 Naryn Campus Facilities
Campus Scheduled to Open in 2016
His Highness the Aga Khan was pleased that
construction is on schedule and that the first un-
dergraduate class of students will be enrolled in
September 2016. Students will be admitted on a
merit basis regardless of their ability to pay.
“We live in a knowledge society today where
access to good quality education and research
leads to sustainable development. It is our as-
piration that the University of Central Asia will
offer teaching and research on the challenges
and prospects of the mountainous areas of Cen-
tral Asia and the twenty to thirty million people
who inhabit them,” explained the Aga Khan.
“I am pleased that UCA’s Naryn campus will be
the first to admit students, starting in 2016. They
will benefit from a unique curriculum developed
in partnership with world-renowned universi-
ties, as well as some of the best academic and
residential facilities in the region.” he added.
UCA’s five year undergraduate programme will
include preparatory, cross-disciplinary, core
and prerequisite courses, as well as the choice
of six specialisations or majors.
Each of the three campuses will offer two
majors, from among Computer Science, Eco-
nomics, Communications and Media, Earth and
Environmental Sciences, Business and Manage-
ment and Engineering Sciences. Students will
also study for a minor in Central Asian Studies,
Development Studies or Globalisation Studies.
The Chancellor and his delegation also visited
UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing
Education in Naryn town, which offers 35 pro-
grammes in eight areas of study and is a leading
educational publisher in the region. Since 2006,
SPCE has reached over 19,000 learners in the
Kyrgyz Republic and over 74,000 learners in the
region.
3-D rendering of campus facilities, including classrooms with breakout spaces and white boards (left)
and the library (right).

Construction8
Building it Differently
UCA is advancing construction of its three residential campuses at high altitude sites in Naryn, Kyrgyz
Republic; Khorog, Tajikistan; and Tekeli, Kazakhstan. The location and topography of the campus
sites pose particular challenges to this ambitious endeavor, as do capacity deficits in the region. In
response, the University has developed a centralised, phased construction strategy that harnesses the
talent of award-winning designers, an experienced multi-national construction management team and
specialised regional and local contractors to maximise construction efforts and outcomes.
World Class Design, Local Implementation
Renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and his
firm, Isozaki, Aoki & Associates (IAA) developed
the design for UCA’s three campuses under the
University’s initial single phase construction plan.
Following a shift to multi-phase construction, IAA
acts as the oversight architect, to ensure that Isoza-
ki’s original vision is retained, but is not involved
in the day-to-day aspects of detailed design.
AECOM was appointed as the Phase I executive
designer and lead consultant for the development
of the Naryn campus design. Working together
with architectural specialist Gensler (London) and
delivery specialist Dizajn Arhitektura (DA), the
AECOM executive design team was responsible
for the delivery of the design and all necessary
permitting. At the Khorog campus, Gensler was
retained as the phase I executive designer and lead
consultant. Working with DA as their delivery
partner and Tajik company Saniiosp, the Gensler
executive design team is responsible for the deliv-
ery of the design and all necessary permits.
The design process is managed directly by UCA to
maintain quality, monitor progress, ensure com-
pleteness, facilitate value engineering sessions
and monitor construction costs based on design
information.
Centralised Procurement, Widespread Benefits
Most construction projects in Central Asia rely
on general contracting procurement, engaging
one contractor who manages the entire construc-
tion process. UCA has opted for in-house agency
construction management (ACM), in which the
University’s management team engages and directly
manages several contractors handling specific work
packages. Each work package has its own scope of
work, cost estimate, procurement method, construc-
tion programme and package manager. The process
includes site set-up to create an enhanced work
site with equipment in place in order to maximise
resources and outputs (see box on Enhanced Work
Sites) and avoid the carbon footprint of transporting
materials to remote campus sites.
ACM also allows for greater control over con-
struction programming. To facilitate optimal win-
Left: Architectural drawing of UCA’s Khorog campus
Right: Aerial view of Khorog campus site prior to Phase I construction.

Construction
9
ter working conditions and year-round operations,
UCA construction commences during the spring
in order to complete the sub and super structure
package, as well as all envelope packages, such as
the roof, façade and external doors and windows,
to create a weather-tight structure by winter. This
allows internal works packages to continue during
the winter at maximum efficiency.
ACM can be more complex than general contract-
ing. However, it maximises in-house control and
is the best option for mitigating risk. ACM also al-
lows for flexibility in the appointment of contrac-
tors, which in turn can maximise local economic
impact, while offering greater control over cash
flow and design changes during construction.
Finally, ACM also helps to safeguard the health
and safety of construction workers through direct
contracting with UCA, instead of an intermediary
general contractor who may have less stringent
health and safety policies.
Phased Construction, Maximised Resources
UCA facilities are being built using a phased
approach which allows initial phases to oper-
ate independently. A phasing strategy has been
developed that minimises the need for retrofitting
as the campus grows, minimises disruption, and
allows for the expansion of existing utilities and
infrastructure as new phases are added.
UCA’s phased construction process also allows
greater control and maximum flexibility during
the university’s period of establishment.
Phased construction allows the university to react
to the market’s response to UCA during initial
phases, allowing any modifications to be incor-
porated into subsequent phases to ensure that
the university’s growth is aligned with market
demand and direction.
Economic Impact of UCA Construction
Enhanced Work Sites
• 24-hour security, perimeter fencing and
lighting.
• In-house Health and Safety Consultant en-
sures adherence to international standards.
• Welfare facility with sanitary, changing, site
induction, medical and dining facilities.
• UCA site office areas and contractor office
compound.
• Storage areas for contractors.
• Electrical, water, sewerage and internet con-
nections to site and contractor offices.
• Floodlighting to facilitate construction and
enhance security.
• On-site concrete batching plant, moved be-
tween campus sites as needed.
• UCA-owned equipment available for use by
contractors.
• Free issue sand and stone.
50% local
Over 1000 workers,
over 300 per campus
100% local force
on preparatory work
$750
million
Expected economic
impact of Phase I
(all campuses)40% to local
contractors
20-30
work
packages

News10
Death is rarely thought of as a beautiful thing.
However, when photographer Margaret Morton
travelled through Kyrgyzstan, she became cap-
tivated by the beauty and majesty of the unique
cemeteries she encountered.
Through her lens, Morton captured how a Kyr-
gyz cemetery represents the diverse influences
on this seemingly remote region. Elaborate
Kyrgyz tombs and minarets combine earlier
nomadic structures with Muslim architectural
forms, creating miniature Shangri-Las dotting
the hillsides around the country. During the
Soviet period, enamel portraits of the deceased
added another dimension. In contrast to these
elaborate adornments, the cemeteries are over-
grown with weeds, since maintaining graves is
not a Kyrgyz custom.
The result of Morton’s fascination is Cities of the
Dead: The Ancestral Cemeteries of Kyrgyzstan,
the first photographic documentation of Muslim
cemeteries in Central Asia, with text by Professor
Nasser Rabbat, Dr Elmira Köchümkulova and
Altyn Kapalova. It was published by University
of Washington Press, with support from The
Christensen Fund.
UCA supported Morton’s travel across Kyr-
gyzstan when she was photographing the cem-
eteries. UCA’s Cultural Heritage and Humanities
Unit, and its Cultural Heritage Book Series, are
preserving cultural knowledge in partnership
Cities of the Dead Highlight Living History
with other stakeholders, while generating new
dialogues on identity in Central Asia. The Unit is
led by anthropologist Köchümkulova, who col-
laborated with Morton during her field work and
contributed to the book.
“Morton’s photographs provide evidence of how
culture is a living, evolving concept,” explained
Köchümkulova, “They are an invaluable record
of the co-existence of multiple cultures, including
nomadic, Muslim and Soviet, and the construc-
tion of complex identities over time.”
“Köchümkulova accompanied me to several
cemeteries and our on-site exchanges greatly
enriched the project,” responded Morton, “Her
introduction provides readers with a deeper
understanding of nomadic traditions and Kyrgyz
funeral customs and the complex cultural refer-
ences visible in the photographs.”
In the last 20 years, with the growing influence
of fundamentalist Islam, there has been growing
tension about building tombs since Islam discour-
ages tombstones or decorative markers.
“As our region wrestles with contemporary
cultural identities, it will be difficult to predict
what the architectural style of Kyrgyz cemeteries
will be 20 years from now,” said Köchümkulova,
“Newer graves are starker. This book provides
a valuable record of an unexpected archive of
Kyrgyz cultural history.”
Cities of the Dead: The Ancestral Cemeteries of Kyrgyzstan
by Margaret W. Morton, Professor at The Cooper Union and author of four
other photography books exploring alternative built environments.
With contributions by Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Programme for Islamic
Architecture and author of 80 scholarly articles and book sections, Dr Elmira
Köchümkulova, University of Central Asia and co-author of the forthcom-
ing book Kyrgyz Herders of Soviet Uzbekistan: Historical and Ethnographic
Narratives and Altyn Kapalova, University of Central Asia.
Published by University of Washington Press (2014) with support from
University of Central Asia and The Christensen Fund
The book can be purchased from University of Central Asia’s Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit. For more
information, please contact publications@ucentralasia.org.
Available in Central Asia for $20.

News
11
International Mountain Day poster features the Amanov family
With over 365,000 family farmers in Kyrgyzstan,
the International Mountain Day (IMD) 2014 theme
Farming in Mountains, Farming for Families reso-
nated strongly in the mountainous country. High alti-
tude Kyrgyz farmersAsylkan and SaparbekAmanov
were selected to be the Global Face of IMD 2014 by
the Food andAgriculture Organisation (FAO).
“We are honoured our work towards food security
was acknowledged and we can be role models for
other mountain farmers. Farming is challenging at
high altitudes. We need to love and respect our land,
even in harsh environments,” said Asylkan Amano-
va, who moved from the fertile Fergana valley to
the Naryn highlands after getting married.
Amanova and other members of the Agency of
Development Initiatives self-help network shared
experiences at the annual IMD celebration on 11
December, hosted by the Central Asia Mountain
Hub (CAMH) at UCA in Bishkek.
Keynote speaker, Omurbek Mambetov of FAO,
presented on the Kyrgyz seed sector and food
security, indicating progress towards a new state
seed security policy developed by the Ministry of
Agriculture with FAO.
Apanel discussion followed, featuring theAmanovs
and farmers Kushbek Beishenkulov and Izat Mashi-
rapova of Naryn and Osh oblasts; Mr IskenderAid-
araliev, Head of the Federation of Organic Movement
Bio-Kg; and biodiversity expert Dr Sarygulov Sultan.
Spotlight on Kyrgyz Family Farmers
“During Soviet times, there were dedicated
institutions working on crop selection based on
the environment. Now, we have to adapt to new
species and environments and conduct testing
ourselves,” observed Beishenkulov, who grew
different potatoes to ascertain which species pro-
duced higher yields.
Climate change and water were also discussed.
The event also featured a fair, highlighting best
sustainable mountain development practices, a
photo exhibition on mountain farmers and a mas-
ter class on window gardening.
IMD is observed to raise awareness about the
importance of mountains, highlight opportunities
and constraints in mountain development and build
partnerships to bring positive change to the world’s
mountains. In Central Asia, IMD is observed at
events organised by Mountain Partnership (MP)
members, supported by CAMH at UCA.
“We hope the event will provide food for thought
on improving the well-being of mountain people
and the protection of mountain environments,”
noted Elbegzaya Batjargal, CAMH Coordinator.
Supported by the SwissAgency for Development
and Cooperation, CAMH is a regional centre of com-
petence, which brings together stakeholders, includ-
ing members of the MP global alliance, to ground
the sustainable mountain development concept into
practice at regional, national and sub-national levels.

News12
Archaeologist Dr Kubat Tabaldyev speaks to the media about the Naryn findings.
The discovery of a Turkic kurgan or burial site,
complete with the skeletons of a human and a
horse, created excitement at the archaeological
site on UCA’s Naryn campus.
The site has long been of interest to archaeologists.
In 1953, archaeologist Ahmad Kabirov discov-
ered over 100 artefacts there, many of which were
destroyed. UCA was aware of the sites based on
studies by archaeologist Dr Kubat Tabaldyev. In
2012, the sites were carefully relocated under the
supervision of community leaders. During a seis-
mic study, older remains and petroglyphic draw-
ings were found. UCA approached Tabaldyev, now
at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, to lead an
archaeological survey of the area.
Over three years of exploration, Tabaldyev’s team
discovered internment sites, memorial fencing,
petroglyph drawings and artefacts spanning the
Stone, Bronze, early Iron and Middles Ages,
indicating continuous settlement by various com-
munities, including the Saka and the Mongols
and communities representing Andronovo, Chust
and Kulsai cultures.
In August 2014, with funding from the Omsk
Radio Factory and Novosibirsk State University,
Russian archaeologist Yuriy Sergeevich Khud-
yakov and his team joined Tabaldyev’s team to
study the site and develop a scientific report.
Turkic Kurgan Found at Naryn Campus
Khudyakov and colleagues found the kurgan,
which dates back to the 7th century. In addition
to the skeletons, a saddle, ornaments and iron
artefacts were found. The horse was carefully
placed on the southern side at the bottom of the
pit, separated from the person by a row of verti-
cal wooden bars and stones.
Other findings included graves and artefacts
dating to the Stone Age and organic residues
from the Mesolithic and Neolithic eras. Findings
point to settlement and wheat cultivation near
the Naryn River, indicating that the region used
to be warmer.
On 15 August 2014, Khudyakov, who is an
honorary foreign member of the National
Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Repub-
lic, presented his findings in the UCA Public
Lecture Series in Naryn. He highlighted the
historical significance of archaeology and ben-
efits for regional tourism.
“There are significant archaeological findings
directly related to the work at UCA. Countries
such as Italy, Spain and Turkey have had great
success using ancient monuments for scientific
tourism,” noted Khudyakov, “Kyrgyzstan at-
tracts tourists with its majestic landscapes, but
it also has valuable monuments reflecting the
migration routes of ancient peoples.”

News
13
Manager of Academic Affairs Nurbek Nisharapov (left) at the 2014 Talloires Network Leaders Conference.
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want
to walk far, walk together,” said Nurbek Nishara-
pov, of UCA’s School of Professional and Con-
tinuing Education (SPCE), recalling the African
proverb while discussing his recent visit to South
Africa to attend the 2014 Talloires Network
Leaders Conference (TNLC).
The Talloires Network is a growing global
coalition of universities that are committed to
strengthening the civic roles and social respon-
sibilities of higher education, representing over
300 universities across 72 countries, including
establishing partner Aga Khan University (AKU)
and newly joined UCA.
From 1 to 4 December 2014, 40 students from
around the world convened at the TNLC to facilitate
and enhance university-community partnerships,
provide a platform to share information and develop
avenues and priorities for collective action.
Nisharapov represented UCA at the TNLC as a
future undergraduate student. Also attending was
Founding Steering Committee Member of the
Talloires Network, Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha,
Executive Chairman of UCA’s Board Executive
Committee. He is the Founding President of AKU
and currently serves as Head of the Aga Khan
Development Network Diplomatic Representa-
tion in the Kyrgyz Republic.
“UCA’s mandate is to engage the communi-
ties around our three campus sites, in our host
Walk Together, Walk Far
countries and the region, as well as the global
community. Our academic programmes speak to
local needs and realities and our applied re-
search programmes generate data to strengthen
social and economic development,” said Kassim-
Lakha, “The Talloires Network provides a valu-
able forum for an upcoming university like UCA
to share experiences in civic engagement and
further our collective objectives.”
Conference sessions covered youth leadership and
employment, incentives for university civic en-
gagement, measuring the impact of existing activi-
ties, economic development and social inclusion.
Nisharapov, SPCE Manager of Academic Affairs,
presented UCA’s civic engagement initiatives in
Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan,
particularly its community-accessible, short-cycle
programmes. He highlighted SPCE’s Entrepre-
neurship Programme, which engages local entre-
preneurs to develop marketing, business commu-
nication and business plan development skills.
Following the conference, a new online site was
launched on social entrepreneurship to promote
collaboration and information sharing between
university ambassadors.
“Universities are important, but even more so when
we look at the big picture. They are not only intellec-
tual hubs, but contributors to long-term community
growth,” noted Nisharapov, “Being part of the Tal-
loires Network, UCA definitely plans to walk far.”

ON LOCATION14
ON LOCATION
UCA Chancellor Engages Partners and
During his four day visit to the Kyrgyz Republic,
UCA Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan,
engaged with the University’s many partners
and stakeholders around the country. In Bishkek,
he met with Kyrgyz government leaders, and
with diplomatic and development partners at a
reception hosted by UCA. In Naryn, he met with
provincial and local leaders, engaged with the
press, met with UCA construction managers and
interacted with students and staff at the School of
Professional and Continuing Education during a
tour of the facility.
With His Excellency President Almazbek
Atambayev at the Ala Archa Official State
Residence, just outside Bishkek.
Lively conversation with Minister of
Foreign Affairs Mr Erlan Abdyldayev.
Enjoying a moment with
former Minister of Education
Mr Kanat Sadykov.
With former President,
Her Excellency Ms Roza
Otunbayeva at the diplomatic
reception.
A warm greeting from Speaker of Parliament
Mr Asylbek Jeenbekov.
Meeting with Prime Minister Mr Joomart Otorbayev
at the White House in Bishkek.

ON LOCATION
15
Stakeholders Across the Kyrgyz Republic
UCA students greet the Chancellor on
his arrival in Naryn.
Learning about archaeological findings at the Naryn
campus site from archaeologist Kubat Tabaldyev.
Governor Amanbai Kaiypov welcomes the Chancellor
to the home of UCA’s first campus, Naryn Oblast.
Students welcome the Chancellor to the School of
Professional and Continuing Education in Naryn.
Highlighting UCA’s unique mountain mission
during a rare moment with the media.
A conversation with an English student at the
School of Professional and Continuing Education.

People16
From the Ground Up
UCA Board Executive Committee Executive
Chairman Shamsh Kassim-Lakha builds institu-
tions. With a unique ability to see beyond the blue
prints, he has spent most of his career engaged in
the development and management of complex ed-
ucational systems and institutions. Having led the
establishment and operation of the multi-national,
world-class Aga Khan University (AKU), Kassim-
Lakha now comes to Central Asia, with the vision
and experience to build UCA.
Born and raised in East Africa, and educated
in the United Kingdom and the United States,
Kassim-Lakha’s career is distinguished by inter-
national university leadership and public service
(see box). He engages effortlessly with people
across cultures, whether national leaders or UCA
students, and enjoys assembling teams of talented
professionals and investing in their advancement.
Along with his charisma and remarkable creden-
tials, what stands out when you meet Kassim-
Lakha are the humility and respect he brings to
each encounter; qualities that are deeply rooted in
how he thinks about the institutions he has helped
to build.
“People matter. High quality facilities are im-
portant, but in the end, the real foundation of a
university is its people,” he explains. “A univer-
sity is only as strong as the people laying claim
to it and making it theirs. Having a diverse and
engaged constituency, based on relationships of
trust, is critical to creating a vibrant and sustain-
able institution.”
Kassim-Lakha also emphasises the commitment
to quality by UCA Chancellor, His Highness the
Aga Khan. “If people are the foundation,” he
explains, “Quality is the cornerstone. This is true
of AKU, and we expect the same for UCA - qual-
ity in facilities, educational offerings and people.
Additionally, the inculcation of appropriate val-
ues based on cosmopolitan ethics, such as respect
for merit, whether in the admission of students or
recruitment of faculty and staff, is what makes a
solid institution.”
However, he explains, building the best facili-
ties, developing curricula and engaging the
best teams and most promising students require
time and care. A critical part of the process is
forging partnerships with universities across
the globe to benchmark the quality of UCA’s
academic offerings and enhance human capac-
ity to achieve this.
It took 21 years from the announcement of AKU
by the Aga Khan to the admission of its first
students and patients at its teaching hospital.
Today, AKU has vibrant campuses in Pakistan,
East Africa and the United Kingdom, producing
dynamic graduates ready to make a difference in
their communities and the world at large.
“The Aga Khan reminds us that good schools
take decades to mature and a good university
takes longer,” notes Kassim-Lakha. “Once you
have made the investments and have a solid
foundation, you then have the basis to grow into
a world class university.”
UCA Board Executive Committee Executive Chairman Shamsh Kassim-Lakha (right) at the Naryn campus site.

People
17
Kassim-Lakha’s leadership within UCA reflects
that commitment to being there for the long haul.
His association with UCA began almost 20 years
ago, when he co-chaired the Commission that
developed the concept for the University. Always
ready to move good ideas to fruition, in 2000, he
was invited to engage in the treaty negotiations
that established the University.
“People often ask why UCA’s campuses are
located in remote mountain areas,” observes
Kassim-Lakha. He explains this by recalling the
original vision of a regional university bringing
higher education and socio-economic opportuni-
ties to mountain communities of Central Asia.
“There is an inverse ratio between the height of
the mountain and the economic status of those
who inhabit it; the higher the mountain, the lower
the economic status. There is resilience and
initiative within mountain communities. However,
due to lack of opportunity, they are also vulner-
able to being marginalised and radicalised,
particularly the youth. Many people go abroad
for better prospects and 30 to 50 percent of the
GDP of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is made up of
remittances,” he explains.
UCA was conceived with these vulnerabilities in
mind.
“With targeted investments, we can help people
in mountain areas identify and create opportuni-
ties and thrive within their own communities,”
says Kassim-Lakha. “Our aim is to produce
graduates who will create jobs, not simply seek
them. The Presidents of the three Founding
Countries and the Aga Khan, and those of us
involved in UCA’s conception, thought this could
be a valuable contribution.”
To date, over 74,000 Central Asians have been
reached through UCA’s professional, continuing and
vocational education courses, and the outputs of the
University’s research institutes are being accessed
by government and other partners to strengthen
evidence-based policy and practice in the region.
When asked about next steps, Kassim-Lakha
concludes, with his unique blend of idealism and
pragmatism, “The vision is holding. With our
first campus opening in 2016, we will stay true
to the vision, even as we adjust to realities on
the ground and ensure that our operations are
responsive to the communities we serve.”
Shamsh Kassim-Lakha
Executive Chairman of UCA’s Board Executive
Committee, Shamsh Kassim-Lakha is leading the
planning and building of UCA’s three campuses.
Kassim-Lakha’s 2014 appointment to this position
by UCA’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan
reflects his distinguished career and long-standing
association with UCA. In 1995, he and Tajikistan’s
Minister of Education co-chaired the expert Com-
mission on the Establishment of an International
Institution of Higher Education that developed
the original concept for UCA. In 2000, he was
engaged in the treaty negotiations that established
the University. In 2014, the Aga Khan also ap-
pointed Kassim-Lakha as AKDN Diplomatic
Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic. He brings
considerable experience to this role, having served
as Pakistan’s Minister of Education, Minister of
Science and Technology and Minister of State, and
heading the task force which led to key reforms in
higher education in that country and the creation
of the Higher Education Commission.
As Founding President of AKU, which was estab-
lished by the Aga Khan in 1983, Kassim-Lakha
led its planning, building
and operations for nearly
three decades. Interna-
tionally, Kassim-Lakha
was Founding Steering
Committee Member of
the Talloires Network, a
global coalition of uni-
versities, including AKU
and UCA, committed to
strengthening the civic roles and social responsi-
bilities of higher education (see p.13).
Kassim-Lakha has served on the board of the
International Baccalaureate Organization, chairs
the board of the Pakistan Centre for Philan-
thropy and is Senior Distinguished Fellow at
the Munk School of Global Affairs, University
of Toronto. He received honorary degrees from
McMaster University, Canada and AKU; Sitara-
e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz distinguished ser-
vice awards from the President of Pakistan; and
the Officer of the National Order of Merit from
the President of France.

Research and Learning18
The Kumtor gold mine is the largest enterprise,
investor and taxpayer of the Kyrgyz Republic. Its
contributions to the national budget and eco-
nomic and social development of the country are
considerable. However, the enterprise has also
generated some controversy.
“Discussions about Kumtor are understandably
loaded since so much is at stake for the Kyrgyz
government, the country, the company and the
extractive industry sector. Until now however,
there has been insufficient evidence or analysis
that could make these discussions more rigorous
and move them forward,” said Dr Bohdan Kraw-
chenko, UCA’s Director General.
This is about to change. A study by UCA’s Insti-
tute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA)
provides an evidence-based assessment of Kum-
tor’s impact on current and future economic and
social development in the country.
The study assesses the current impact of Kum-
tor’s mining operations, and using a comput-
able general equilibrium model that assesses
its direct and indirect impact across sectors,
takes the analysis a step further. Adapting the
World Bank’s Maquette for Millennium Devel-
opment Goal Simulations (MAMS) model, the
IPPA team simulated various scenarios over
the period 2014 to 2035 and compared future
outcomes.
“Policy decisions today about Kumtor and the
Kumtor Study Offers Evidence and Projections
extractive industry will impact medium and
long-term development. Our aim was to help
stakeholders envision what decisions today could
mean for the country tomorrow,” explained IPPA
Head of Research Dr Roman Mogilevskii who
led the study.
The study found that critical benefits of the Kum-
tor enterprise for the Kyrgyz Republic come pri-
marily from salaries, mandatory payments (taxes
and benefits), domestic procurement of goods and
services and voluntary contributions to social and
economic development by Kumtor.
“Ownership of the mine has been at the heart
of many debates. However, primary benefits are
not rooted in ownership, but rather in taxation
systems. The evidence suggests that shifting the
focus from ownership to ensuring beneficial
taxation of mining operations would be more
relevant,” said Mogilevskii.
Evidence-based planning is a key take-away from
this study. The value of this approach was echoed
by government partners following a presentation
on the study at the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy
on 4 December 2014.
“Government institutions are busy with adminis-
trative work and do not have the capacity to con-
duct such research. This topic is important and it
is helpful when universities share their resources
with government institutions,” said Economy
Minister Advisor Ms Lyubov Ten.
The Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan.

Research and Learning
19
Her Excellency, Gudrun Sraega, German Ambas-
sador to the Kyrgyz Republic, officially handed
over Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
equipment funded by the German Academic Ex-
change Service (DAAD) to support UCA’s GIS
lab in Bishkek on 4 December 2014.
The grant was awarded within the framework of
DAAD’s support for alumni, in response to an ap-
plication submitted by Dr Zheenbek Kulenbekov,
one of 16 UCA Central Asia Faculty Development
Programme fellows who enrolled in German uni-
versities through a UCA-DAAD partnership.
“The German government, through its various
programmes, supports the development of Kyr-
gyzstan. DAAD’s contribution of technology and
equipment to UCA will significantly enhance ac-
cess to the latest spatial data analysis for Central
Asian scholars and researchers. We are proud
to support UCA’s efforts and look forward to
many more future engagements with the Univer-
sity,” said Sraega, who was accompanied by Dr
Bohdan Krawchenko, UCA Director General, Dr
Horst Weyerhaeuser, Director of UCA’s Moun-
tain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) and Ms
Jana Duemmler, Head of DAAD Kyrgyzstan.
“In the mountains of Central Asia, GIS capacity
is critical to capture the realities of both un-
tapped and diminishing resources,” said Kraw-
chenko, “This facility will enhance capacity to
generate, analyse and apply data.”
Geographic Information Systems Laboratory Opens
GIS and spatial data analysis are indispensable
tools for researchers and practitioners focused on
mountain societies and environments. GIS allows
for interdisciplinary connections and highlights
relationships that are not apparent in other data
analysis systems. MSRI is using the equipment to
develop pasture management maps, climate and
soil map databases and a socio-economic and natu-
ral resource atlas of Kyrgyzstan. The laboratory
will also enhance MSRI projects, serve as a GIS
training centre and be available to MSRI partners.

“Creating an online open spatial data repository
will provide access to crucial data for improved
decision making to communities, implementing
agencies, research institutions and government
policy makers,” said Weyerhaeuser.
UCA has been building GIS capacity in Central
Asia since 2009, as a member of the 2009-2012
Geoprocessing for Natural Resource Monitor-
ing - Capacity Strengthening in Tajikistan and
Kyrgyzstan partnership with Kyrgyz-Russian
Slavic University, Tajik Agrarian University and
the Centre for Development and Environment,
University of Bern.
The laboratory was established with support from
DAAD, Ecosystems Services for Poverty Allevia-
tion (ESPA); the Department of Foreign Affairs,
Trade and Development, Canada; the Swiss Agency
for Development and Cooperation; and the Prince
Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment.
German Ambassador Sraega tours UCA’s new GIS laboratory.

Investing in the training and education of Afghans
is critical to ensuring sustainable development,
asserts Kabul native Mr Ahmad Suliman Mehr,
who is currently enrolled in UCA’s Institute of
Public Policy and Administration’s Certificate Pro-
gramme in Policy Analysis (CPPA) in Bishkek.
“There are many international consultants work-
ing in Afghanistan, but they lack an understand-
ing of the Afghan context. Many policies are
developed based on external standards and are
not applicable to the specific needs of Afghans.
For effective policy-making, we require Afghan
experts, who know what works well and can pro-
pose real solutions for the country, to move things
forward,” explains Mehr.
Mehr is a Capacity Development Consultant with
the World Bank-funded Public Finance Manage-
CPPA Participant Stresses Capacity Building
Afghan civil servants are welcomed at UCA Bishkek.
On 6 October 2014, 18 civil servants from the
Afghan Ministry of Finance arrived in Bishkek to
begin the Institute of Public Policy and Administra-
tion’s (IPPA) Certificate Programme in Policy Anal-
ysis (CPPA). CPPA is offered through an agreement
between UCA and the Ministry of Finance.
“CPPA is designed to build analytical capacity
within Afghan ministries for evidence-based policy
development. Effective policy analysis requires pro-
fessionally trained staff. CPPA is a first step and UCA
plans to expand its policy related training,” said Dr
Bohdan Krawchenko, UCADirector General.
Participants were welcomed by Krawchenko; Mr
Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Executive Chairman of
UCA’s Board Executive Committee; Ms Aidai
Kurmanova, State-Secretary of the Kyrgyz Minis-
try of Economy; Mr Kulubaev Zheenbek, Director,
Asia-Africa Department of the Kyrgyz Ministry
Afghan Civil Servants Begin Policy
Analysis Programme
ment and Reform project, implementing admin-
istrative and financial reform within the Afghan
Ministry of Finance. His responsibilities include
reviewing the training needs of over 8,700 em-
ployees and implementing managerial and legal
training programmes.
The CPPA training is helping Mehr build skills
to become a more effective advocate for policy
change related to capacity building. He plans to
establish a coordination mechanism to harmonise
efforts between the Ministry’s Human Resources
Directorate and other stakeholders building staff
capacity. He also plans to transfer his skills and
knowledge to ministry staff involved in policy
development and implementation.
Mehr sees monitoring and evaluation as a criti-
cal component of policy analysis and improving

21
realities on the ground. Using his CPPA skills, he
is preparing a monitoring and evaluation frame-
work and making policy recommendations for the
Ministry of Finance Human Resources Directo-
rate policy handbook.
CPPA has also inspired Mehr to contemplate
further education; “I have discovered different
methodologies for gathering and analysing data,
and have shared them with colleagues working
on master’s degrees. These skills will equip me
when I pursue my master’s degree.”
More than ever, Mehr is convinced that educating
Afghans now will help build the foundation for
development and knowledge for future genera-
tions.
“If a building’s foundation is strong, you can
build 100 floors without difficulty,” he says.
Mehr during policy analysis course discussions.
“For effective policy-making, we require Afghan experts,
who know what works well and can propose real solutions
for the country, to move things forward.”
- CPPA participant Ahmad Suliman Mehr
of Foreign Affairs; and Mr Engineer Rahmatullah
Karimi, First Secretary of the Afghan Embassy .
Student representative Mr Ahmad Suliman Mehr
of the Afghan Ministry of Finance also spoke.
“I am pleased to see that our colleagues here
in Bishkek will receive training and then return
home and contribute to the development of Af-
ghanistan,” said Kurmanova.
Developed in collaboration with Carleton Uni-
versity’s School of Public Policy and Adminis-
tration, CPPA targets mid to senior-level civil
servants. The part-time schedule accommodates
cross-border learning.
“CPPA will play a crucial role in building skills in
policy analysis. We are pleased to work with UCA
to develop the capacity of Afghan civil servants and
to build a sustainable partnership,” noted student
representative Mehr.
The course is taught by Dr Paul Brown and Dr
Kaireen Chaytor of Dalhousie University and
Dr Tamara Krawchenko of Mount Saint Vincent
University, Canada and IPPA Head of Research Dr
Roman Mogilevskii. It includes modules on Policy
Process in Government, Economics for Policy
Analysis, Methods of Policy Analysis and Pro-
gramme and Policy Monitoring and Evaluation.
Students will demonstrate learning through
a policy paper evaluated at a colloquium by
senior government officials. The best papers will
be published in IPPA’s Working Paper Series.
Graduates receive a professional development
Certificate in Policy Analysis. It is a 25 credit
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation
System (ECTS) programme.
In addition to the Afghan cohort, 17 participants
from the Kyrgyz Republic and 25 participants
from Tajikistan are enrolled in CPPA in Bishkek
and Dushanbe respectively. The programme will
also be offered in 2015.
CPPA is an executive programme offered under
UCA’s Research and Public Policy Initiative, sup-
ported by the International Development Research
Centre and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.

From 26 to 31 October 2014, researchers from
Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan
gathered in Dushanbe for a workshop on Research
for Development. The researchers, representing a
wide range of disciplines, learnt the value of cross-
disciplinary research and incorporated academic
and non-academic knowledge into research ad-
dressing real development problems.
The training was organised by UCA’s Mountain
Societies Research Institute (MSRI). The par-
ticipants were the first cohort of MSRI’s Cen-
tral Asia and Afghanistan Research Fellowship
(CAARF), whose research is being advanced
with training, international mentorships and, for
some projects, financial grants. CAARF is part
of UCA’s Research and Public Policy Initiative,
which is supported by the International Research
Development Centre, Canada.
At the workshop, Dr Bettina Wolfgramm of
the University of Bern’s Centre for Develop-
ment and Environment broadened the concept
of interdisciplinarity; “Transdisciplinarity
means addressing problems in their full com-
plexity, integrating methods from different sci-
entific disciplines, and engaging in learning
that involves different stakeholders to ensure
that science contributes to tangible impacts on
the ground.”
CAARF mentor Professor Helmut Echtler of
the GFZ German Research Centre for Geo-
sciences and the University of Potsdam further
highlighted the need for transdisciplinarity in
development research in his keynote address;
“Beyond the academic sphere, the ambition
for sustainability demands solution-oriented
analyses and creative concepts of cooperation
between natural, social, economic and commu-
nication sciences.”
“I will incorporate this newly gained knowledge
and methods into my research to define more
relevant objectives and more efficient tools,” said
Afghan participant Sayed Wahid.
Participants conducted fieldwork in Tajikistan’s
Faizabad district, gaining first-hand experience
incorporating perspectives from various dis-
ciplines, as well as knowledge of community
members into research projects.
“This course gave me ideas on the societal
impact of research that I didn’t consider before,”
said Kyrgyz participant Kanaiym Teshebaeva.
Fellowship Offers Research for
Development Training and Mentors
CAARF Fellows interview a community elder in Faizabad district during fieldwork.
“Beyond the academic sphere, the ambition for sustainability demands
solution-oriented analyses and creative concepts of cooperation between
natural, social, economic and communication sciences.”

23
Food and Health Sovereignty
Munira Karamkhudoeva, Tajikistan
In the Pamirs, most households prepare herbs for food and
medicinal purposes. Munira Karamkhudoeva learnt about
medicinal plants from her mother and studied indigenous
knowledge of plant use. Now a Senior Entomologist and
Biologist at the Pamir Biological Institute, Academy of
Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, Karamkhudoeva is
continuing her research with CAARF. “I discovered two
indigenous species of medicinal plants which appear to
impact whitefly larvae. This inspired me to find additional plant species with active phytocompounds
to help control insects in mountain communities.” Karamkhudoeva’s CAARF mentor is UCA Senior
Research Fellow and Cornell University Professor Karim-Aly Kassam. Karamkhudoeva has worked
with Kassam since 2008, conducting human ecological research examining bio-cultural diversity in
the Pamir Mountains.
Gender and Labour Migration
Aida Bekturova, Kyrgyz Republic
University instructor Aida Bekturova is investigating public
discourse on labour migration and gender in the Kyrgyz
Republic to raise awareness in government of gendered
differences in the way that labour migration is addressed.
She notes differences in how remittances of a migrant son
are spent more conspicuously than those of a daughter.
Women’s remittances stretch further than men’s, shared by
the woman’s family and her husband’s. She also notes a
turn toward traditional gender norms, manifested in a failed 2013 parliamentary bill restricting women
under 23 from leaving the country without parental consent. Bekturova’s findings highlight the current
political discourse on women, migration and national identity; with female migrants cast as threatened
national objects, and marriage to an ‘outsider’ viewed as having the national consequence of ‘mixing
the gene pool’. Her mentor is Kyrgyz gender researcher and activist, Gulnara Ibraeva.
Comprehensive Approaches to Development
Maisam Najafizada, Afghanistan
While conducting research in Bamiyan, Afghanistan,
PhD candidate Maisam Najafizada’s understanding of
“community health” expanded to encompass a holistic
approach to community well-being, as represented by the
ethos of social enterprise Arzu Studio Hope. Arzu negoti-
ates carpet-weaving contracts for poor families, providing
a source of income and a social space in which female
weavers can interact. Arzu provides other social services
through its unique holistic approach. By better understanding Arzu’s programme design and impact,
Najafizada will generate recommendations for other rural development projects in Afghanistan. His
mentor is sustainable energy expert Dr Maurie Cohen, New Jersey Institute of Technology, who
provided a new perspective, ecological sustainability, to integrate into his research.
CAARF Fellows in Action

Reaching remote mountain communities in
Central Asia with technology and digital
resources was the focus of recent discussions
between UCA’s Mountain Societies Research
Institute (MSRI) and the Roza Otunbayeva
Initiative (ROI).
On 12 December 2014, MSRI’s eBilim mobile
digital library team presented information on
its programmes to former Kyrgyz president
Roza I. Otunbaeva and ROI staff in Bishkek.
They also explored opportunities for col-
laboration on information and communica-
tion technology (ICT) education and access to
knowledge. The need to reform ICT education,
curricula and resources was discussed, since
rural schools still rely on outdated program-
ming languages, software and hardware.
Housed in a refurbished minibus, with books,
laptops and a digital database of over 3,000
audio, video and text files in Kyrgyz, Russian and
English languages, eBilim delivers information
resources to remote villages in Naryn Oblast. In
its pilot phase, eBilim had a regular 10-village
schedule. In summer 2014, eBilim toured remote
summer pastures or jailoos, offering access to
herders and their families.
“There are many more regions which are even more
difficult to reach across Kyrgyzstan, where such a
project would be needed,” observed Otunbayeva.
Partnerships to Increase Access to Technology
ROI, with the Soros Foundation, recently initi-
ated the Coalition for Open Education for Kyr-
gyzstan. Following their meeting with ROI,
eBilim staff joined the Coalition and attended its
second meeting on 18 December, which focused
on limited open access to information and moti-
vating teachers to use electronic resources. The
Coalition is a platform for exchanging ideas and
finding pathways to jointly advocate for broader
access to information and knowledge in Kyr-
gyzstan, particularly by highlighting the potential
of electronic resources.
“When it comes to knowledge and informa-
tion dissemination, it is important to work with
other organisations. Participation in the Coali-
tion will link eBilim with other initiatives and
engage broader audiences within Kyrgyzstan,”
noted Jangyl Ismailova, eBilim Project Officer.
eBilim was initiated through a partnership
between MSRI and the Mountain Societies
Development Support Programme, with fi-
nancial support from the German Gesellschaft
fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
GmbH. In its second phase, eBilim is plan-
ning to work with Kyrgyz organisations and
UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing
Education to increase access to information in
remote communities, with a focus on live-
stock and farming, environmental education
and financial literacy.
Project Manager Rosset (centre) describes eBilim’s work at the Roza Otunbayeva Initiative.

25
SUMMER CAMP
www.ucentralasia.org/summercamp
summercamp@ucentralasia.org
+996 770 822 901
Improve your English and math for university.
Learn from international teachers.
& Have fun!
17 June - 7 July 2015,
Sinegorie Pansionat, Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Open to current Grade 10 students.
Scholarships available.
Entrance exams will be held in March and April.
The UCA Summer Camp is designed for students living in Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz
Republic and Kazakhstan to ensure they are ready for a world-class university
education. Participants will attend classes based on a curriculum that is designed by
North American educational experts and adapted to fit the needs of Central Asian
students. Participants will also gain information and resources to plan and enhance
their success with university applications. This includes special sessions led by experts
on how to apply to university; choose a programme of study based on career interests;
and prepare for university entrance requirements. To gain admission, interested
students must sit for a short entrance exam in English comprehension, math and logic.
Sign up to receive updates at: www.bit.ly/ucacampform.

Last page26
News Bites
Communications Workshops Build Staff Capacity
From October to December 2014, the UCA Communications and Marketing Department held a series
of workshops at SPCE Tekeli, SPCE Naryn and at UCA Bishkek. Sessions covered developing UCA
news stories and press releases, and tips on selecting accompanying images. This initiative is part of
the department’s annual workshops designed to build staff capacity.
SPCE Hosts Community of Practitioners
On 3 December, SPCE Khorog, hosted the second Community of Practitioners (COP) session in Gor-
no-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, in partnership with the Adult Education Centre, and with funding
from the European Training Foundation. Coordinated by SPCE Deputy Director Dilovar Butabekov,
COP is a platform for stakeholders to discuss vocational education training.
Case Strategy Workshop Promotes Problem Solving Skills
From 2 to 3 December, UCA, in partnership with Aga Khan University (AKU), conducted a workshop,
Towards an Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Case Strategy: Exploring Cases and the De-
velopment of a Case Centre in Nairobi, Kenya for representatives of AKDN agencies. The workshop
was jointly designed by Dr Greg Moran, AKU Provost and Dr Ariff Kachra, UCA Dean of Academic
Affairs. Kachra also served as facilitator, providing participants with an understanding of the case
method, and how to critically apply knowledge and skills to real problems and situations.
Afghan Alumni Receive Career Counselling
From 24 to 27 November, SPCE facilitated a training course on career development and communi-
cation skills in Faizabad for 38 Afghan graduates of UCA’s Cross-Border Vocational Education in
Badakhshan (CVEB) Phase III project. The training was delivered by staff from Aghaz Nawin Con-
sultancy Service Organisation and Farruksho Fraidonov, SPCE Manager of Academic Affairs. It was
designed to improve participants’ ability to search for appropriate jobs. CVEB is an initiative of UCA
in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development and the Aga Khan Foun-
dation USA, with funding from the United States Department of State, Bureau of South and Central
Asian Affairs.
Workshop on Sacred Sites in Kyrgyzstan
On 29 October, the Central Asia Mountain Hub at UCA and Mountain Partnership member Cultural
Research Centre Aigine organised a learning session on Sacred Sites in Mountainous Areas: Liveli-
hoods and Spirituality. Participants discussed the role of sacred sites in mountain livelihoods and met
site guardians from Batken and Naryn provinces.
LAST PAGE

Last page
27
UCA Public Lecture Series
October-December 2014
The UCA Public Lecture Series highlights emerging research in and about Central Asia.
• Moderating Growth and a Challenging Outlook in the Kyrgyz Republic and Growth Slows as External
Pressures Rise in Kazakhstan, Evgenij Najdov, Dorsati Madani and Bakyt Dubashov, The World Bank,
5 November 2014.
• Regional Development Strategies Approaches: The Ukrainian Experience, Nikolai Latynin, National
Academy of Public Administration under the President of Ukraine, 6 November 2014.
• Interdisciplinary Discourse in the Context of Humanitarian and Natural Science Research, Dr Kabutov
Kurbonjon, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, 15 November 2014.
• Work, Productivity and Jobs in the Kyrgyz Republic, Jennifer Keller, The World Bank, 20 November
2014.
• Priming Economic Growth in the Context of Uncertainty and External Influences, Dr Iya Degtyareva,
National Academy of Public Administration under the President of Ukraine, 27 November 2014.
• The Impact of Kumtor Gold Mine on Economic and Social Development of Kyrgyzstan, Dr Roman
Mogilevskii, UCA Institute of Public Policy and Administration, 11 December 2014.
Full details: www.ucentralasia.org/public_lectures.asp
UCA Participates in Annual ShakeOut Campaign
On 16 and 23 October, SPCE Khorog and UCA Bishkek participated in ShakeOut; an earthquake
safety drill organised in partnership with FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance. The exercise promotes
safety consciousness during earthquakes, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Regional Staff Participate in Marketing and Communications Network
On 14 October and 9 December, the UCA Marketing and Communications Network held its second
and third meetings, attended by staff in Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, rep-
resenting over 15 departments. The October session covered donor engagement, relations and report-
ing with presentations by Laila Zulkaphil, UCA Development and Donor Relations; Rahim Sikander,
UCA Finance; and Alia Burkitova, Aga Khan Foundation, Kyrgyz Republic. In December, the session
focused on organising high profile visits, with presentations by Nisar Keshvani, Head of Communi-
cations and Marketing; Parviz Alidodkhonov, Head of Administration; Kuban Sydybaev, Manager
External Utilities; and Anara Duisheeva, Head of SPCE Naryn.
Training for Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Project
SPCE conducted three pilot training sessions for women entrepreneurs in Osh (6 to 8 October), Naryn
(13 to 15 October) and Karakol (15 to 17 October) under the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development
Project, which aims to improve living standards among women in rural areas and small towns in the
Kyrgyz Republic by building the capacity of women entrepreneurs. UCA is serving as consultant to
the project, which is implemented by the Ministry of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic with financing
from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction through the Asian Development Bank.
UCA Hosts Aga Khan Music Initiative
On 14 October 2014, SPCE Naryn hosted the Aga Khan Music Initiative’s Ustat Shakirt ensemble.
The session included a master class and demonstration of Kyrgyz national instruments for SPCE stu-
dents and music teachers from area schools.

SPCE Khorog
126 Lenin Street, Khorog, GBAO,
736000, Republic of Tajikistan
Tel.: +992 (3522) 22 277 Fax: +992 (3522) 22 778
spce.khorog@ucentralasia.org
SPCE Naryn
10 Seitaaly Jakypov Street, Naryn,
722900, Kyrgyz Republic
Tel.: +996 (3522) 51 204 Fax: +996 (3522) 51 228
spce.naryn@ucentralasia.org
www.ucentralasia.org
SPCE Tekeli
13 Gagarin Street, Tekeli, 041700,
Republic of Kazakhstan
Tel.: +7 (72835) 44 177, 43 444 Fax: +7 (72835) 43 849
spce.tekeli@ucentralasia.org
SPCE Learning Centre, Dushanbe
47A Druzhba Narodov Avenue, Dushanbe,
734013, Republic of Tajikistan
Tel.: +992 (37) 224 5823
spce.dushanbe@ucentralasia.org
University of Central Asia
Administration Office
138 Toktogul Street, Bishkek, 720001, Kyrgyz Republic
Tel.: +996 (312) 910 822 Fax: +996 (312) 910 835
info@ucentralasia.org
Aga Khan Humanities Project, Dushanbe
47A Druzhba Narodov Avenue, Dushanbe, 734013, Republic of Tajikistan
Tel.: +992 (37) 221 26 82
akhp.dushanbe@ucentralasisa.org
School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE)
UCA News Service
Keep abreast of UCA developments
and opportunities including: news,
public lectures, publications from our
research institutes and job vacancies.
www.ucentralasia.org/subscribe
SPCE Learning Centre, Bishkek
138 Toktogul Street, Bishkek, 720001, Kyrgyz Republic
Tel.: +996 (312) 910 822, Fax: +996 (312) 910 835
spce.bishkek@ucentralasia.org

web-UCA-QNews-Vol2-No4-Eng

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (12)

Similar to web-UCA-QNews-Vol2-No4-Eng

Similar to web-UCA-QNews-Vol2-No4-Eng (20)

web-UCA-QNews-Vol2-No4-Eng