The Fergana Valley is a historically unique cultural and economic space located in the heart of Central Asia. Although today it is divided into the territories of three states - Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the common historical ties and close relations between the peoples bind this region as a single system.

However, the issues related to water, land, borders and ecology still remain relevant. At the same time, as a practical result of the “New Central Asia” policy promoted by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recent years, the Fergana Valley is increasingly becoming a symbol of cohesion and cooperation. In this process, along with dialogue between states, the active participation of civil society institutions - in particular, non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) - is gaining great importance.

Fergana Peace Forum – a platform for dialogue and trust

The first “Fergana Peace Forum”, held in Fergana on October 15-16 this year, has become an important step towards regional harmony. The forum was attended by more than 500 guests, including more than 300 participants from Central Asia, the CIS countries, Asia, Europe and America. The main idea of ​​the event was to turn the Fergana Valley into a place of trust and cooperation.

Inclusiveness of the forum has been an important feature. It was attended by the youth, women, community activists and representatives of civil society, alongside with government agencies. Thus the forum became a platform for true “people’s diplomacy”.

The discussions covered issues of security, cross-border cooperation, effective use of water resources, economic cooperation and strengthening the cultural ties. The results and common spirit of the discussions held at the Forum were expressed in the Communiqué adopted in the end of the Forum. This document has emphasized that the relations between the countries of the region are strategic, comprehensive and multifaceted, and it particularly noted that “the Fergana Valley is a mirror of the stability and consolidation of Central Asia.”

Countries are bound by the bonds of partnership and alliance, which require continuous and multi-level dialogue amongst states and governments, as well as parliaments, regions and civil society.

Following the example of the leaders of border regions of Fergana, Sughd and Batken, who marked the meeting with a demonstrative handshake, the flash mob, in which the public of the three countries began to actively express their solidarity with the leaders of the regions on social networks by shaking hands in the same way, attracted the attention of a wide audience.

It is noteworthy that the leaders of international organizations, in particular, the head of the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Kakha Imnadze, the director of the OSCE Center for Conflict Prevention, Kate Fearon, and the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stipries, also joined this action. This, in turn, was a clear demonstration of the readiness of government bodies, civil society and representatives of international organizations to join efforts to maintain stability and ensure sustainable development in the region.

Non-governmental organizations – a force that builds bridges of trust and dialogue

The reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years for civil society development are also bearing positive results in the Fergana Valley. A favorable environment has been created for NGOs, opportunities for attracting international grant projects have expanded, and a culture of open dialogue is being strengthened.

International organizations – Saferworld, GIZ, UNDP, the European Union and UNESCO – are actively cooperating in this process. The projects they support are aimed at increasing the potential of local communities, especially ensuring the active participation of women and youth.

For example, projects such as “H2O for community development” (Uzbekistan), “Climate is changing – Batken is adapting” (Kyrgyzstan), “Water as a source of peace and cooperation” (in cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan) are increasing the knowledge base and skills of the population in terms of effective use of water resources.

These programs are strengthening the atmosphere of trust in the border regions and forming a culture of peaceful conflict resolution. For example, as a result of mediation trainings conducted at the initiative of the UNDP, activists in the Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan neighborhoods received mediation certificates that strengthened the foundations of peace at the local level.

Tourism and economic cohesion – a model for sustainable peace

The Fergana Valley is becoming one of the centers of economic integration and tourism in Central Asia. Historical monuments such as Akhsikent, Kuva, and Mingtepa are included in the UNESCO “Fergana-Syr Darya Corridor”. This opens up new opportunities for the development of regional tourism.

The concept of community-based tourism is emerging as an effective means of strengthening peace. For example, when a tour operator in Fergana includes a craftsman’s workshop in Osh in its tour itinerary, this not only brings economic benefits, but also becomes a cultural bridge connecting the two peoples.

The “Fergana Valley Community Tourism Network” initiative, supported by GIZ, connects local craftsmen and family guesthouses with international tourists, expanding the source of income for the population and serving to preserve national culture.

At the same time, cross-border tourism initiatives are being implemented at the state level – “Golden Ring of the Fergana Valley” and “Navruz - in the Heart of Central Asia” are amongst them.

Youth initiative – the foundation of trust and solidarity

Developing human capital and ensuring the active participation of young people is a guarantee of peace and sustainable development. Within the framework of the UNESCO project “Youth for Social Solidarity”, the programs on global citizenship, media literacy and a culture of peace have been introduced for schoolchildren.

The “Bridges of Friendship in the Fergana Valley” forum, supported by the European Union, brought together young leaders from three countries and created a platform for developing joint projects. As a practical example, the Uzbek NGO “Hamroh” and the Mediation Center at Osh State University jointly implemented a grant project to develop ethnic and gender dialogue.

Such initiatives will strengthen mutual trust among young people, help eliminate negative stereotypes that were formed over the years, and establish a culture of peace and harmony.

In conclusion, the experience of the Fergana Valley shows that civil society and NGOs are becoming a major force in creating regional stability and an environment of trust. They are not only implementing social projects, but also strengthening dialogue, harmony and mutual trust in the border regions. To ensure sustainable cooperation in the region, it is important to support the activities of NGOs with long-term programs, systematically exchange experiences and knowledge, and expand initiatives that include youth, women and community activists.

The Fergana Valley is not just a geographical region, but it is also a platform that is shaping peace, friendship and sustainable development in Central Asia. If trust and harmony are established here, its positive effects will cover the entire region.

Sayyora Asranova, Press Secretary of the National Association of Non-Governmental Nonprofit Organizations of Uzbekistan.