LiK Conference 2024
Bishkek, October 09-11, 2024
The short version of the program can be downloaded here: short program
The detailed version of the program can be downloaded here: program
Короткая версия программы конференции здесь в pdf формате: короткая программа
Детальная версия программы конференции здесь в pdf формате: детальная программа
2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the Life in Kyrgyzstan Conferences held in Bishkek and 15 years of the Life in Kyrgyzstan Study! This landmark conference once again be convened in Bishkek on October 09-11, 2024. In addition to the presentation of the Kyrgyzstan Development Strategy till 2030, the keynote speech, and 25 thematic sessions, the conference featured the LiK Data Users Workshop, professional and academic networking opportunities, and the conference reception. This year’s keynote speaker was Professor Martin Petrick from the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany. The academic committee comprised of Prof. Kathryn Anderson (Vanderbilt University), Yzatbek Berenaliev (ACTED), Prof. Tilman Brück (IGZ/HU/ISDC), Dr. Damir Esenaliev (IGZ/ISDC), Prof. Christopher Gerry (UCA), Aibek Ashirov (World Bank), Dr. Baktybek Kainazarov (UNFPA), Dr. Kanat Tilekeyev (UCA), and Prof. Nurgul Tilenbaeva (AUCA).
Program
DAY 1: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
18:00-19:30 PARALLEL ONLINE SESSIONS
SESSION 1.1 Environmental Change in Central Asia
Moderator: Irène Mestre, Geography, French Institute of Research in Central Asia and AgroParisTech
Alina Bychkova, Nottingham Trent University: Climate change narratives in Central Asia: vulnerability concerns and Soviet heritage
Yumi Toboé, Sorbonne Université: «Understand me… we are businessmen»: plastics processing companies in the recycling sector in Bishkek
Asel Murzakulova, UCA; Irène Mestre, Geography, French Institute of Research in Central Asia and AgroParisTech: Environmental change, agriculture and migration in Tajikistan: a systematic critical literature review
Anastasia Protassov, Université de Lille: Environmental peacebuilding in the Fergana valley: a comparative study of development approaches
SESSION 1.2 Food Security, Self-Sufficiency, and Agri-Economic Development in Central Asia: Insights from Case Studies
Moderator: Damir Esenaliev, IGZ/ISDC
Kanat Tilekeyev, UCA: Food self-sufficiency study in Central Asia and the Caucasus: the cases of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
Salima Bekbolotova, IAMO: Food (in)security dynamics in Kyrgyzstan, 2013-2022
Emil Begimkulov, Promotionskolleg NRW: Do SME food processors in Central Asia with certification perform better than those without certification? Case study (presentation)
Md Sofiullah, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences: Socio-economic assessment of existing forest and agroforestry production systems for walnut and apricot production in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
SESSION 1.3 Evolving Identities and Power Dynamics in Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan: From Digital Activism to Decolonial Thought
Moderator: Bakhytzhan Kurmanov, UCA
Elvira Isaeva, Ministry of Economy and Commerce KR, Ritsumeikan University: Leader and peer influence: unraveling the impact of ethical and unethical behaviors on civil servants’ motivation in the KR (presentation)
Philipp Zimmermann, Freie Universität Berlin: Decolonization in Kyrgyzstan
Bakhytzhan Kurmanov, UCA: Digital activism and authoritarian legitimation in post-Soviet Central Asia (presentation)
DAY 2: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Bishkek time, GMT+6
08:00-08:50 Registration of Participants
09:00-09:20 OPENING REMARKS
Christopher Gerry, Rector, UCA
Timothy O’Connor, President, AUCA
Hugh Riddell, Country Manager, World Bank
Baktybek Kainazarov, Head of Office, UNFPA
Ari Weiss, ACTED, Impact Initiative Country Coordinator
Tilman Brück, Professor, Humboldt University, IGZ, ISDC
SESSION 2.0 15 years of the Life in Kyrgyzstan Study: Academic and Educational Impacts
Moderator: Tilman Brück, Professor, Humboldt University, IGZ, ISDC
Damir Esenaliev, IGZ/ISDC: Life in Kyrgyzstan study: academic and educational impacts in 15 years (presentation)
Anwar Naseem, UCA: LiK dashboard: making the data accessible (presentation)
10:00-10:40 PLENARY SESSION
Moderator: Christopher Gerry, UCA
Tchoro Seyitov, First Deputy Ministry of Economy and Commerce of KR: Kyrgyzstan’s Development Strategy till 2030
10:40-10:50 Group Photo
10:50-11:20 Coffee Break
11:20-12:30 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.1 World Bank’s Session: Findings from the Recent Research on Kyrgyzstan
Moderator: Aibek Ashirov, World Bank
Elizaveta Perova, World Bank: Subnational poverty assessment: towards understanding regional development dynamics in the Kyrgyz Republic (presentation)
Aibek Ashirov, World Bank: Listening to the Kyrgyz Republic findings (presentation)
Gohar Gyulumyan, World Bank: Country economic memorandum: enhancing productivity-driven growth in the Kyrgyz Republic (presentation)
PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.2 Crafting Resilience, Weaving Communitites: Arts, Traditional Crafts, Entrepreneurship and Activism through Women’s Stories
Moderator: Anisa Sabiri, London Film School
Altyn Kapalova, UCA: Woman, life, freedom: the role of art in the struggle for human rights in Central Asia (presentation)
Elena Kolesova, UCA: Crafting resilience: women-entrepreneurs, aesthetics, and traditional creative practices in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
Bermet Borubaeva: Resilient city: building urban environment defense women communities in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
SESSION 2.3 Health and Societal Impacts in Central Asia: Progress, Challenges, and Policy Insights
Moderator: Elina Sakkaraeva, “Digital CASA-KR” project
Saule Chalbasova, UCA: Health and the health-related SDGs: progress, problems and prospects for Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
Buho Hoshino, Rakuno Gakuen University: The impact of COVID-19 on Mongolian nomadic society (presentation)
Kadyrbek Sultakeev, AUCA: Impact of excise tax on cigarette consumption: evidence from panel data in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:00 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.4 Sustainable and Healthy Urban Living in Bishkek: The Power of Nature-Based Solutions to Improve Air Quality and Wellbeing
Moderator: Ekaterina Perfilyeva, UNEP
Andrey Podrezov, Researcher at the Central Asian Institute for Geosciences, PhD in Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor: Review: nature-based solutions and their potential to address the air pollution challenge in Bishkek (presentation)
Jeremie Berlioux, Kyrgyz Association for Conservation of Biodiversity: Bioindicators for assessing Bishkek’s ecosystem health, resilience, and human wellbeing (presentation)
Taalaibek Talantbek uulu, IOM: Enhancing migrants’ awareness on air pollution and moving towards a “healthy city vision” in Bishkek (presentation)
Azat Muradylov, Public Fund “MoveGreen”: Green facades and roofs as climate change adaptation measure in Kyrgyzstan
SESSION 2.5 UNFPA’s Session: Demography and Population Dynamics
Moderator: Asel Turgunova, UNFPA
Gulkhumar Abdullaeva, Rimma Chynybaeva, National Statistics Committee: Analytical book based on the results of the census 2022 (presentation)
Albina Ainidinova, Daniyar Adylbekov, Academy of Public Administration: Left-behind children of labor migrants: problems and state response (presentation)
Maksat Alibayev, Aliya Tashirova, Academy of Public Administration: NEET youth in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
Zhanar Konys, ECARES and CRED: A study of son preference in Kyrgyzstan: Insights from historical and contemporary data (presentation)
SESSION 2.6 Session by Mercy Corps and WFP: Findings and Lessons from School Feeding Programs in Kyrgyzstan
Moderator: Zalkar Kamalov, Mercy Corps
Adzhar Doolotova, Mercy Corp; Rakiia Abdurasulova, WFP: Sustainability of school meals programme in the KR (presentation)
Rakiia Abdurasulova, WFP: Systems approach for better education results (SABER) study
Izzat Kurmangaliyev, Mercy Corps: Value for Money of School Feeding program in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
Aizhan Erisheva, WFP: Assessing the existing nutritional gaps of school children and the role of school feeding in addressing these issues (presentation)
15:00-15:30 Coffee Break
15:30-16:40 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 2.7 Climate Change and Agricultural Adaptation: Insights from Central Asia’s Experience and Data
Moderator: Kanat Tilekeyev, UCA
Nurbek Madmarov, AUCA: The impact of climate change on agricultural development in the Central Asian countries: evidence from panel data analysis (presentation)
Begaiym Emileva, IAMO (online): The role of smartphone-based weather information acquisition on climate change perception accuracy: cross country evidence from Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Uzbekistan (presentation)
Kadyrbek Sultakeev, AUCA: Climate change, multiple shocks and household adaptation strategies in Kyrgyzstan
SESSION 2.8 Transformational Roles of Women in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia
Moderator: Troy Steinberg, Oxford University
Troy Steinberg, Oxford University: Women in herding societies: directions from Mongolia (presentation)
Zalina Enikeeva, UCA: Women in independent Kyrgyzstan: from the shuttle trade to digital era (presentation)
Chieko Hirota, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science: Gender norms and pattern creation in Kazakh society (presentation)
SESSION 2.9 Author-Critic Forum
Translocality, entrepreneurship, and middle class across Eurasia: Kyrgyzstan’s ’first capitalists’ since the late Soviet era.’
Chair and discussant Prof Tilman Brueck, Humboldt University of Berlin, IGZ, ISDC
Discussants
Dr Damir Esenaliev, IGZ/ISDC, Dr Asel Murzakulova, UCA
Author
Philipp Shroeder, Nazarbayev University / ISDC (presentation)
16:40-17:50 PLENARY SESSION
Moderator: Kanat Tilekeyev, UCA
Keynote Speech by Prof Martin Petrick, Justus Liebig University Giessen
The Economics of Livestock in Central Asia (presentation)
18:00-21:00 Reception at Orion Hotel
DAY 3: Friday, October 11, 2024
Bishkek time, GMT+6
08:00-08:50 Registration
09:00-10:30 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 3.1 Economic Dynamics and Social Impact in Kyrgyzstan: Trade, Migration, and Policy Perspectives
Moderator: Damir Esenaliev, IGZ/ISDC
Elvira Kurmanalieva, Independent Researcher: Does intra-industry trade provide conditions for economic growth in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
Bakytbek Tynaliev, Independent researcher: Analyzing the impact of tax policy on diverse population groups through a gender lens (presentation)
Elena Kolesova, UCA: Alternative ways of reading the Russian invasion of Ukraine: narrating Naryn’s economic migration to Russia
Yuanhang Wang, Texas A&M University (online): Remittance, perception of security, and incidence of violence in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
SESSION 3.2 Food Security, Diet Diversity and Gender in Rural Tajikistan
Moderator: Isabel Lambrecht, IFPRI
Bekhzod Egamberdiev, IAMO: Household resilience and coping strategies to food insecurity: an empirical analysis from Tajikistan (presentation)
Hiroyuki Takeshima, IFPRI (online): Nutrition-sensitive agriculture diversification and dietary diversity: panel data evidence from Tajikistan (presentation)
Tanzila Ergasheva, Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Mohru Mardonova, IFPRI: Eating from the same plate? Gender and intra-household differences in food consumption behavior from Khatlon province, Tajikistan (presentation)
Sharanya Rajiv, IFPRI: Double burden or burdenless? The impact of men’s migration on women’s empowerment in rural Tajikistan
SESSION 3.3 Capacity Building and Skills Acquisition for Academic Scholars in Central Asia: Experience from International Mentoring Program
Moderator: Martin Petrick, Justus Liebig University Giessen
Johanna Orellana, University of Cuenca, Ecuador: The international women in science mentoring programin Ecuador
Sarah Robinson, Justus Liebig University Giessen: A mentor’s experience of the international women in science mentoring program (presentation)
Meerim Nurbaeva, Association of International Scientists from Central Asia: Networking in science for a better future: the association of international scientists from Central Asia
Gulnara Dzhunushalieva, UCA: ORCID Community: KG Initiative (presentation)
Experiences from the SDG nexus network mentorship program in Central Asia (presentation)
Assemgul Bukutova, Leila Salimova, Olga Romanovich, Azamat Kaliev
Lessons learned from mentees’ and mentors’ experience (presentation)
10:30-11:00 Coffee Break
11:00-12:30
SESSION 3.4 Livestock Production in Central Asia: from Pastures to Markets
Moderator: Gulnara Dzhunushalieva, UCA
Zhyrgalbek Kozhomberdiev, Public Foundation CAMP Alatoo: The state of pastures in Kyrgyzstan under conditions of continuous growth in livestock numbers and climate change (presentation)
Viktoriya Krylova, Kazakh-German University: Pasture resource management in Kazakhstan in the context of climate change (presentation)
Sarah Robinson and Martin Petrick, Justus Liebig University Giessen: Land access and feeding strategies in a Kazakhstani rangeland system (presentation)
Baimat Niiazaliev, UCA (online): Determinants of milk market participation among small dairy farmers in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
SESSION 3.5 Migration and Local Income Generation
Moderator: Anwar Naseem, UCA
Isabel Lambrecht, IFPRI: Income aspirations and migration as an investment: evidence from rural Tajikistan (presentation)
Hiroyuki Takeshima, IFPRI (online): Does climate change encourage international labor migration? Evidence from rural Tajikistan
Jovidon Aliev, IFPRI (online): Does migration drive or impede agricultural productivity? Panel data evidence from Khatlon province in Tajikistan
Safdar Jan, UCA (online): Remittances and household consumption: evidence from the Life in Kyrgyzstan dataset
SESSION 3.6 Climate Change and Natural Resources in Central Asia: From Glaciers to Community Solutions
Moderator: Ari Weiss, Impact Initiative
Nazgul Turdumatova, IMPACT Acted: Applied research on climate change impacts on natural resource management and community-based solutions in the Isfana watershed (presentation)
Ryskul Usubaliev, Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences: Glacier dynamics and environmental change: monitoring glacial retreat in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
Bernard Musyck, UCA: Assessing snow cover dynamics in Central Asia: implications for winter tourism
development
Ablay Dosmaganbetov, UCA: Decarbonization in Central Asia (presentation)
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:00 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 3.7 Violence, Trafficking, Property and Health: Women Rights Issues in Central Asia
Moderator: Aizharkyn Kozhobekova, UCA
Nazgul Turdubekova, League of Children’s Rights Defenders: Women’s property rights in the Kyrgyz Republic (presentation)
Medet Tiulegenov, UCA: Sexualized violence against women with disabilities in Central Asia (presentation)
Cholponai Saparbekova, Women University EWHA: Countering exploitation: a study of digital approaches to combat human trafficking in the Kyrgyz Republic
Guzel Bekenova, Women University EWHA: Maternal mortality in Kyrgyzstan: exploring determinants in the context of the three delays model (presentation)
SESSION 3.8 Oral Histories of Twentieth-Century Kyrgyzstan: Methods, Stories, Possibilities
Moderator: Daniiar Karabaev, AUCA
Altyn Kapalova, UCA: Voices beyond the textbooks: oral testimonies of the 1916 Kyrgyz uprising (presentation)
Baktybek Isakov, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University: Echoes of the empire: preserving Kyrgyz elders’ narratives in a changing landscape
Tuiumkan Nishanova; Rebekah Ramsay, UCA: Building on Sanzhyra stories, learning from intergenerational narratives
Aizhamal Biigazieva, UCA: Representation of women and women’s stories in museum spaces (presentation)
SESSION 3.9 Gender, Media, and Social Cohesion in Kyrgyzstan: Exploring the Role of Women, Media Narratives, and Conflict Dynamics
Moderator: Elnura Kazakbaeva, Evidence Central Asia
Kanyshai Kasymova, Evidence Central Asia: Social Cohesion: narratives influencing social cohesion in various areas of Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
Elnura Kazakbaeva, Evidence Central Asia: The role of women in the Kyrgyz Republic and enhancing women’s roles at the community level (presentation)
Sofiyan Ushirova, Evidence Central Asia: Media and conflict (presentation)
Elnura Kazakbaeva, Evidence Central Asia: Violence against women in politics in Kyrgyzstan: the experience of women candidates in the 2021 local elections (presentation)
15:00-15:30 Coffee Break
15:30-17:00 PARALLEL SESSIONS
SESSION 3.10 Gender and Livelihoods in Mountainous Central Asia
Moderator: Maksim Kulikov, UCA
Roy Sidle, Arnaud Caiserman, UCA (online): Multifaceted challenges facing women farmers in the Pamir: climate dynamics, natural hazards, and social inequities
Aslam Qadamov, UCA: Challenges and strategies for strengthening yak-based livelihoods in Murgab, Tajikistan
Maksim Kulikov, UCA: Climate Change and its Impact on Natural Resources and Rural Livelihoods: Gendered Perspectives from Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
Jannike Van Bruggen, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences; Gulbara Omorova,
Institute of Water Problems and Hydroenergy: Adaptive capacity of apricot farming communities in response to changing water availability in Kyrgyzstan (presentation)
SESSION 3.11 Old problems, New Challenges: Exploring the Water Governance Research Agenda in Central Asia
Moderator: Dr Aibek Samakov, UCA
Iskandar Abdullaev, SNS Solutions Company; Martin Petrick, Justus Liebig University
of Gießen: A new policy research agenda for water governance in Central Asia
Martin Petrick, Justus Liebig University of Gießen: Evolving institutions of sustainability: a dynamic model of historical water governance transformations in Central Asia (presentation)
Asel Murzakulova, UCA: Current dynamics of Central Asian hydro-politics in the context of climate change (presentation)
SESSION 3.12 Exploring Language, Culture, and Gender in Kyrgyz Media and Literature
Moderator: Mukaram Toktogulova
Asel Murzakulova, Eleri Bitekchi, Mukaram Toktogulova, Gulzada Stanalieva: Research report on the challenges and opportunities for developing the Kyrgyz language ecosystem in media (presentation)
Akylay Baimatova, Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic: Problems of the translation of works of epic poetry (presentation)
Akira Matsumoto, Hokkaido University: What is suggested women image? An analysis of female representation in Kyrgyz films in 1960s and post-Soviet era (presentation)
Organising Institutions
University of Central Asia’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (UCA IPPA) was established in 2011 to strengthen public policy in Central Asia. It provides in-depth analysis on current and emerging policy issues facing the region, and improves the analytical capacity of governments and civil society to use evidence in decision-making processes through professional development. The Institute produces analytical policy papers, policy briefs and peer-reviewed research papers on social and economic issues, public administration and public policy relating to Central Asia and Afghanistan. For more information on IPPA, please visit: http://ucentralasia.org/ippa
IGZ – Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops conducts basic plant research with a view to possible uses for vegetable and ornamental plants and the use of plant biodiversity. IGZ conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment, bringing together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines in basic and applied research. For more information on IGZ, please visit: http://www.igzev.de/.
ISDC – International Security and Development Center is a non-profit academic institute based in Berlin, Germany. We conduct research to improve lives and livelihoods shaped by violent conflict, fragility and humanitarian emergencies, providing policy advice and building capacity on international security and socio-economic development. We are unique in the global research scene for being dedicated to work exclusively on the security-development nexus. For more information on ISDC, please visit: https://isdc.org/.
Partner Institutions
ACTED is an INGO working across 43 countries globally in pursuit of its triple mandate as a humanitarian, development, and environmental actor in response to the triple planetary crisis. Since 1996, Acted Central Asia works on strengthening civil society and good governance, gender equality, green economy, natural resource management and climate change adaptation, disaster risk management and emergency response. More information about ACTED can be found here: https://www.acted.org/en/.
American University of Central Asia (AUCA) is a multi-disciplinary learning community in the American liberal arts tradition with the mission of developing enlightened and impassioned leaders for the transformation of Central Asia. AUCA is the first university in Central Asia to offer US accredited degrees in liberal arts programs through a partnership with Bard College in the United States. With a current enrolment of approximately 1,500 students from over 25 countries, AUCA offers students a quality education based on an American college model with a credit-hours system, a liberal arts curriculum, and a commitment to freedom of expression and inquiry. The University offers 14 undergraduate educational programs and 9 graduate programs. For more information on AUCA, please visit https://www.auca.kg/.
UNFPA is the United Nations agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health. Its core mission is to foster a world where every pregnancy is desired, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is realized. Since 1992, UNFPA has been actively involved in the Kyrgyz Republic, supporting the population and housing censuses, provision of reproductive health supplies, and the enhancement of national capabilities in integrated sexual and reproductive health services, as well as youth-friendly health services. Additionally, UNFPA has contributed to policy development in areas concerning youth, gender equality, and facilitated data collection and analysis. For more information on UNFPA, please visit https://www.kyrgyzstan.unfpa.org
The World Bank is an international organization dedicated to providing financing, advice, and research to developing nations to aid their economic advancement. By giving loans, and offering advice and training in both the private and public sectors, the World Bank aims to eliminate poverty by helping people help themselves. Since the Kyrgyz Republic joined the World Bank in 1992, the Bank’s financial assistance has amounted to over US$2,024 million. The World Bank support has helped the country to maintain macroeconomic stability, invest in strategic infrastructure, and improve access to social services. For more information on the World Bank, please visit https://www.worldbank.org.