Forum in Fergana Concludes: Two Days of Dialogue and Cooperation
On December 11–12, the regional forum “Local Initiatives for Cross-Border Cooperation and Peaceful Coexistence in the Fergana Valley” took place in Fergana, bringing together over 70 participants from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan — including representatives of civil society, government institutions, expert communities, media, youth leaders, and local initiatives.
The event served as the concluding meeting of the regional project “Joint Efforts – A Path to Sustainable Development in Central Asia”, implemented in the Fergana Valley with the financial support of the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Over the course of two days, participants:
• discussed the results of two years of work in six border locations of the Fergana Valley;
• shared successful practices in peacebuilding, dialogue, and cross-border cooperation;
• presented 24 local and cross-border initiatives implemented within the project;
• exchanged experiences in developing critical thinking, tolerance, and interaction between communities from the three countries;
• took part in discussions, interactive sessions, group work, and creative activities.
The forum opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of Fergana region, the DVV International Regional Office in Central Asia, and the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan.
During presentations and panel discussions, participants explored issues of cooperation among civil society organizations in the Fergana Valley in peacebuilding, the role of media in this process, and networking development.
Participants visited the “Unity in Diversity” exhibition and learned about the activities of the Ahmad Fergani Fergana Regional Information and Library Center.
The forum was organized by the DVV International Regional Office in Central Asia in collaboration with DVV offices in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, with support from partner organizations:
• NGO Mehrjon (Uzbekistan)
• NGO Youth of Osh (Kyrgyzstan)
• NGO Saodat (Tajikistan)
In the evening, forum participants continued networking in an informal setting — the traditional DVV International “Tashkent Evenings” were held in Fergana this time.
The forum confirmed that cross-border cooperation, dialogue, and sustainable development are possible only through the joint efforts of states, civil society, media, and local communities.
Participants agreed to continue collaboration, develop new initiatives, and strengthen partnerships for a peaceful and sustainable future for the Fergana Valley.