The OSCE Academy in Bishkek officially welcomed the new cohorts of its Master’s programmes in Politics and Security (PS), Economic Governance and Development (EGD), and Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS), marking the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year. This year, the Academy proudly hosts 52 new Master’s students from across the OSCE participating States and beyond.
The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Dr. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy, who encouraged the new students to make the most of their time in Bishkek by building a strong and diverse community. “Take advantage of forming a community across nations and across programmes,” he said, referring also to the 47 undergraduate students currently studying at the Academy. Addressing the new cohorts as “young bright minds,” Dr. Dunay added, “If you understand that you are so much connected and so little divided, we will all benefit — so will Central Asia and the world.”
Dr. Dunay then introduced the keynote speaker, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Volker Frobarth, the newly appointed Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek. Ambassador Frobarth urged students to “remain open-minded towards each other in a respectful way,” while also staying “open for challenging discussions.” He expressed appreciation to the Academy’s key donors for their longstanding support throughout its 23-year history, noting, “We begin this journey together — me as Head of Mission, and you as students,” calling it a “funny coincidence.”
Further remarks were delivered by Dr. Anja Mihr, Academic Director of the MAHRS Programme; Dr. Bururlcha Sulaimanova, Head of the Research and Training Department, representing the EGD Programme; and Dr. Sebastian Mayer, DAAD Associate Professor, speaking on behalf of the PS Programme. Each extended their congratulations and shared insights on the academic journey ahead.
A special address was also given by H.E. Raphael Nägeli, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the OSCE and the United Nations in Vienna, who highlighted Switzerland’s enduring commitment to the OSCE Academy. “I came here to learn about the OSCE Academy and see it with my own eyes,” he said, emphasizing that “Switzerland does care about Bishkek and what happens to the Academy.” He also noted that Switzerland, a key supporter and major donor of the Academy, will assume the OSCE Chairmanship in 2026.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo and networking session, fostering connections among new students, faculty, and guests.
