The main objective of the WEC initiative is to foster women’s leadership and professional competencies in fields related to export control, while also building a sustainable network of female experts.
In this context, the first Orientation Meeting of the project was held in Bishkek on July 31 – August 1, 2025. The meeting brought together women from government bodies, academic institutions, and the business sector who are engaged in issues related to export control and strategic trade. Participants were introduced to the project’s goals, activities, and opportunities for joining the mentorship and professional development program.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Jyldyz Sydygalieva, Director of the Export Control Center; Ms. Dinara Kerimbaeva, Head of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) Office in Kyrgyzstan; and EU experts Prof. Maria Espona and Prof. Quentin Michel, who shared international experience on strategic trade management and the importance of women’s participation in export control. The experts also highlighted the value of building expert networks across Central Asia.
The Orientation Meeting served as the launchpad for the initiative, enabling participants to establish professional connections, discuss the role of women in ensuring national and international security, and outline the next steps of the project.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the need for the active involvement of women in peace and security matters. In the long term, the project will not only contribute to the professional growth of participants but also help strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s position in global non-proliferation efforts.
