Change is in the air at Eurasia Foundation. Our programs expanded this year, both in size and scope. As a result, our team nearly doubled, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our internal and external operations. We bid farewell to two long-standing programs but embraced even more new opportunities.  

I’ve thought a lot about Eurasia Foundation’s legacy during this season, reflecting on how our history informs our future. I’ve found that we are able to embrace bold changes because we remain grounded in the mission and values that have guided us for over 30 years. This has been 2024’s theme: maintaining our roots while rising to meet the moment. 

2024 kicked off with the launch of our Ukraine Digital Transformation Activity (DTA). This five-year, $150 million award by USAID and UK Dev expands on the work of our TAPAS project, which ended in June after 8 successful years. DTA builds on this legacy by enhancing Ukraine’s digital capabilities and building resilient systems for a secure, prosperous future. 

DTA met major digitalization milestones in its first year. In May, we joined our partners in the Government of Ukraine to mark the one-year anniversary of the eRecovery program that launched with support from TAPAS. Through eRecovery, nearly 82,000 families have reported damaged or destroyed homes and received compensation for repairs or replacement. In October, TIME Magazine named Diia—Ukraine’s e-services app and portal—one of the year’s best inventions, citing a DTA-supported e-service that allows Ukrainians separated by the war to marry online. And in December, DTA announced that the eQueue service had streamlined over 1.5 million border crossings, facilitating efficient trade and travel between Ukraine and its neighbors in the EU and Moldova. 

I remain humbled by the brilliance and bravery of our Ukrainian colleagues. While they fight tirelessly for their country’s future and build a stronger democracy in the process, our entire team stands alongside them. 

Our Social Innovation in Central Asia (SICA) project also wrapped its final full year of operation. SICA’s impact spanned remote towns and large cities across Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Over five years, changemakers gained the tools to truly transform their communities, guided by support from Eurasia Foundation. They revamped local recycling systems, recovered misplaced public funds, and sparked civic engagement through art. More than 400 young people learned their strengths by leading projects and connecting with change-minded peers. 

Eurasia Foundation provided training and support, but we also gained a lot in return, inspired by the participants’ stories of change. Their stories inspired Eurasia Foundation’s Communications Specialist Jamile Satibaldiyeva to write a play about changemakers in Central Asia. Äuejai, or “airport” in Kazakh, debuted in September at Almaty’s ARTiSHOCK theatre, a fitting final tribute to the resolve and resourcefulness of SICA participants. These stories of change also live on in a StoryMap to inspire future generations of changemakers across the region. 

However, our work in Central Asia is far from over. SICA will continue to support Tajikistan’s burgeoning community of social entrepreneurs in 2025 after heavily supporting the creation of the country’s flagship social entrepreneurship law this year. We are also thrilled to announce a new project, Qadam, to bolster civil society in Kazakhstan. Qadam will continue SICA’s work of amplifying local changemakers, paying special attention to the country’s rural and Kazakh-speaking regions. 

Eurasia Foundation has grown tremendously since the start of this year. Just like the rapidly changing world we inhabit, our organization continues to change in both planned and surprising ways. But our mission—our heart—remains. We listen. We learn. And we do our utmost to give each person the tools to shape their life on their own terms.  

I am proud of our legacy, but prouder still of the future we’re building. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Happy New Year to all! 

The post 2024: A Year of Growth appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

SEAI supports the development of the social entrepreneurship sector and reduces poverty in Uzbekistan by addressing the social and economic challenges faced by marginalized communities. SEIA’s Social Enterprise Incubator assists youth, women, aspiring entrepreneurs, mahallas, and civil society organizations who wish to turn their vision for social entrepreneurship into reality. 

The Incubator will run from October 2024 to March 2025 and include an intensive online training series. Participants will have the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan on a study tour, attend networking events in Tashkent, and participate in a pitching seminar. Five participants will each receive a $15,000 grant to launch or scale up their social enterprise, with ongoing mentoring. Further details on the program are available in Uzbek and in Russian. 

The first cohort will consist of 25 participants. To be considered, you must attend the two online information sessions.  

Interested in attending the online information session and learning more about the Social Enterprise Incubator? Please fill out this form. 

Questions? Contact us at seuz@eurasia.org.

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“Many Kazakhstani universities rely on the government to fund school operations but would benefit from the financial diversification that many U.S. universities practice,” says Hrachya Topalyan, director of civic engagement and leadership at EF. “With more robust and sustainable funding, Kazakhstani institutions could improve university infrastructure, faculty development opportunities, and student services.”

Kazakhstani universities have also expressed interest in strengthening their research methodology and promotion practices. Higher education institutions and the people they serve would benefit from training in academic writing, research publication, and monetizing research outcomes through entrepreneurship.

UniLinks will address these challenges through a two-pronged approach. First, Eurasia Foundation will organize a study tour for three individuals from three universities in West Kazakhstan Region. Participants will travel to the U.S. to meet with partner universities and experts. These site visits will focus on research management, administrative and financial practices, and other areas of importance to the visiting Kazakhstani participants.

Upon returning to Kazakhstan, participants can apply for funding from UniLinks to partner with a U.S. university. One Kazakhstani university will receive support to realize their initiative.

Through this collaboration, UniLinks hopes to promote sustainable growth in critical areas of study for Kazakhstani academics like agriculture, information technology, renewable energy, and STEM-related fields.

“UniLinks will foster sustained collaboration between universities in Kazakhstan and the United States, addressing critical issues facing Kazakhstani institutions and advancing the academic community of both countries,” says EF President Lisa Coll.

Eurasia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to the idea that societies function best when people take responsibility for their own civic and economic prosperity. We envision a future where all people have the opportunity to realize their potential and transform their societies. Since 1992, Eurasia Foundation has equipped forward-thinking people across Europe, Eurasia, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to address issues of concern in their communities. Our success showcases the power of a vibrant civil society to drive real and lasting change. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For general inquiries related to Eurasia Foundation, please contact Communications Manager Julia McLean at jmclean@eurasia.org.

The post Eurasia Foundation Supports Kazakhstani Universities through UniLinks appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

Hear from these remarkable leaders and more, including distinguished alumni of Eurasia Foundation’s Young Professionals Network. Then, join us for a celebratory reception with live jazz performed by Latin Grammy Award-winning pianist Bienvenido Dinzey and passed hors d’oeuvres catered by Ruta.

Purchase your ticket or donate online. All proceeds support Eurasia Foundation’s dynamic leadership and exchange work.

2023 Sarah Carey Award: Honoring Ambassador Oksana Markarova

The post Future Changemakers Forum appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

During private briefings and Q&A sessions, members of YPN have interacted with public figures such as former Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbayeva and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Rosenblum; influential Eurasia experts, including U.S. Ambassadors (ret.) William Courtney, John Herbst, Richard Kauzlarich, Susan Thornton, Mary Warlick, and Kenneth Yalowitz; foreign policy experts Dr. Fiona Hill, Dr. Jeffrey Mankoff, and Paul Stronski; journalist Thomas de Waal; and Ambassadors from the Romanian, Moldovan, and German embassies, among others. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

Program Description 

EF Young Professionals attend and participate in events with influential diplomats, scholars, and journalists up to twice per month between September 2023 and May 2024. All events will take place in Washington, D.C. at varied times after 5:00 PM. The YPN program will be conducted in-person but many also have occasional virtual events.  

Requirements & Expectations 

Young professionals between the ages of 22 and 33 with a deep interest in the Eurasia region who are working in government, media, military, private, or nonprofit sectors may apply. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and a demonstrable commitment to the Eurasia region. Selected participants will be expected to attend most program events, some of which will be scheduled during the workday to accommodate speakers’ schedules. Before applying, please consider if your professional and personal obligations will allow you to fully participate. 

Application Process 

If you are interested in becoming a YPN fellow, please submit your application online by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. You will need to create an account on EF’s application portal and upload the following documents: 

• Current resume 
• Motivation letter explaining your motivation to apply for the Young Professional Network program and how it fits your career interests. 
• Letter of recommendation from a current or former employer or professor addressing your motivation, commitment to the Eurasia region, and leadership qualities 
• A photo (headshot) that may be upload to EF’s website, should you be offered and accept the fellowship 

Use the access code YPN2024 to access the application. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Young Professionals Network FAQs 

What is the Young Professional Network? The Young Professionals Network (YPN) is a professional development network in Washington, D.C. that helps prepare the next generation of experts focused on the Eurasia region. In 2021, YPN marked its ninth anniversary; to date, it has engaged over 250 young and mid-career professionals from the private and nonprofit sectors, the diplomatic community, and the media. The alumni network represents more than 13 countries from the Eurasia region and who collectively speak 12 languages. YPN consists of monthly events, roundtables, and happy hours in Washington to connect rising leaders and established professionals from D.C. think tanks, media outlets, the diplomatic community, and regional activists. As the name of the program implies, the program goal is to create a place for young people to network and building lasting connections.

Who is eligible to apply? The program is open to all applicants between the ages of 22 to 33, regardless of their citizenship. The applicants should have a demonstrable commitment to the Eurasia region and hold a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred). Network alumni work in government, media, and military, as well as in the private and nonprofit sectors.

Does the YPN program cover travel/relocation expenses, or provide a stipend/scholarship? No, YPN does not cover travel or relocation expenses or provide any kind of funding, stipend, or scholarship. The YPN program is designed to provide only networking opportunities for its participants where they can meet and build connections with established professionals.

Should participants reside in the Washington, D.C. area? Yes, the participants should be living, studying, or working in Washington, D.C., and its suburbs, at least for the duration of the program. The program lasts from September through May and all networking events take place in Washington, D.C., and its environs. 

Where should the application materials be submitted? Please submit your application via EF’s website. Applicants need to use the access code YPN2024 to access the application. 

How long is the program? The program begins in September 2023 and ends in May 2024.

How do you choose speakers for the events? EF tailors its activities, meetings, and roundtables to address current events in the Eurasia region. Program speakers and events vary from year to year. 

When is the deadline to apply? The application materials to YPN Class 2023-2024 are due by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 

Should reference letter be sent separately? The reference letter may be submitted by applicants along with other application materials, or it may be sent separately by the writer. If the writer of the reference letter prefers to send it on their own, s/he should forward it to ypn@eurasia.org and put “Reference Applicant’s Name” (e.g. “Reference Jane Doe”) in the subject line. All materials should be submitted before the deadline, Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

The post Apply Now to Join EF’S Young Professionals Network Class of 2023-2024 appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

Highlights of past YPN events include meeting former Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbayeva and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Rosenblum. During private briefings and Q&A sessions, members of YPN have interacted with influential Eurasia experts, including U.S. Ambassadors (ret.) William Courtney, John Herbst, Richard Kauzlarich, Steven Pifer, William Taylor, Susan Thornton, Mary Warlick, and Kenneth Yalowitz; foreign policy experts Dr. Fiona Hill, Dr. Jeffrey Mankoff, and Paul Stronski; journalist Thomas de Waal; and Ambassadors from the Romanian, Moldovan, and German embassies, among others.

Program Description

EF Young Professionals will attend and participate in events with influential diplomats, scholars, and journalists up to two times per month between September 2022 and May 2023. All events will take place in Washington, D.C., at varied times after 5 PM. The YPN program will either be conducted in-person or in a hybrid format depending on the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Requirements & Expectations

Young professionals between the ages of 22 and 33 with a deep interest in the Eurasia region who are working in government, media, military, private, or nonprofit sectors may apply. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and a demonstrable commitment to the Eurasia region. Selected participants will be expected to attend most program events, some of which may be scheduled during the workday to accommodate speakers’ schedules. Before applying, please consider if your professional and personal obligations will allow you to fully participate.

Application Process

If you are interested in becoming a YPN fellow, please submit your application online by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, September 4, 2022. You will need to create an account on EF’s application portal and upload the following documents:

• • Current resume
  • Cover letter describing how you will contribute to and benefit from the program
  • Letter of recommendation from a current or former employer or professor addressing your motivation, commitment to the Eurasia region, and leadership qualities
  • A photo that may be upload to EF’s website, should you be offered and accept the fellowship

  Use the access code YPN2022 to access the application.

  CLICK HERE TO APPLY

  Young Professionals Network FAQs

  What is the Young Professional Network program? The Young Professionals Network (YPN) is a professional development network in Washington, D.C., that helps prepare the next generation of experts focused on the Eurasia region. In 2022, YPN marked its tenth anniversary; to date, it has engaged over 278 young and mid-career professionals from the private and nonprofit sectors, the diplomatic community, and the media. The alumni network represents more than 13 countries from the Eurasia region who collectively speak 12 languages. YPN consists of monthly events, roundtables, and happy hours in Washington designed to connect rising leaders and established professionals from D.C. think-tanks, media outlets, the diplomatic community, and regional activists. As the name of the program implies, the program goal is to create a place for young people to network and building lasting connections.

  Who is eligible to apply? The program is open to all applicants between the ages of 22 to 33, regardless of their citizenship. The applicants should have a demonstrable commitment to the Eurasia region and hold a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree or currently pursuing a master’s preferred). Network alumni work in government, media, and military, as well as in the private and nonprofit sectors.

  Does the YPN program cover travel/relocation expenses, or provide a stipend/scholarship? No, YPN does not cover travel or relocation expenses or provide any kind of funding, stipend, or scholarship. The YPN program is designed to provide only networking opportunities for its participants where they can meet and build connections with established professionals.

  Should participants reside in the Washington, D.C. area? Yes, the participants should be living, studying, or working in Washington, D.C., and its suburbs, at least for the duration of the program. The program lasts from September through May and all networking events take place in Washington, D.C., and its environs.

  Where should the application materials be submitted? Please submit your application via EF’s website. Applicants need to use access code YPN2022 to access the application.

  How long is the program? The program begins in September 2022 and ends in May 2023.

  How do you choose speakers for the events? EF tailors its activities, meetings, and roundtables to address current events in the Eurasia region. Program speakers and events vary from year to year.

  When is the deadline to apply? The application materials for the YPN Class of 2022-2023 are due by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, September 4, 2022.

  Should reference letters be sent separately? The reference letter may be submitted by applicants along with other application materials, or it may be sent separately by the writer. If the writer of the reference letter prefers to send it on their own, s/he should forward it to ypn@eurasia.org and put “Reference Applicant’s Name” (e.g. “Reference Jane Doe”) in the subject line. All materials should be submitted before the deadline, Sunday, September 4, 2022.

  CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The post Apply Now to Join EF’s Young Professionals Network Class of 2022-2023  appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

Bregman, a partner in Dentons’ public policy and regulation practice, delivered the evening’s keynote address. He remarked on the growing demand for careers in promoting human rights and shared insights on building a successful career in this field. During a Q&A session, fellows posed questions about environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG).  

The closing ceremony also marked the program’s first in-person gathering since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fellows cherished the opportunity to deepen connections with peers and discuss ideas they learned through YPN’s events this year.

“It was a pleasure participating in this year’s Young Professional Network, and getting to know the other fellows,” said Mark Temnycky, nonresident fellow with Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, accredited freelance journalist, and YPN 2022 fellow. “The program allowed my cohort and me to interact with some of the field’s leading experts. The monthly sessions gave us an opportunity to learn more about various regions of the world and how they are all connected. It is a small world, after all!” 

Fellows can continue to engage with one another, make new connections, and learn through YPN’s alumni network. We look forward to all that these young Eurasianists will accomplish in the years ahead, building on a decade-long legacy of YPN fellows before them.

The post Young Professionals Network Unites for End-Of-Year Celebration appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

The event’s 30 attendees represented a broad cross-section of civil society organizations (CSOs) from Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Expert panelists discussed challenges to women’s security and shared tools to help CSOs work and collaborate more effectively. While each attending organization specializes in women’s issues, they offer a wide array of technical expertise spanning anti-trafficking, peacebuilding, rural women’s support, the rights of people with disabilities, and more.

“Violence against women and extremism are issues that each of these organizations address in their daily work,” said Mekhribon Abdullaeva, Program Manager at EF. “This conference is an important venue for these organizations to identify issues and promote their work. It allows them to meet organizations and experts from different countries and develop strategies on how to work together.”

Istanbul is the birthplace of one of the most influential international anti-VAW agreements: the Istanbul Convention. This landmark legislation aimed to uphold women’s rights to safety and security through four pillars: preventing VAW, protecting women and girls, prosecuting perpetrators, and creating cooperative polices. Through I-WAVE, CSOs and experts built on this foundational framework by examining violence against women as a form of violent extremism.

“Unfortunately, violent acts committed against girls and women, a form of extremism based on their gender, is not just a historical challenge,” says Abdullaeva. “It continues in many different forms today. We are here to come up with an action plan for the future, to consolidate our efforts, and continue the fight against all violence and extremism.”

The first two days of I-WAVE provided space for CSOs and international experts to outline key challenges to women’s well-being. Sessions emphasized pathways for civil society organizations to improve their sustainability, communications, and outreach skills.

Abdullaeva moderated the panel “Networking, Outreach and Policy Dialogue,” which focused on tactics for promoting women’s issues and preventing violent extremism through community outreach. Panelists revealed effective practices learned from working with locally led organizations. Nargis Saidova, director of the NGO Gender and Development in Dushanbe, discussed how lobbying and coalition-building can promote women’s issues in Tajikistan. Olga Kalashnyk of La Strada Ukraine presented on the organization’s experience with the La Strada network model. Lyudmila Ulyashina, representing European Humanities University from Norway, shared experience in championing human rights.

Dildora Amirkulova, a consultant from Uzbekistan, chaired another panel on violent extremism as a form of violence against women. This panel brought together experts from Croatia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan to discuss different manifestations of violent extremism in various contexts. Panelists emphasized the need for curricula about countering violence against women in peace and security studies.

The final two days of the forum centered on capacity-building workshops and interactive training to help participants integrate their knowledge into practice. These sessions critically considered whether VAW and extremism are different forms of violence, or intrinsically linked. Participants then explored innovative approaches.

In the end, participating experts and practitioners developed a new agenda to guide outreach and research priorities going forward. Together, I-WAVE’s experts are building a world that is safer for all, with women’s voices leading the way.

The post EF Launches International Conference on Women Against Violence and Extremism appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

The forum united members of Partnership in Action, a network of civil society organizations (CSOs) fighting human trafficking in Central Asia. This EF-supported coalition connects leading anti-trafficking advocates with peers, experts, media professionals, and government officials in other Central Asian countries to form a robust international taskforce. Twenty-seven network members from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the forum either in-person or online. 

Every country has a distinct legal framework and limited resources for responding to trafficking within its borders. Yet trafficking in persons is an intrinsically cross-border issue that typically impacts two or more states at once: a country of origin, a destination country, and often countries of transport. Civil society organizations’ flexibility offers a unique opportunity to work across both physical and jurisdictional borders. The more effectively these organizations can connect, communicate, and cooperate, the more effectively they can support survivors.

EF President Lisa Coll and Program Officer Sitora Rozikova traveled to Almaty to attend the forum. “Human trafficking is a terrible and unfortunately growing issue around the world,” Coll said in her opening remarks. “We are here today to learn from each other, to share information, and to discuss how we can continue to collaborate to combat human trafficking.” She emphasized the importance of local leadership in crafting and implementing sustainable anti-trafficking solutions. 

The forum’s sessions centered on developing a unified anti-trafficking strategy across all countries of Central Asia. Over the course of three days, Partnership in Action members refined their mission statements, explored new fundraising strategies, and evaluated the group’s strengths and weaknesses.  

“This forum was essential for the network,” says Khadicha Abysheva, EF expert and founder of legal center for women’s issues Sana Sezim. “All our work aimed at revising our mission, strengthening our unified front, updating our approach, and further developing the network’s priorities.” 

Expert trainers led interactive workshops that emphasized small group brainstorming and broader group discussions. This format encouraged participants to exchange experiences from different countries and civic environments. Together, their ideas coalesced into nuanced and targeted anti-trafficking strategies. 

“Analyzing our operating environments and assessing the network’s opportunities and threats helped me see our collaboration from a different angle, through a new lens,” says Marianna Kurbanova from Istiqbolli Avlod in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. “As a result, I now view our work on a larger, even global scale.”

The post EF Hosts Annual Regional Forum to Combat Trafficking in Persons in Central Asia appeared first on Eurasia Foundation.

This year’s online forum centered on the theme Partnership in Action, emphasizing the need for transnational strategies in the fight against trafficking in persons (TIP). Experts shared best practices and experiences in fostering cross-border collaboration with 80 participants from all countries of Central Asia.

As recruitment efforts grow online, anti-trafficking CSOs must rapidly adopt new tactics for identifying signs of trafficking and supporting survivors across borders. Contemporary, collaborative anti-trafficking strategies have helped the Network assist and repatriate over 120 survivors in the past year.

“Civil society is essential to combating trafficking in Central Asia,” said EF President Lisa Coll in her opening remarks. “Each network CSO representative here is an expert in the field, having devoted many years to helping survivors and improving the fight against human trafficking. With the support of government officials and international organizations, these leaders can do their job more effectively.”

On the first day of the forum, participants examined case studies in cross-border anti-trafficking efforts, including the Baltic Sea region’s referral mechanism. They also explored international approaches to detecting evidence of human trafficking. To cap off the first day, experts held a live and interactive Q&A session to address transnational cases observed in participants’ countries.  

For the second day, participants discussed challenges in forming a transnational mechanism for repatriating victims of trafficking. Experts considered the most effective mechanisms for facilitating interaction and cooperation in transnational cases before discussing results from the Network’s anti-TIP working groups. 

Representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan also spoke at the Forum. They gave presentations on developing international standard operating procedures to improve mutual legal assistance between countries and shared their hands-on experiences in redirecting survivors to their countries of origin. They also demonstrated positive practices for handling transnational cases. By the Forum’s conclusion, many network members had accepted a resolution to adopt these practices.

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