Kemin, Kyrgyzstan (November 18, 2011) – On November 19-23 twenty five young people from all of over Kyrgyzstan selected through a competitive process will take part in a five-day seminar entitled “New Leaders – Positive Changes”.  Participants of the seminar will be trained on critical thinking, advocacy skills, analytical, decision-making as well as presentation skills.  They will also learn ways to participate more fully in the economic and political life of the country.

This seminar will be followed by a two-month mentoring program for the participants.  Mentors, key figures in Kyrgyzstan’s civil society sector, will work with participants to develop their personal and professional qualities, and encourage them to be more active citizens.  During the mentorship period, the young leaders will also publish analytical articles related to social, economic, and political issues in a range of media outlets, including social media.

The seminars are aimed at building linkages and legacy networks between young professionals and established experts in the field of public policy, democracy education and human rights. The initiative contributes to empowerment and enablement of young practitioners to maximize their impact on the decision making and reform processes in the country.

The event is organized by the Youth Project of UNDP Democratic Governance Programme in partnership with USAID’s Jasa.kg Programme and the Youth Programme of the Soros Foundation-Kyrgyzstan.

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