On 25–26 February 2026, a conference titled “Women in Strategic Trade Controls – Pathways to Leadership” was held in the Kyrgyz Republic (Bosteri, Issyk-Kul). The event was organized with the support of the European Union, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA, Germany), the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The conference brought together participants from the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the European Union, including representatives of government agencies, expert communities, international organizations, and academia.
At the opening session, welcome remarks were delivered by high-level officials, including:
– Sultan Akhmatov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic;
– Mandy Pastohr, President of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA);
– Monika Lenhard, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kyrgyz Republic (online).
Key Focus
The conference focused on enhancing women’s participation in strategic trade controls (export control) and strengthening their professional and leadership capacities.
Key topics included:
– current approaches to the development of export control systems;
– gender equality and inclusivity in strategic trade controls;
– structural and societal barriers to entry into the field;
– capacity building and professional development;
– practical measures to advance women’s roles in this sector.
The programme featured panel discussions, experience sharing, and the development of practical recommendations.
Participation and Contribution
The Kyrgyz Republic hosted the event and actively contributed to the discussions through the participation of government officials and national experts as speakers and moderators.
In particular, Taalaibek Bektashev, national expert in export control, served as a moderator of a panel session and contributed to discussions on leadership development and international cooperation.
Special attention was also given to regional initiatives, including the involvement of representatives of the WINCA (Women in Nuclear Central Asia) network, which promotes the professional development of women in nonproliferation and strategic trade control.
Significance
The conference contributed to strengthening cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and partners from the European Union, while facilitating the exchange of experience on building effective and inclusive export control systems.
Participants highlighted the importance of continued efforts to enhance capacity building, expand women’s participation, and promote regional cooperation in this field.
