From 11 to 13 February 2026, a technical exchange visit was held in Vienna, Austria, within the framework of cooperation between the Women in Nuclear Central Asia (WINCA) and Black Sea Women in Nuclear (BSWN) networks, with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and Los Alamos National Laboratory .
Representatives of the Kyrgyz chapter of WINCA participated in the visit, including Mr. Taalaibek Bektashev, Director of the Center for Nonproliferation and Export Control and WINCA National Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as representatives of the academic community.
The programme included meetings and expert discussions with representatives of leading Vienna-based international organizations, including the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), as well as representatives of the United Nations and other international institutions. The participants also met with H.E. the Ambassador of Canada to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of emerging and disruptive technologies on nuclear security, infrastructure development for nuclear programmes, and international approaches to nuclear security and non-proliferation.
Particular attention was given to strengthening cooperation between the WINCA and BSWN networks, enhancing professional competencies, leadership skills, and knowledge exchange among participants.
A key practical component of the programme was the technical visits, including a tour of the TRIGA research reactor, the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre, and other relevant facilities, providing participants with valuable insights into practical aspects of nuclear security and emergency response.
The participation of representatives of the Kyrgyz WINCA chapter contributed to strengthening international cooperation, expanding professional networks, and enhancing the expert capacity of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of nuclear security and non-proliferation.
The Center for Nonproliferation and Export Control remains actively engaged in international initiatives aimed at capacity building and strengthening regional cooperation in this field.
