Regional Conference in Issyk-Kul: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Strategic Trade Controls

On 25–26 February 2026, the regional conference “Women in Strategic Trade Controls – Pathways to Leadership” took place at Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, bringing together over 50 experts from government, academia, industry, and international organizations across Central Asia and Europe.

The conference was organized in cooperation between the European Union-funded EU P2P Export Control Programs (P105 and COARM), the project implemented by the Center on Export Controls “Promoting the Advancement, Leadership, and Increased Participation of Kyrgyz Women in Export Control (WEC)”, supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek.

Key Highlights of the Conference

The opening session reflected the high-level political relevance of the topic. Representatives of the Kyrgyz government and parliament underlined the importance of inclusive governance in strengthening export control systems.

In her keynote address, BAFA President Dr. Mandy Pastohr emphasized that gender diversity is not only a matter of equality but also a key factor in enhancing institutional performance and decision-making quality.

Main Discussion Themes

Over two days, participants addressed several critical areas:

1. Competence and Capacity Development

Experts highlighted the need for multidisciplinary expertise in export control, including legal, administrative, and technical competencies, and stressed the importance of increasing women’s access to these areas.

2. Barriers to Women’s Participation

Discussions focused on structural and societal barriers such as:

  • limited access to technical professions,
  • insufficient professional networks,
  • unclear career pathways.

3. From Policy to Implementation

Participants explored how gender mainstreaming can be effectively embedded into export control systems through:

  • political commitment,
  • institutional accountability,
  • targeted support measures.

Leadership and Regional Cooperation

The second day focused on leadership and international cooperation.

Jyldyz Sydygalieva, Director of the Center on Export Control, presented the results of the Women in Export Control (WEC) project in Kyrgyzstan and emphasized the importance of scaling it up to the regional level and fostering cooperation among Central Asian countries.

The presentation of the WEC project demonstrated that targeted national initiatives are already producing tangible results and can serve as a model for the wider region.

An interactive policy session translated discussions into actionable recommendations, including:

  • strengthening institutional capacities,
  • supporting the next generation of professionals,
  • building sustainable regional networks of women in STC.

Conclusions

The conference marked a significant milestone for the region, demonstrating that:

  • women’s participation is an integral component of effective export control systems,
  • gender equality enhances decision-making and institutional resilience,
  • regional cooperation is essential for sustainable progress.

As the first event of its kind in Central Asia focusing specifically on women’s leadership in strategic trade controls, the conference highlighted the leadership role of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in advancing this agenda.