[Check Against Delivery] Statement of Mr. Kiminori IWAMA, Ambassador of Japan in Austria and Permanent Representative of Japan to the OSCE Report by the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Dr. Volker Frobarth Permanent Council, OSCE 23 July, 2026 Dr. Frobarth, Mr. Chair, First of all, Japan would like to welcome Dr. Frobarth back to Vienna and the Permanent Council and thank him for his detailed and comprehensive report on the activities and achievements of the OSCE Programme Office as well as the OSCE Academy in Bishkek in the previous year. In particular, Japan is pleased to see the Academy expanding its impact in the region, growing its number of graduates, and improving the quality and recognition of its academic programmes. Mr. Chair, As one of its financial contributors to the Academy for the past two years, Japan places a high priority on capacity building and human resource development in Central Asia. The importance of cooperation in this key area has also been reconfirmed during the Summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue, which took place in Tokyo last December. The OSCE Academy plays a vital role in contributing to the promotion of dialogue, prevention of conflict and empowerment of young people, especially young women, in peace and security The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. PC.DEL/777/26 23 July 2026 ENGLISH only
processes, in accordance with the UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and the UNSC Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. Japan particularly values the fact that the Academy also accepts students from Afghanistan, and praises its invaluable contribution to peace and stability throughout the Central Asian region. Though the OSCE Academy may only be a small-scale institution with approximately 150 students per year, it is nevertheless a leading educational establishment in Central Asia, which can count Ms. Nuria Kutnaeva, former Minister of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic among its graduates. Currently, students from the Kyrgyz Republic , Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan make up the majority of the Academy’s student body, however Japan hopes it will be able to attract applicants from other countries in the region and ultimately reach a more balanced representation from across Central Asia. Mr. Chair, Japan will continue to support Dr. Frobarth and his able team at the OSCE Programme Office and in particular the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and wish them continued success. Japan will likewise continue to work closely with the international community to promote peace, stability and development in the Central Asian region. I thank you.