My name is Akylai, and my commitment to sustainable development began during my studies in International Relations at Kyrgyz National University and my MA in Politics and Security at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. After completing my undergraduate thesis on green energy in Kyrgyzstan and earning the Best Thesis Award for my research on environmental activism at the OSCE Academy, I expanded my perspective by attending the International Summer School at the University of Oslo. There, I engaged in discussions on international development and explored challenges in Central Asia. Professionally, I have contributed to projects at UNDP and OSCE ODIHR, focusing on gender equality and democratic governance.
Through my research projects, I became particularly interested in indigenous practices in Central Asia that align with democratic values but do not fit conventional Western models. These practices, often underexplored in mainstream discourse, present unique forms of community-based governance and local activism that contribute to sustainable development in culturally nuanced ways.
I have a deep appreciation for the Japanese language and culture, and I am eager to connect with Japan’s rich academic environment. Joining the International Public Policy MA program with a focus on Sustainable Development Goals at the University of Tsukuba is a key step toward my goal of working in research institutions or think tanks to address theoretical and practical issues in development.
