UNESCO's Social Media for Peace Project Takes Root in Kyrgyzstan

In the heart of Bishkek, a city of rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, the foundation of digital harmony is being laid. The UNESCO-organized event, “Social Media for Peace” (SM4P), brought 35 dynamic voices from government, civil society, media, academia, tech sectors, and beyond, to envision a landscape where digital platforms foster unity rather than divide.

Seeds of Digital Dialogue

July 2025 marked a watershed moment as stakeholders, guided by UNESCO and backed by the European Union, gathered in Kyrgyzstan to launch the SM4P project. This event opened floodgates of dialogue, inviting local actors to a round table where the voices of the marginalized and the advocates for interethnic and gender-based harmony found resonance. According to UNESCO, such inclusive efforts are crucial in navigating the complexities of digital interactions.

Voices Clamoring for Change

The consultation in Bishkek ushered in a unique opportunity to not merely talk about social media landscapes but to reshape them. Muhayo Abduraupova from “Positive Dialogue” underscored the importance of addressing governance gaps and reinforcing national capacities for digital governance—a call that echoed from every corner of the room.

A Coalition for Digital Freedom

From these discussions arose the prospect of a Multistakeholder Coalition, aiming to fortify freedom of expression while tactfully handling harmful online content. Harnessing insights from prior successes in other nations, participants envisioned an initiative steeped in local priorities and empowered by Media and Information Literacy.

Aspiration Meets Action

Aizat Ruslanova from the youth organization “IDEA Central Asia” vocalized the passion of Kyrgyzstan’s youth, emphasizing the project’s inclusive approach that values and empowers the opinions of young digital natives, heralding a new era of engaged digital citizens.

A New Chapter in Digital Peacebuilding

Concluding with directed commitments, the session set the stage for a cooperative journey, bridging societal frontiers, and paving pathways to a resolute digital future, much akin to UNESCO’s global initiatives extended across countries like Indonesia and Kenya.

Dive into this journey as Kyrgyzstan stands on the brink of digital transformation—one tweet, post, and upload at a time.