On July 8–10, 2026, the Aarhus Center in Osh organized a working visit of experts to the city of Mailuu-Suu and the Terek-Say ayyl aymak (rural district) of the Jalal-Abad region. The visit focused on socio-economic development, the national cooperation of local self-governments (LSGs) with uranium legacy, and radiation safety.

The primary objective of the events was to strengthen cooperation with local self-governments, develop the activities of the National Cooperation of Settlements with Uranium Legacy in the Kyrgyz Republic, and discuss prospects for future interaction.

As part of the working visit, meetings were held with the leadership of the Mailuu-Suu Mayor’s Office, the Terek-Say ayyl okmotu (local administration), representatives of local keneshes (councils), executive secretaries, and specialized experts. The discussions centered on the development of the National Cooperation of Settlements with Uranium Legacy, the role of local self-governments, and the organization of public monitoring of reclamation works.

Additionally, OSCE experts T. Yunusov and R. Beyshenkulova conducted training seminars on socio-economic development, strategic development plans, radiation safety, cooperation among settlements with uranium legacy, and local project preparation. Participants received information on radiation safety measures, the implementation of local initiatives, fundraising opportunities, and principles of sustainable development.

During the visit, K. Isabaev, Director of the Aarhus Center in Osh, met with the leadership of the Mailuu-Suu Mayor’s Office and the Terek-Say ayyl okmotu. The parties discussed the implementation of project activities, support for the National Cooperation, and the further development of local-level collaboration.
A meeting was also held with representatives of “VISUTEC Central Asia,” the company conducting reclamation works in Mailuu-Suu. During the meeting, an agreement was reached to prepare information posters and leaflets to raise public awareness about radiation safety and reclamation efforts. Following the meetings, it was recommended to hold sessions with deputies and working commission members, as well as to ensure regular updates to the Mailuu-Suu Mayor’s Office and the city kenesh regarding the progress of reclamation works carried out by “VISUTEC Central Asia.”

Within the framework of the working visit, the results of the Small Grants Program competition among 14 secondary schools in Mailuu-Suu were finalized. Two schools, recognized as winners of the competition, received certificates, with financial support for the implementation of their projects provided by the OSCE.
A total of 45 municipal employees and deputies from the city of Mailuu-Suu and the Terek-Say ayyl aymak participated in the events. The participants exchanged experiences and received practical recommendations from the experts. The conducted events contribute to enhancing radiation safety in settlements with uranium legacy, strengthening the capacity of local self-governments, and fostering the sustainable socio-economic development of local communities.

Kubanych uulu Zhumabek

Specialist of the Aarhus Center in Osh