The story of the “Valley of Cooperation” project began in May 2025 — in a region where borders may divide countries, but people’s lives, cultures, and daily realities remain deeply interconnected.

From the very beginning, the initiative was envisioned as a bridge — connecting communities, countries, and diverse social groups. With financial support from PATRIP and implementation by Saferworld, the project brought together partner organizations from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, including the Public Foundation “DIA,” “Peaceful Initiatives,” and NGOs “Tarakkiyet” and “Hamruh.”

Today, the project is still ongoing and continues to evolve across the Fergana Valley — in Fergana, Andijan, Namangan, as well as Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad. Designed as a three-year initiative, it is already becoming part of everyday life in these communities.

This story is about building understanding. It is about how different groups learn to listen to one another and work toward shared solutions. The project not only strengthens dialogue but also opens up new socio-economic opportunities by promoting access to financial tools and services.

Women and youth play a central role in this story. They are increasingly engaged in identifying the root causes of conflict and violence and proposing innovative ways to address them. Together with local authorities, they are shaping change from within their own communities.

The work continues through learning and collective action. Trainings are being held for civil society representatives, and capacity-building action plans are being developed with local authorities. These plans are implemented through small grants, while women and young people lead awareness campaigns that engage wider communities.

The project is still in progress. Ahead lie new steps, new stories, and a final conference to share results and lessons learned. But even now, the “Valley of Cooperation” is demonstrating how dialogue, trust, and collaboration can gradually transform an entire region.