The University of Central Asia (UCA) held a workshop on town master plan development, as part of the University’s Town Development project, from July 19-21 in Naryn (Kyrgyzstan).
According to press release issued by UCA, the introductory course aimed to enhance the awareness, knowledge and skills associated with master plan development exercises of relevant stakeholders, and created an enabling environment for town development, aligned with modern urban planning. It also informed local decision makers about modern approaches applied in urban development focusing on master planning tools, and created an opportunity to access valuable insights, approaches and experiences of economic, social and environmental constituents. The workshop format included interactive presentations, group work, and discussions on how to come up with a workable town
“The support of the Aga Khan Development Network and the University of Central Asia is significant in all aspects of development of our Oblast,” noted Kasen Azizov, Deputy Governor of Naryn, at the opening ceremony. “This workshop is another example of the fruitful collaboration between the Naryn Oblast Government and UCA, and we hope all participants will benefit, and help support in the development of the Naryn master plan.”
The workshop participants reportedly developed practical skills by producing sketches for the development of a park near UCA’s campus. They also participated in a park clean-up and made recommendations to local residents on how to help keep the area clean.
Twenty-nine participants attended the capacity building workshop including representatives from the Naryn municipality and Chief Architect office, State Institute of Urban Planning and Architecture, Kyrgyzstan Association of Architects, State Committee for Architecture and Construction in Kyrgyzstan, as well as representatives from the Khorog municipality and Chief Architect office of Khorog and GBAO, the State Institute of Urban Planning and Architecture of Tajikistan affiliation “Shahrofar”.
The workshop was conducted by Dr. Madina Junusova, Research Fellow of UCA’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA). The training was organized in conjunction with UCA’s IPPA as part of the University Town Development project, in the framework of a memorandum of understanding between the Aga Khan Development Network and the Naryn Municipality for the development of Naryn’s Master plan in 2018.
Concluding the training, Emilbek Alymkulov, Mayor of Naryn, presented certificates to the participants. On behalf of the Association of Architects of Kyrgyzstan, two books were also handed over to the library of the University of Central Asia.
