RU
2025
Project: Summer School “The Future of Labor and Social Justice in Kyrgyzstan in the 21st Century”
Kyrgyz Republic

Limited Liability Company “PIL Research Company”, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Labor relations remain an understudied topic in the Kyrgyz Republic despite the growing complexity of labor market challenges. The country faces significant structural unemployment, widespread labor migration, a shortage of qualified professionals, and an influx of foreign workers. Many enterprises operate in the informal sector, while labor legislation remains outdated and misaligned with the realities of the modern economy. Concepts relevant to the quaternary and quinary sectors are missing from policy, and issues such as working poverty and precarious employment remain largely unaddressed. Academic research on labor and employment is scarce, and trade unions and civil society actors play a limited role in shaping labor discourse and protecting workers’ rights.
Overall Objective:
The project objective is to strengthen the capacity of researchers in the Kyrgyz Republic working on various aspects of labor relations and social justice through the organization of a summer school.

The aims of the project:

  • Selection of participant-researchers;
    1
  • Preparation and implementation of a five-day summer school, including assignment of topics and supervisors;
    2
  • Implementation of mini-research projects by participants with supervisory support and preparation of research papers;
    3
  • Presentation of mini-research results and selection of the three best papers.
    4

The main activities of the project are:

  • The Summer School project “The Future of Labor and Social Justice in Kyrgyzstan in the 21st Century” has officially concluded. The final stage of the project was an online meeting held on December 10, during which participants presented their research findings and reflected on the outcomes of their joint work.
  • As part of the Summer School, participants developed research papers addressing key labor market challenges in Kyrgyzstan, including unemployment, digital and platform-based employment, labor migration, social protection, climate-related risks, and working conditions. The participants presented their analytical findings, discussed methodological approaches, and received certificates upon completion of the program.
  • Following the final presentations, the research paper by Azhar Zholonbaeva was selected as the best project output: “Digital Platforms and Social Protection: Who Protects Workers in Kyrgyzstan’s New Economy?” The paper examines the situation of platform workers and highlights existing gaps in social protection systems amid ongoing economic transformation.

    The full text of the research paper is available here (in Russian).
  • The Summer School served as an important platform for nurturing a new generation of researchers in the field of labor relations and social justice — an area that remains underrepresented in both research and public debate, yet is critically important for the country’s socio-economic future.