Materials published on the website are for informational purposes only. The forum program, list of participants, and event schedule are subject to change.
June 17–21, 2026
Kyrgyzstan
Dialogue of Civilizations
The Future of Humanity
Ecology of the Spirit
About the Forum
The Jubilee International Issyk-Kul Forum-40 is a leading humanitarian and intellectual platform, founded by Chingiz Aitmatov in 1986. The forum brings together distinguished thinkers, scholars, cultural figures, and leaders from around the world for an open dialogue on the future of humanity and the preservation of universal human values.
A meeting place of East and West, where global challenges and paths to cooperation are discussed.
Dialogue of Civilizations and Cultures
Ecology of the Spirit and Humanism
Preserving cultural heritage, moral values, and human responsibility toward future generations.
Discussion of new technologies, the ethics of progress, and overcoming “neo-Mancurtism” as a threat to historical memory and identity.
Development through Innovation and Thought
1997
2018
2020
2023
1986
The birth of the forum and the development of the idea of “planetary thinking” during the Cold War
Reviving the Dialogue of Civilizations on the Threshold of the Third Millennium and Global Change
Updating Aitmatov’s Humanistic Ideas to Address Contemporary Global Challenges
The forum goes beyond humanitarian discussions: economy, youth, and new international initiatives
Continuing the Forum in a Digital Format, Preserving Humanistic Dialogue During the Pandemic
1997
2018
2020
2023
1986
The birth of the forum and the development of the idea of “planetary thinking” during the Cold War
Reviving the Dialogue of Civilizations on the Threshold of the Third Millennium and Global Change
Updating Aitmatov’s Humanistic Ideas to Address Contemporary Global Challenges
The forum goes beyond humanitarian discussions: economy, youth, and new international initiatives
Continuing the Forum in a Digital Format, Preserving Humanistic Dialogue During the Pandemic
The forum was founded in 1986 in the USSR
the distinguished Kyrgyz writer, humanist, and public figure
His works have been translated into dozens of languages and have become part of world literature. In his books, Aitmatov addresses timeless themes of human dignity, moral choice, memory, culture, and the responsibility of individuals toward the future.
on the initiative of
Chingiz Aitmatov
generations of intellectuals for an open dialogue on the future of humanity, the preservation of culture, and moral values
The forum brings together
At the height of the Cold War, Aitmatov managed to bring together leading thinkers, scholars, and cultural figures from around the world to discuss humanity’s global challenges.
Founder of the Forum
Chingiz Aitmatov
Chingiz Aitmatov
Forum Programm
08:00 – 24:00
Meeting of participants at Manas International Airport: banner featuring the IFK-40 logo in the VIP lounge lobby.
Transfer of VIP guests and assistants to Bishkek and hotel accommodation.
Transfer of VIP guests and assistants to Bishkek and hotel accommodation.
18:00 – 19:00
Welcome dinner for international participants and their assistants in Bishkek.
8:00 - 9:00
Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00
Transfer to the Yntymak Ordo State Residence. Participants are welcomed with a musical performance by the ethnographic ensemble “Muras”.
10:00 - 10:10
Official opening ceremony of the International Issyk-Kul Forum – 40
10:10 - 19:30
Welcome speech by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic
10:30 - 12:30
Welcome speeches by the forum’s distinguished guests
12:30 - 13:00
Official photo session of the forum’s distinguished guests with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch for forum participants
14:00 - 15:30
Flower-laying ceremony at the grave of Chyngyz Aitmatov at the Ata-Beyit Memorial Complex.
15:30 - 17:00
Trip to the Ala-Archa National Park.
17:00 - 19:00
Official dinner on behalf of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic at the guest house “Ene-Sai” in the Ala-Archa State Residence.
Presentation of a symphonic ode dedicated to Forum–40 as part of a concert by the variety-symphonic orchestra of the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic.
Presentation of a symphonic ode dedicated to Forum–40 as part of a concert by the variety-symphonic orchestra of the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic.
19:00 - 19:30
Return to the hotel
08:00 - 9:00
Breakfast at the hotel
9:00 - 10:00
Transfer to the Yntymak Ordo State Residence.
Participants are welcomed with a performance by the ethnographic ensemble “Kaibar”.
Participants are welcomed with a performance by the ethnographic ensemble “Kaibar”.
10:00 - 13
Plenary Session I
The Crisis of Humanism in a Multipolar Chaos: From Dialogue to Action?
Speeches by distinguished international and local forum participants.
The Crisis of Humanism in a Multipolar Chaos: From Dialogue to Action?
Speeches by distinguished international and local forum participants.
14:00 - 16:00
Plenary Session II
The Future of Civilizations in an Era of Global Change
Speeches by distinguished international and local forum participants.
The Future of Civilizations in an Era of Global Change
Speeches by distinguished international and local forum participants.
16:00 - 16:30
Final Session III
Adoption of the Forum’s Final Document.
Discussion and adoption of the Issyk-Kul Declaration – 40.
Adoption of the Forum’s Final Document.
Discussion and adoption of the Issyk-Kul Declaration – 40.
16:30 - 17:00
Trip to the Arhar Ethno Complex.
17:00 - 19:00
Ethno-dinner at the restaurant “Ak-Söök” in the “Arhar” complex.
Concert program by the ethno-rock band “Urker”.
Dessert by the waterfall accompanied by saxophone music.
Concert program by the ethno-rock band “Urker”.
Dessert by the waterfall accompanied by saxophone music.
19:00 - 19:30
Return to the hotel.
08:00 - 9:00
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 - 13:00
Transfer of participants from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake by land or air transport, hotel accommodation.
13:00 - 13:30
Departure to the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center named after Chyngyz Aitmatov.
13:30 - 14:30
Opening of a sculpture dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Issyk-Kul Forum at Rukh Ordo (location to be determined).
15:30 - 16:30
Boat trip on two presidential vessels. Buffet on board.
16:30 - 17:30
Arrival at the Dordoi Nomad Complex, introduction to the nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people (cultural program).
17:30 - 18:00
Presentation of Nomadic Games (salburun, trick riding).
18:00 - 19:30
Gala dinner in the national yurt “Khan Boz Üy” accompanied by the ethno-music ensemble “Kambarkan”.
19:30 - 20:00
Return to the hotel.
08:00 - 9:00
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 - 13:00
Free time at Issyk-Kul Lake.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch at the hotel.
14:00 - 19:00
Transfer of participants from Issyk-Kul to Bishkek
19:00 - 00:00
Transfer of participants to Manas International Airport.
Why the Forum Matters:
Values, Ideas, and Intergenerational Dialogue
The forum creates a unique platform where thought, science, and cultural leaders discuss global challenges, ideas of peace, and humanism without the pressure of political or economic interests.
Here, openness, respect for diverse perspectives, and the joint pursuit of solutions for the future of humanity are valued.
A Space for Open Dialogue
01
Participants of the 1986 Issyk-Kul Forum, from left to right: actor David Baldwin (USA), futurist Alvin Toffler (USA), writer James Baldwin (USA).
The forum brings together experienced experts, young thinkers, and representatives from different countries, cultures, and traditions.
It is a space where East meets West, small states meet large ones, and traditions meet innovation. This interaction allows for new approaches to global challenges and the creation of solutions for all humanity.
It is a space where East meets West, small states meet large ones, and traditions meet innovation. This interaction allows for new approaches to global challenges and the creation of solutions for all humanity.
Bringing Together Generations and Cultures
02
The forum inspires the preservation of cultural heritage, the ethics of progress, and responsibility toward future generations.
It fosters the understanding that knowledge, humanism, and collective action today determine the quality of life and the security of humanity tomorrow.
It fosters the understanding that knowledge, humanism, and collective action today determine the quality of life and the security of humanity tomorrow.
The forum emphasizes that the development of technology and science must go hand in hand with the preservation of human values. By creating a space for the exchange of experiences and ideas, it helps leaders, thinkers, and younger generations find a balance between innovation and cultural traditions, building a future where progress serves life rather than destruction.
03
Shaping the Future through the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and the Ethics of Progress
Press Materials
— Leading Thinkers and Cultural Figures United to Discuss Global Challenges
Forum Participants
- Mo YanChinese writer, 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate
- Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-MalikDirector General of ISESCO
- Азиз СанджарТурецкий биохимик и учёный, лауреат Нобеловской премии
- Александр КарлюкевичБелорусский писатель, государственный деятель
- Чжан ХонсэнКитайский писатель и президент Ассоциации писателей Китая.
- Лю ЛянчэнЗаместитель директора Комитета прозы Ассоциации писателей Китая.
Organizers and Partners
Archived Photographs
Delegates of the First Forum (1986)
Delegates of the First Forum (1986)
Forum Opening
Participants of the Issyk-Kul Forum (1986), from left to right: actor David Baldwin (USA), futurist Alvin Toffler (USA), writer James Baldwin (USA).
Participants of the Second Issyk-Kul Forum (1997), from left to right: Mikhail Gorbachev, Chyngyz Aitmatov, Federico Mayor Zaragoza. Issyk-Kul Lake.
Participants of the Issyk-Kul Forum (1997), from left to right: writer and academician Andrei Zolotov (Russia), Chyngyz Aitmatov (Kyrgyzstan), artist Afewerk Tekle (Ethiopia), writer Tulepbergen Kaipbergenov (Uzbekistan). Bishkek.
Issyk-Kul Forum (1997)
Organizing Committee Contacts
Marat Tagaev
Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
+996 (312) 62‒04‒82
tagaev.marat.t@gmail.com
tagaev.marat.t@gmail.com
Cholpon Turdalieva
Forum Coordinator, Professor, American University of Central Asia
Forum Coordinator, Professor, American University of Central Asia
+996 (550) 311-137
issykkulforum40@gmail.com
issykkulforum40@gmail.com
For Media
Forum Coordinator Cholpon Turdalieva
Forum Coordinator Cholpon Turdalieva
+996 (550) 311-137
issykkulforum40@gmail.com
issykkulforum40@gmail.com
Address
Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
Chyngyz Aitmatov Park
78 Pushkin Street, Floors 1–2
78 Pushkin Street, Floors 1–2
think globally, act humanely!
International Issyk-Kul Forum 2026 —
If you have any questions, please contact us:
Organizing Committee Contacts
Marat Tagaev
Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
+996 (312) 62‒04‒82
tagaev.marat.t@gmail.com
Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
+996 (312) 62‒04‒82
tagaev.marat.t@gmail.com
Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic
Chyngyz Aitmatov Park, 78 Pushkin Street, Floors 1–2
Chyngyz Aitmatov Park, 78 Pushkin Street, Floors 1–2
© 2026. All rights reserved
