Children's Caravan of Unity" Brings Together Over 15,000 Children Across Seven Regions of Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 14 September 2026 – UNICEF’s "Children's Caravan of Unity" initiative—aimed at promoting children's rights, unity, healthy lifestyles, inclusion, and Kyrgyzstan's cultural heritage—visited seven regions of the country this summer, reaching more than 15,000 children.

The "Children's Caravan of Unity" was organized as part of the "Caravan of Unity" for the 6th World Nomad Games and was part of the "Strong Youth – Strong Country" project, implemented with the support of the European Union.

The caravan began its journey in the Batken region and visited all the country's regions over the summer months. Children and young people took part in traditional national games and interactive educational activities, while also receiving information on health, nutrition, vaccination, climate change, media literacy, and children's rights. 

The caravan's primary goal is to combine traditional games and cultural heritage with the promotion of children's rights, creating opportunities for every child to play, learn, freely express their views, and participate in the life of the community.

The final leg of the caravan took place at the Kyrchyn pasture as part of the 6th World Nomad Games. There, the UNICEF Children’s Yurt served as a safe and inclusive space where traditional culture blended with modern, interactive formats.

"We are delighted to welcome children and young people to the UNICEF Children’s Yurt, organized in partnership with the European Union. It is a space where children not only gather and socialize but also discover traditional games and learn about children's rights, healthy lifestyles, the climate, and the future. It is a space focused on the future that simultaneously connects children to their roots and culture," noted Samman Jung Thapa, UNICEF Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic.

One of the special projects at the Children's Yurt in Kyrchyn was the "Yurt Portal / Mirrored Culture" interactive installation, organized in collaboration with a team from Keio University's Graduate School of Media Design in Japan. 

Using modern technology, children and guests could experience Kyrgyzstan's nomadic culture in a new way and see themselves—in an interactive format—as part of that culture. The project combined traditional cultural heritage with modern technology, making the cultural experience more engaging and accessible for children.

Rémi Duflot, the European Union Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, noted that such projects enable not only children but also adults to forge a renewed connection with their history and cultural heritage.

"I consider this project very important. Children are rediscovering traditional games and gaining the opportunity to learn more about their past. Meanwhile, modern technology allows people to imagine themselves living the life of nomads centuries ago. Seeing on screen what you might have looked like back then is a fascinating experience," said Rémi Duflot. 

The "Children's Caravan of Unity" served as a platform for promoting children's rights, respect for diversity, and mutual respect, as well as for encouraging healthy lifestyles. The caravan's activities fostered learning and the development of creative abilities, while also promoting children's active participation in society.