Host: Jessica Eturralde

Program: Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) Radio

Topic: Recap of the "Train the Trainers" program, focusing on religious freedom efforts in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jessica Eturralde from LYNC RADIO discusses the recent "Train the Trainers" program facilitated by Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) in partnership with the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat and the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network. The program is a significant step in fostering religious freedom in Central Asia, specifically in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Key Highlights & Timestamps:

• [00:15] Introduction to the Program
• Jessica introduces the episode, sharing excitement about the recently released "Train the Trainers" report. The program was held in Washington, D.C., and Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together 30 delegates from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
• [00:45] Overview of the "Train the Trainers" Program
• The training focused on cross-cultural religious dialogue, where participants visited places of worship, observed roundtables in the U.S., and collaborated on creating similar initiatives in their home countries.
• [01:20] Delegates' Backgrounds
• Attendees included representatives from government institutions, religious leaders, and civil society from both countries, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and dialogue.
• [02:05] Relationship Building and MOUs
• The program is the result of nearly a decade of relationship-building efforts, including Memorandums of Understanding with Kazakhstan's and Uzbekistan's Committees on Religious Affairs.
• [02:45] Roundtables in Kazakhstan
• Following the program, LYNC President Wade Kusack and IRF Secretariat CEO Greg Mitchell co-hosted roundtables in Kazakh cities like Almaty, Shu, and Shymkent, fostering the development of local "multi-faith clubs."
• [03:20] Positive Outcomes and Future Plans
• Graduates of the program have begun establishing the Kazakhstani IRF Secretariat and organizing additional roundtables across Kazakhstan, with plans for a multi-faith retreat in October 2024.
• [04:00] Sustainability and Future Initiatives
• LYNC aims to sustain these efforts through the Covenantal Pluralism Initiative, with future developments anticipated in 2025 and beyond, including a new Memorandum of Understanding with Uzbekistan.
• [04:45] Conclusion
• Jessica wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to visit LYNC’s website for more details and to stay updated on upcoming initiatives.

Additional Resources:

• Train the Trainers Program Report: Available on LYNC’s website under the "Our Work" tab or here: https://lyncommunity.org/report/journey-from-central-asia-to-the-grand-canyon-bridges-cultures/
• Upcoming Events: Information on the multi-faith retreat and future roundtables can be found on LYNC’s events page.

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Host: Jessica Eturralde

Produced by: Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) RADIO