Bishkek, June 24, 2026. /Kabar/. The contemporary art exhibition “We Are Water” will be opened on 26 June 2026 at the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic during the visit of Ambassador Pietro Lazzeri, Head of Economic Cooperation and Development at the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO). The exhibition highlights the essential role of water in human life and the global challenges of sustainable water management and will remain open for 2 weeks.
Water is fundamental to all ecosystems: it shapes landscapes, enables transport, defines borders, and sustains life. Yet this vital resource is under increasing pressure. High consumption, pollution, climate change, and the depletion of freshwater reserves mean that access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene remains limited for millions of people. This is especially relevant for land-locked and mountainous economies such as Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland.
The exhibition “We Are Water” invites visitors to reflect on the value of water, its many forms, and the importance of using this resource responsibly.
The exhibition features 30 photographs selected by an international jury. Works by professional artists and young contributors from various countries explore different dimensions of water and encourage dialogue about its role in nature, society, and global development.
The project is supported by Switzerland and coordinated by the International Secretariat for Water within the framework of the 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge (1MYAC), which brings together 150 youth ambassadors in more than 45 countries. Switzerland, often referred to as the “water tower of Europe,” actively promotes peaceful and sustainable water governance at the international level.
The exhibition is organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic, in cooperation with the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The opening ceremony will be attended by representatives of the Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Swiss Confederation.
The exhibition will be open to visitors in Bishkek from 27 June to 10 July 2026.