Edil Baisalov

Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic
Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic

Edil Baisalov is one of the best known civic activists of Kyrgyzstan who has bravely advocated democratic reforms and promoted the rule of law. As a human rights defender and public commentator with a large following, he played a key role in bringing down authoritarian governments both in 2005 and 2010. His voice was persistent in the fight against corruption and organized crime, often at great risk to his safety. In 2008-2010 he lived in Sweden as a UNHCR refugee.

Edil Baisalov briefly served as chief of staff to the Head of the Interim Government in 2010, acted as her Special Representative on the bid of the Kyrgyz Republic for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2012-2013. Worked as the deputy Social Development Minister with responsibility for children, disabled and elderly.

Edil Baisalov came of age as Kyrgyzstan received its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. He spent years of education in Turkey and the United States.

He studied business administration and international relations at the American University of Central Asia and received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Kyrgyz State National University. Edil Baisalov also attended courses at the Uppsala University.