Cholpon Orozobekova has more than 20 years of experience in project management, research, and international affairs. Before founding the Bulan Institute, she worked with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Service for Human Rights, the Au Cœur des Grottes Foundation, and the Nordic Centre for Conflict Transformation. She was also an Executive-in-Residence Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, and Associate Research Fellow at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.
Cholpon is the author of a book on post-ISIS state policies toward foreign fighters, as well as numerous research reports and policy briefs. She has also worked extensively in international media, contributing to outlets such as RFE/RL, BBC, IWPR, and the Jamestown Foundation. She holds three Master’s degrees from Geneva-based public universities.
Yerlan Danenov worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in France. From 2017 to 2020, Yerlan worked for the International Monetary Fund, serving as Senior Advisor to the IMF Executive Director representing the Swiss Constituency. He ensured stakeholder engagement and strategic communications at the top level, considering sustainable development issues and economic outlooks. Yerlan made a great contribution to the launch of the IMF Regional Capacity Development Centre for Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia. Yerlan Danenov holds a Master’s in Advanced Studies in European and international governance from the University of Geneva, a Master’s in International Relations from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and studied Law at Paris I – Pantheon Sorbonne University.
Hans Hagemann Llanos works at our Climate Change and Renewable Energy Programme. He joined the Bulan Institute in April 2024. Before joining the Bulan Institute, he worked at the Universal Periodic Review of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. Beyond academics, Hans has been actively involved in volunteering and coordinating efforts for AIESEC in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, the world’s largest youth-run organisation, as well as for various NGOs. With fluency in five languages and a strong humanitarian-oriented leadership and research background, Hans has worked closely in remote rural zones of his home country and with diverse vulnerable communities. He holds Master's in International Law degree from the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Sezim Askarbekova has a strong background in Environment and Sustainability. Before joining the Bulan Institute, she worked in the Cooperation Section of the European Union Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, contributing in the Call for Proposals for CSOs and assisting with the implementation of the Communication Actions Plan. She also worked with the marketing team of the UN SDSN’s Global Schools Program in New York City during her academic year at the Bard Globalization and International Affairs Program. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute. She speaks Kyrgyz, Russian, and English.
Nazmi Bekturganova works as a Project Assistant in the Solar Skills Development Project in Kyrgyzstan. She is a graduate of the Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabaev. Before joining the Bulan Institute, Nazmi worked in community-led projects on social cohesion in the Yssyk Kul region and social assistance to vulnerable families. Nazmi has solid experience in social media management, communication strategy, and marketing. She speaks English, Russian, and Kyrgyz.
Nazgul Ularbekova is a UX/UI designer and digital product strategist with experience in developing EdTech and HRTech platforms in Kyrgyzstan, including the Mugalim portal for the Ministry of Education. She specialises in creating user-centred interfaces, design systems, and landing pages, and has contributed to projects involving the integration of AI features.
Nazgul holds a degree in Chinese language and is fluent in English, Chinese, and Russian. Before focusing on UX/UI design, she worked on various projects in the public and private sectors, building digital products for diverse audiences. She joined the Bulan Institute in June 2025
Tilek Bakiev is a multimedia professional specializing in video production, live broadcasting, and content editing. Since January 2024, Tilek has worked as a video producer, and live broadcast director, collaborating with production companies, press services, and media platforms. Previously, he served as a video operator-editor at the Press Service of the State Service for Execution of Punishments of the Kyrgyz Republic (2023–2024) and other media outlets, producing content for official events, news, and television programs. Tilek is fluent in Kyrgyz and Russian and proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Lightroom, and vMix.