Long live, Kanatbek Osmonov!
Kanatbek served as a former Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan (FTUKg) and as President of the Kyrgyzstan Forestry Workers Union (KFWU) for several terms. He also served two terms as a substitute member on the BWI World Council between 2010 and 2017, and on the BWI European Committee from 2011 to 2014 and 2019 to 2023.
He was often on the road, among the members of the union he led, with whom he enjoyed socialising. Kanat was always happy to engage in conversation, and he listened intently to their remarks and suggestions. He was a decent, loyal, and good person, who respected the opinions of others rather than dismissing arguments or those who made them. He never allowed thought to be overshadowed by hollow slogans or empty rhetoric.
His dedication to the fight against child labour and for employment in the forest sector left a profound impact. We are all indebted to him for his life’s work and activities.
Kanatbek was an exemplary trade unionist. Over the years, he grew into a figure of enviable knowledge—wise and reasonable—yet always honest and unwavering in his service to union members. He believed in strong, independent, and democratic trade union organisations.
The trade union movement and working people, in general, were privileged to benefit from his dedication and knowledge. Kanatbek will be sorely missed by all who knew him. The best way to honour his memory is to continue his friendly, open, and thoughtful approach to the challenges that must be addressed if our societies are to become more prosperous, democratic, and fair.
He was a lifelong advocate of workers’ struggles and played a critical role in advancing workers’ rights, both within Kyrgyzstan and across the Central Asian region.
BWI never questioned Kanatbek Osmonov’s commitment to the values of the labour movement and the protection of workers’ rights. His belief in a better life for the people of Kyrgyzstan and workers worldwide was unwavering. His contributions to BWI have been immeasurable.
BWI extends sincere condolences to Kanatbek’s family, colleagues, comrades, and trade union members. Kanatbek Osmonov will remain in the memories of hundreds of trade union leaders around the world.
On behalf of BWI's 12 million members and its entire leadership across Pan Europe and globally, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Kanatbek’s family and to the KFWU, where he was a union leader who often spoke as the voice of the voiceless.