Bishkek, July 21, 2020 - Pilot communities in Aidarken, Osh, Nookat, Uzgen, Suzak, Tokmok and Balykchy have identified priorities for strengthening a common and inclusive civic identity by promoting peace, human rights and gender equality within the framework of the Kyrgyz Jarany Civic Identity Development Concept.

Back in 2020, a presidential decree of the Kyrgyz Republic approved the Concept of Civil Identity Development in the Kyrgyz Republic for the period of 2021-2026. Activities in the pilot communities are carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the joint UN project "Inclusive Governance and Civic Identity for Sustainable Peace and Development" funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and OHCHR.

At meetings in all pilots communities, agreements were reached on a close partnership between both government and civil society organizations. "It is good that the project will cooperate with local governments to support our initiatives in promoting the concept of Kyrgyz Jarany." said Chinara Zhusupova, deputy of the local Kenesh of Suzak district. Also in Suzak, youth leaders actively discussed, asked questions about the opportunities within the project, and expressed gratitude for the involvement in important social processes. "It was good that information about the project presentation was distributed among Suzak youth leaders. Different people were able to learn about the meeting and take part in it.” shared Sherzod Umarbekov, youth activist. 

Nuriia Karakulova, Adolescents and Youth Development Officer, UNICEF, noted: “In all locations state and non-state stakeholders expressed their interest and willingness to join efforts within the project and contribute to the implementation of the Kyrgyz Jarany concept. I was impressed by the openness of the local self-government bodies and local young people to share their local issues and address them together. Since the Kyrgyz Jarany is a priority for our government, we need to make sure that it is implemented at all levels, primarily at the local level. Local self-government is where the state is closest to adolescence and young people, where it is possible to reliably assess the situation and take quick and targeted measures to solve their issues, develop them, and realize their rights.”

This joint UN project also includes an extensive information campaign and coordination meetings with government agencies and members of the general public.

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Photos from the regional meetings: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzWnEB

Contacts for media: Nurzhan Alymkanova, communications specialist UNDP, nurzhan.alymkanova@undp.org.