New Program Launched For Young Activists to Promote the Sustainable Development Goals
23 September 2019
Meet youth delegates promoting the goals in Kyrgyzstan during 2019-2020.
The United Nations in Kyrgyzstan in partnership with the State Agency for Youth, Physical Culture and Sports has launched a new program for young activists to promote the Sustainable Development Goals among young people in Kyrgyzstan and mobilize youth to achieve the SDGs at the local, national and international levels.
The SDG Youth Delegates are 34 youth representatives from Kyrgyzstan appointed to represent the SDGs among their peers. Youth Delegates will act on a voluntary basis and will receive support from the UN system in Kyrgyzstan, SAYPCS and other partners of the program.
I really care about the future of our country. Therefore, I accept all challenges and problems that exist in the country as my own and I am ready to try to confront those challenges. At the present stage of the country's development, there are many tasks and one of the key issues is poverty. I believe that every citizen of the country in the future should be able to get everything that is necessary for a successful and independent life. I believe in a sovereign country with sovereign citizens. This is our way.
I am a 4th year student at the Faculty of International Relations at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University. I am fluent in Kyrgyz, Russian and English, and now I study Spanish. Also I am a FLEX 2015-2016 alumna. In my free time I volunteer. Like many people in our country, I am concerned about the problems of poverty, hunger, unemployment, climate change: I see how many families cannot manage financial difficulties and feed their children, we have many homeless people, or youth that, after graduation, cannot find work with their background and are leaving to work in other countries. All these problems make me contemplate. During volunteering in the USA, I came across a project where volunteer students used to gather with homeless people and received food. I think, we could do a similar project in Kyrgyzstan. I also thought about the idea of opening a store where residents of our city can donate unnecessary things, clothes that we can sell to people at low prices, and send the proceeds to charity.
I study economics and ecology, in the future I aspire to find methods that will help to achieve sustainable development by applying economic methods to environmental knowledge. Being the SDG Delegate for me is to know more deeply the area in which I am going to work and help others learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals, because we live in this world and must pass it on to future generations.
I am an active student and always ready to learn something new, I try to introduce the kaizen technique not only in my daily life, but also in my work. I am the leader of the Kyrgyz Red Crescent volunteers for information sessions: I coordinate the volunteers in their work with the public. In our sessions for students and schoolchildren, we touch upon very relevant topics for Kyrgyzstan - HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis, sexual-reproductive health, earthquakes and others. I am also a first aid instructor. My main motivation for acting as the SDG Delegate for Health and Well-being, I see is not only to share my experience, but also to acquire new knowledge.
The planet on which we live was presented by our ancestors for us so that we protect it. And we must care about our planet and leave it in a good condition to future generations. I decided to become one of the SDG Delegates, because I understand that by sharing my ideas with others, I can deal with the problems that our planet has.
In summer, I was a volunteer at the “Summer English, Tech and Eco” camp, which was supported by the US Embassy and the American Corner in Jalal-Abad. In that camp, I realized a lot of things for myself and planned many activities.
I want to highlight that I support all the Sustainable Development Goals and wish to promote them all. But the 4th goal will be the main one. In fact, to destroy a country one does not need to ignite a war or drop the atom bomb, a simple decrease in the quality of education can destroy the country. Thousands of people die at the hands of an unqualified doctor, or an illiterate teacher cannot prepare educated citizens of the future. If the level of education rises, other problems can be solved easier.
As people say: “A man without a goal is like a boat without a direction”, in this life I do not want to be in a boat without a goal.
Getting a quality education lays the foundation for improvement of people's living conditions and ensuring sustainable development. I am a graduate of the Master's program in Public Administration, Politics and Economics, Institute of Public Administration and Politics, University of Central Asia. SDG 4 is a top priority for me as education opens the door to new opportunities. Education stimulates the social and economic development of a person, family and society as a whole. In advancing SDG 4, I hope to contribute to expanding access to education at all levels and increasing school enrollment, in particular for women and girls.
As an activist in the field of sexual reproductive health and youth rights, I see challenges for girls and women, and it is important for me to create opportunities and reduce inequalities in relation to them and their health. I launched social projects to expand opportunities for girls, and also founded a social enterprise to reduce the risks of maternal mortality. For several years now, I have been leading a public organization in the field of entrepreneurship development and have been actively focusing on expanding the economic opportunities and rights of women in order to create an environment and opportunities for realizing the potential of girls in Kyrgyzstan. The situation in the country remains devastated and requires an urgent and sustainable solution, so the issue of achieving SDG 5 is important for me. The SDGs have been set and adopted, but, as we know, many of the Millennium Development Goals have not been achieved, so today the issue of their joint achievement, the introduction of innovative and creative approaches, which will accelerate and enhance the impact, is important. Therefore, as a representative of a generation of innovators, namely a young citizen, I want to make my significant contribution as a Youth Delegate for SDG 5.
I am a 4th year student at the Faculty of International Relations of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University. In my spare time I enjoy reading, volunteering, sports and debate, which have shaped my character and help me in difficult situations. Why did I decide to become the SDG Delegate? I believe that life is moving forward towards a goal. Each of our actions can influence something, change the situation or solve a particular problem, and the status of the SDG Delegate will give me the opportunity to help people, implement my ideas, and also contribute to the development of our country. In my opinion, the main problem today is that people are irrationally using water resources and do not know the basic rules of sanitation. I am also one of the founders of the “2020” project, which is aimed at raising the civic responsibility of young people. We want to attract young people to the 2020 elections. I believe that youth can change the future, this is why I became the SDG Delegate.
I am a student of the Issyk-Kul State University majoring in foreign languages, and also a volunteer at the Red Crescent in Kyrgyzstan. The SDG 6 is dedicated to clean water and sanitation, since water is an integral part of our world! The status of the SDG Youth Delegate will allow me to raise awareness of the values of clean water at the regional and republican levels.
In everyday life, we are often made to compete. But I want to think about how to interact together and solve problems for the sake of good and the preservation of life on Earth. To be the SDG Delegate means to think globally, within the framework of the survival of mankind as such and the preservation of our planet, and act locally - in a country, city, region and even class. The great is in the small. Each of us, starting in ourselves, can make a contribution to changing the world. A world that needs concrete actions and unity in a society. I think that sustainable development has a moral position. After all, each person within himself understands that it is wonderful to maintain, create favorable conditions for life and love, which is great. The only thing is to find messages: honest, interesting, understandable, persuading, which will help young people see those values that are shared by all supporters of sustainable development around the world. It was interesting and important for me to participate in the international program “Together Brighter!”, aimed at attracting schoolchildren from all over the world to the energy sector, where I learned more and more about the new facets of the world. I am sure that together we are strength and that joint international youth projects will greatly contribute to the development of the world and it will undoubtedly become better!
I am a 2nd year student at the Osh State University and an active volunteer of UNICEF. I like to play sports, I spend a lot of time playing football with friends. At UNICEF, I mainly work with children, I do it very well and I like it. I thought it was time to grow and decided to try myself and become the SDG Delegate. The main criterion is that it really brings me pleasure, and what motivates me is that it brings great benefits to people and changes their lives at least a little for the better.
There are urgent problems in the world that need to be addressed for the well-being of our planet. Thanks to the UN, a great deal of work has been done, the global problems that we face or may face in the near future have been identified, including problems related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice. Thus, the Sustainable Development Goals are the foundation for a better and more sustainable future for all. Knowing and understanding this, it is a great honor for me to be the SDG Youth Delegate. Participation in this youth program gives me the opportunity to get acquainted with progressive youth who have their own views and visions of the future of the country, and who are not indifferent to the fate of our country. To discuss with such young people about the pressing topics of our state is what I do like. And I am completely sure that we, the youth, are the future of our country. After all, in a few years, we, as young specialists, can lead the various links in the management of the national economy. Together, we can help our country become one of the rapidly developing countries, where GDP is growing at 7% per year, where citizens are provided with decent work that satisfies their needs, where there is no poverty and medium and small businesses are developed.
I am a program specialist at IDEA Central Asia, it is an organization that works on enhancement of youth potential by the creation of equal dialogue. My work is my mission and I love it very much, and I also love to watch football matches. I consider myself a person with an active lifestyle. I am concerned about the social, economic and political problems of our society. Today in our country there are no economic opportunities for youth, the education system does not meet the requirements of the labor market. Therefore, the creation of economic opportunities for young people and the formation of their life skills is an urgent issue. Most of our organization’s efforts are aimed at increasing the potential of young people. We share our experiences and encourage young people to participate in decision-making processes.
Dissemination of information on the problems and challenges of the present time to activate citizens in their solution is a great opportunity for me as the SDG Delegate. Since 2015, I have held many events in schools to promote the SDGs on quality education. My goal now is to actively participate in building sustainable infrastructure in communities and provide equal opportunity for its every member.
I am a student. Sustainable development goals are everyone’s responsibility! If we want to live in prosperity and peace with each other, then everyone and everyone must know about the 2030 Agenda. I believe that the development of the quality of the infrastructure of cities and villages depends on the social and economic stability of the whole country, so I boldly choose to be the Youth Delegate of SDG 9!
I am a student of the International University of Central Asia with a major in International Relations. I speak English and learn German. My hobbies are drawing and photography. I took part in the international UN Model in Nepal in 2019. I am a graduate of the ProKG Leadership Program, IUCA Enactus, Global UGRAD Student Exchange Program. My experience of studying in the USA helped me expand my worldview, I learned to appreciate a person despite the differences. People with disabilities studied at my university and all conditions were created for them: ramps, elevators, automatic doors. I believe that everyone has the right to a better life and respect for human dignity, as well as respect for the environment, which is why I certainly support and interested in the SDGs. Personally, I am interested in environmental issues, the equality of all people regardless of nation, religion or other differences, clean energy, peacebuilding and harmony between countries and people, and the reduction of inequality. I believe that youth have the power to bring positive changes to society and I want to participate in this. I dream of seeing a world without war, inequality, discrimination, and corruption.
Recently I graduated from the Osh State University with a major in International Relations. Since February I have been working in the NGO “New Rhythm” as a project assistant. I am interested in problems with conflicts, gender and inequality inside and outside of the country. Currently I am participating and working in projects related specifically to these problems, for example, in a project to eliminate gender stereotypes in relation to girls.
Every day we hear bad news about environmental disasters. Edmund Burke once wrote - “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” If you and I don’t do anything, then our world will perish, therefore I wanted to become the Youth Delegate of the SDGs. Most of all I was attracted by SDG 11 because I want to participate in solving the environmental problems of our planet. As an SDG Delegate, I would like to train people, talk about environmental issues and how to deal with them. In addition, I will conduct garbage collection and clean our beautiful Kyrgyzstan with everyone. Last summer, I organized a cleaning in the park for my project at school. In my free time, I like to play the piano and sing in the school group. I also enjoy basketball and like spending time with friends.
I'm in the 11th grade at school. As the SDG Delegate, I have set myself the goal of contributing to sustainable development. Of course, for the development of our country, ideas, thoughts, support of the young generation are needed. Sustainable development is considered the concept of social development to meet the needs of present and future generations. For me, being the Delegate of the SDGs means helping to solve the problems of the current generation for the well-being of future generations. The objective of my chosen SDG 11 is to ensure the openness, security, resilience and environmental sustainability of cities and towns - this is what I want to work on. I participated in a seminar on strengthening ties between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, in debate tournaments, I went to the Batken region. In addition, I participate in various projects, seminars, and trainings. As the SDG Delegate, I am going to use all my experience and promote new plans and ideas.
Last year I graduated from the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University. Now I work as a guide at the Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev. We know that Kyrgyzstan is one of the first in Central Asia in problems in socio-economic, cultural, legal and other aspects. Being the SDG Ambassador is a great responsibility, and there is also a huge opportunity to contribute to the development of the country. In Kyrgyzstan, it is necessary to work on all the SDGs. We, as young SDG Ambassadors, will be able to participate in the process by disseminating information about problems and solutions. I chose SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. In fact, this problem is relevant not only in Kyrgyzstan, but throughout the world. A country that misuses natural resources harms not only itself but also its neighbors and the world. With just the right relationship with resources and waste, we can solve such a huge problem as climate change, melting glaciers. Being the SDG Ambassadoris a great opportunity for me to help my country.
I would like to tell people about the other side of their life, because only few people think about what happens to the garbage that they threw into the trash or threw it right on the street. How much natural resources and labor were spent on one T-shirt, which is bought in unlimited quantities in various boutiques and shops, so as never to appear in it several times in a row. I want to tell people who are not dedicated to this about responsible consumption and what “fast fashion” is and its negative impact on the environment, and possibly on the moral character of a person. Sometimes Bishkek reminds me of a vanity fair. That's why I wanted to be one of the SDG Delegates. I understand that it is impossible to change a person’s lifestyle if one does not want to. Especially if one is used to living in comfort, using all the benefits available. However, by telling them about the consequences of excessive consumption, we will give them the right to choose. Will one continue to follow the usual way of life or will one curb himself and begin to live not only for the sake of his “Wishlist”? It would be great to make popular the movement of “responsible consumption” among youth. That would be unbelievable! After all, young people are the future. Today they are children / teenagers, and tomorrow one of them will head the state apparatus of our country.
I am very concerned about the problems of climate change and intend to deal with them. Being the SDG Delegate and promoting SDG 13 motivates me to spread the urgent problems and solutions to the masses, which, in my opinion, is the most correct strategy to achieve this goal in our country.
Currently I am working in digital media. Since school years, I try to be part of community service, I try to make at least a small, but own contribution to solving social problems. I think that in order to achieve the result, it is best to work in a team of like-minded people, so I am involved in the work of youth organizations such as AIESEC and Access in the fields of education, media literacy and environment. Now I am very concerned about the issues of climate change. As we all know, this is due to human activities. Only when each of us will be indifferent to the problems of the world around us and treat it with responsibility, positive changes will happen.
Since childhood, I was very interested in the cleanness and preservation of our nature in Kyrgyzstan, because I grew up with the conviction that our nature is unique and incredibly beautiful and that it should be protected. Having matured, I was doubly convinced of this. I am most concerned about the state of our Issyk-Kul Lake, because every year there are more and more vacationers there, and few people care about its cleanliness and stability. I would very much like to deal with the safety of Issyk-Kul, take care of it and keep it in the same excellent form for many more years. I think that we can only do this together if everyone will cherish and value our Issyk-Kul!
I was born and raised in Ala-Buka, Jalal-Abad region. Last year I graduated from the Academy of Management under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Now I work in the National Statistical Committee. I think that daily human development is the most important thing, therefore I try to use every opportunity. Being the SDG Delegate is a great opportunity for me to solve a huge number of problems. One of the current problems is the protection of life under water, and education. Trying to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to us, in 2016 I was a member of the Youth Parliament project, after that we created the EcoPolus eco-movement, where I became a project manager. This year I also participated in the Higher Political School organized by the Uluttuk Araket party. I will try to contribute to solving the problems of society.
I want to make my contribution, although small, but my own efforts to solving problems that concern me greatly. Wherever I am, I am interested in working and helping. I believe that we can help to achieve peace, tranquility, prosperity, clean air, preservation of the beauty of nature and animals. I am ready to use all my knowledge and skills, and ideas to achieve SDG 15.
When I was born, my parents gave me the name Mairam, and I believe that my name fully characterizes me and my lifestyle. Once I decided for myself that the purpose of my life is to make the life of others brighter. Being a Youth SDG Delegate is a great opportunity for me to realize my goal, improving the world around me.
In 2017, during my academic year in the USA as a FLEX program participant, I met students from different countries. After listening to their different stories, I realized that one should look at Kyrgyzstan not as a country from which one wants to run away and complain, but a country in which one can see opportunities to develop and grow. However, it is impossible to ensure sustainable development in the country in the absence of effectively working and open institutions. There is a theory that the nature of the public institutions existing in a country determines the success or failure of a given country's development in the long run. And I, being part of the active youth of our country, made a small contribution to the development of these institutions by participating in many projects: the Civic Education Workshop in Washington, “The School of the Young Citizen”, in human rights seminars, as well as in Enactus projects aimed at to improve life in Kyrgyzstan. This spring, I implemented my project on civil rights. Participating in various projects, I noticed that the citizens of our country are very interested in their rights and are ready to take their steps for the development of our society. And I believe that small steps will lead to big changes, and being SDG 16 Youth Delegate, I am confident that we can all achieve peace, justice and effective institutions both in our country and in the world.
I am a young activist. I take part in projects on youth policy and promote interests of youth. Since 2016, I have been leading the Batken Youth Center, and since September 2017, I have been the youth leader in the International Alert organization.
I am a third year student at the Kyrgyz State Law University. Currently I lead the public association called Ilek-Ilek Zhashtary. I set myself the goal of contributing to social development. I am sure that the importance of being the SDG Delegate is that in the new environment, with new friends, we can share experiences and learn new methods to achieve our goals. For me, this is a great opportunity to gain experience. I think that over the course of the year we will be able to realize many ideas and live up to all our hopes!
I am a 4th year student at the Faculty of International Relations of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, a UNDP volunteer and a debater. Being the SDG Delegate is firstly a great responsibility, but also it is a huge motivation and an opportunity to contribute to the improvement and development of our country. All SDGs are interlinked, and SDG 17 plays a very important role in achieving all of the SDGs. The main objective is to build a dialogue between the government, civil society and the private sector on raising awareness among the young generation about the SDGs and how to achieve them.
UN entities involved in this initiative
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
IOM
International Organization for Migration
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
UN Women
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
UNAIDS
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
