Statement of the UN Resident Coordinator Antje Grawe at the Joint Strategic Coordination Committee Meeting

Excellency, Akylbek Zhaparov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, 

Honorable Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and other Government officials,

Colleagues - Representatives and Heads of entities of the United Nations System in the Kyrgyz Republic,

I am honored to address you, on behalf of the UN system in Kyrgyzstan, at this second meeting of the Joint Strategic Coordination Committee,  a testament to both the strong partnership between the UN system and the Kyrgyz Government and our shared commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kyrgyzstan. 

Today, we gather to reconfirm our common strategic priorities for 2024 and agree on our joint work plans, building on the progress achieved in 2023. While the work plans had been endorsed in principle last year, they have been refined during consultations held with the Government’s lead ministries and other relevant stakeholders over the last two months to reflect government priorities and build on the experiences gained from the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in 2023. 

While my colleagues from the UN County Team will shortly elaborate on both the progress achieved in 2023 and the planned priorities under each of the four priority areas of the Cooperation Framework , allow me to recall the key principles driving our cooperation and share reflections on the focus of our cooperation as we strive to accelerate SDG achievement in the lead-up to 2030. 

As you know, the Cooperation Framework is the key strategic document for the planning and implementation of the UN development system's program in the Kyrgyz Republic. It is driven by the spirit of partnership and anchored in Kyrgyzstan’s national development priorities as outlined by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. As such, it is fully aligned with the country’s national development policies and plans and supports the achievement of the SDGs and its localized targets, guided by Kyrgyzstan’s international commitments and the principle of “leaving no one behind”. At the same time, it is the centerpiece of the UN Development System Reform, aimed at enhancing coordination and cooperation among the UN system to better leverage the vast experience  and knowledge of the system, in support of Kyrgyzstan’s development demands. 

In the past year, we have seen significant achievements through the coordinated implementation of 160 projects, mobilization of funds (55 million USD) and tangible outcomes across the four priority areas of the Cooperation Framework. These efforts have contributed to advancing progress the SDGs and addressing key challengers faced by the people of Kyrgyzstan, including the most vulnerable. 

In the spirit of the above-mentioned UN development system reforms, the UN Country Team adjusted its modus operandi by increasing the number of joint programs (to 18) and uniting to tap into resources of UN or other global funds including the SDG Fund, Peacebuilding Fund, the Green Climate Fund,  or the Global Environment Facility while identifying innovative financing tool including pooled funding or SDG bonds. 

With the success of the achievement of the SDGs hinging on a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach, none of the above would have been possible without strong partnerships across all levels, sectors and institutions and meaningful involvement of these partners in the implementation of the UNSDCF: Partnerships with the Government and other State institutions; partnerships with a multitude of other relevant local stakeholders including the private sector, civil society, women, human rights and youth groups, academia, and media; and partnerships with the development community, IFIs and donors. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we look towards the future, with less than seven years until 2030, there is a pressing need to accelerate our efforts to meet SDG targets and for Kyrgyzstan to meet its ambition to reach the 30th rank. The upcoming ‘Summit of the Future’  later this year presents an opportunity for UN Member States to come together and explore solutions to drive SDG acceleration. 

For the Summit, the Secretary-General has identified six key areas for investment that can have a multiplier and accelerator effect on all SDGs, including food systems, energy, digitalization, education, jobs and social protection, and climate change, environmental protection and pollution, with human rights and gender equality being a cross-cutting theme. These areas are integral to our Cooperation Framework. 

The Secretary-General also proposed a few methods to reach the goals. These include: a focus on strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks that go beyond sectoral approaches; investments in capacity building at scale in both government and civil society institutions; and fostering of partnerships for financing to transition from SDG funding to financing, attracting innovative financing tools from all sources including the private sector, public-private partnerships, the capital market, philanthropies and remittances. These elements are also considered crucial for a conducive environment for sustainable development, which facilitates creative and critical thinking, innovation and partnerships. 

As we move forward, we will work closely with you and other partners to localize these recommendations, as relevant and in line with Kyrgyzstan’s national development priorities. The upcoming Voluntary National Review 2025 will provide further insights and opportunities for inclusive and cross-sectoral engagement. 

In closing, I wish to extend my huge gratitude to all partners, including from the Government, State institutions, civil society, private sector and the development community, for their continued support and collaboration. Together, we will strive to achieve the expected results of the Cooperation Framework and Joint Work Plans,  as the UN’s key contributions to Kyrgyzstan’s sustainable development.

Thank you for your attention!

Chon Rahmat!