Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator, Antje Grawe at The Kyrgyz Parliament: Educating the youth of Kyrgyzstan on the SDGs

Dear Mr. Chingiz Aidarbekov,

Distinguished Members of the Parliament,

Dear youth representatives and participants,

I am honored to address you today on behalf of the UN system in Kyrgyzstan and 27 UN agencies, funds and programs at the launch of the Parliament’s SDG Working Group initiative aimed at raising awareness among youth of Kyrgyzstan about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A key feature of this initiative is to give a voice to youth in decision-making at all levels, enabling them to contribute to the formation of the country’s sustainable development policy. The establishment of a platform for dialogue and learning on SDGs is a commendable step, and I wish to applaud the Kyrgyz Parliament for this effort.

What could be a better place to launch such an initiative then the Jogorku Kenesh where the way for Kyrgyzstan’s development path is being paved. For me, it is always a privilege to be here in this hall. Today is a particular privilege given this diverse representation of young people here.

Youth is often referred to as the “torchbearers” of the Sustainable Development Goals. And this is because you  play a key role in advancing the Goals globally and in Kyrgyzstan. 

This is evident in the fact that about one-third of SDG indicators are youth-related. Youth have a vested interest in the realization of the Goals, as they stand to benefit significantly and are key partners in their implementation at the same time. Yet, you are often under-represented in decision-making affecting you and future generations. This platform aims to overcome this participation deficit and the Kyrgyz Republic can be a shining example inspiring global level discussions of how to involve youth in the decision-making process.

In a recent policy brief on “Meaningful Youth Engagement in Policymaking and Decision-making processes”, published by the UN Secretary-General to inspire discussions globally in the leadup to this year’s Summit of the Future, which will be held in September at the level of Heads of States in New York, Antonio Guterres highlighted the critical role youth plays in the achievement of sustainable development, peace and security, human rights, and gender equality goals.  

Without their involvement of youth meaning without the involvement of 1,8 billion young people worldwide, the report states, the SDGs cannot be achieved. 

Youth are crucial to identify new solutions needed for urgently needed breakthroughs to achieve the SDGs by 2030. As future custodians of the planet, you stand to lose the most if societies become more insecure and unequal and if the triple planetary crisis continues unabated.

In recent years, young people have become a driving force for societal change through social mobilization, pushing for climate action, fair opportunities, and dignity for all. There have been countless examples of young people driving innovative change in business, technology, and science, including in Kyrgyzstan. Young people were at the forefront of efforts to promote and protect human rights, drive gender equality, and ensure inclusive decision-making spaces. By advocating for their active inclusion in policy spaces, young people provide diverse perspectives that improve and inform critical decisions.

Dear Participants,  

Against this background, it is not surprising that UN Member States have decided to include a chapter on Youth and future generations in the “Pact for the Future”, the political declaration of the 2024 Summit. Currently, discussions are ongoing globally how to shape this chapter. 

I believe Kyrgyzstan, with more than 35% of the population aged 14 to 35 is best placed to provide inputs in these discussions so that future generations will be adequately represented in decision-making at local and global levels. 

The Kyrgyz Government’s Youth Concept until 2030 already provides a framework for enhanced youth participation across civic, political, and economic spheres. Youth as yourself are already taking leading roles in their communities, heading platforms such as the Youth Congress, Youth Parliament, and Volunteering Networks. Parliament’s initiative to help deepen the understanding of youth of your role in achieving the SDGs can further inspire young people to contribute to Kyrgyzstan’s development.  

Combining Kyrgyzstan’s strong commitment to the SDGs and the huge potential of youth in Kyrgyzstan makes the country an ideal leader at the regional and global level for meaningful youth inclusion to become champions of change. 

The UN system in Kyrgyzstan stands committed to supporting you on this path through the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023 – 2024.  I wish to acknowledge the UNs own initiative of a Youth Advisory Board that advises us on the implementation of the UNSDCF. And of course, we will carefully listen to you today and during the course of the year when you will engage in many activities related to the SDGs. . 

In conclusion, we look forward to engaging with Parliament, the Government and other State institutions and youth to advance the SDGs in Kyrgyzstan. 

Chong rakhmat!