National Development Forum 2024: “Human Capital for Sustainable Development”

This year’s National Development Forum on “Human Capital for Sustainable Development”, organized by the Administration of the President and the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives and supported by the UN in Kyrgyzstan, ADB and World Bank, brought together around 170 participants from the Kyrgyz Government, the Jogorku Kenesh, civil society, businesses, and academia, alongside Kyrgyzstan’s international development partners.

“Human capital is the heart of our efforts. Investments in education, healthcare, and social security are the foundation for a strong and independent nation”, pointed out Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov in his opening remarks. Further, Mr. Japarov stressed Kyrgyzstan’s “commitment to supporting inclusive participation in the workforce and public life and implementing policies that encourage the participation of women, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups in economic activities.” The Kyrgyz government is working on improving the legislative framework to ensure necessary working conditions.

UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Antje Grawe, emphasized the importance of a human-centered approach: “Placing people at the core of economic and social policies will be crucial for Kyrgyzstan to fully tap into its potential, building on the economic growth currently experienced.” Grawe further noted that “human capital—the skills, health, and knowledge that people acquire throughout their lives—is considered the foundation of sustainable development.”

This year’s National Development Forum takes place on 4th November in the Hyatt Hotel in Bishkek. The forum lays groundwork for the state’s policies in terms of human development in the coming year, facilitating coordination with all international partners and other human development actors.

Among others, speakers included Edil Baisalov, Deputy Prime Minister; Kyrgyz Ministers Zhyldyz Polotova, Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, Daniar Amangeldiev; Yingming Yang, Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank; Michal Rutkowski, Regional Director for Human Development of the World Bank; Du Dewen, Chinese Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic; and Lesslie Viguerie, US Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic. The agenda comprised sessions on “Human Capital as a Driver of Development,” “Unlocking Potential: Skills and Education,” and “A Healthy Nation for Strong Human Capital.”

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For additional information, please contact:

Zhibek Abylbekova, Communications Officer at UN RCO: zhibek.abylbekova@un.org, +996 770 97 97 03.