Statement by the UNRC in the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms. Antje Grawe at the Follow-up Consultations Post-Doha World Social Summit

It is a privilege to welcome so many of you today to these follow-up consultations to the Second World Summit for Social Development, held earlier this month in Doha. As Mr. Baisalov has noted, we have for some time been discussing how to ensure that Kyrgyzstan fully capitalizes on the momentum generated by this Summit — which, from a UN perspective, stands among the most relevant global gatherings for Kyrgyzstan’s development trajectory this year. This is especially true given the number of major international meetings convened by the United Nations this year — including the Summit on Financing for Development in Sevilla and the Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa. 

These global efforts come at a pivotal moment for Kyrgyzstan: just a few weeks ago at the National Development Forum, the Government presented the National Development Program 2030 — a Program that places people firmly at the center of national progress. This is why the Political Declaration adopted in Doha — which reaffirms that development must be about people first — is so important for implementation here. It can help drive and accelerate progress under the National Development Program 2030.

The UN system in Kyrgyzstan — 27 UN entities working tirelessly alongside the Government, civil society and international partners — is fully committed to translating national priorities into measurable improvements in people’s lives. Our shared goal is that development reaches every Kyrgyz, wherever they reside and regardless of age or circumstance.

I would also like to echo my appreciation for the Government’s recent decision to extend social protection coverage to all children up to the age of three. This is a powerful example of delivering on the Doha commitments in ways that directly strengthen early childhood development and social equity in Kyrgyzstan.

When we speak about development — especially in the areas of social protection, education and health — we must recognize the compelling potential that Kyrgyzstan brings because of its young and dynamic population. Nearly half of the population is under 25. Human capital development is therefore not only a policy priority — it is the key to unlocking future prosperity. In this regard, the UN was proud to support the organization of the side event in Doha led by Deputy Chairman Baisalov, which highlighted this potential. But this potential can only translate into progress if people across the country have access to strong education, quality healthcare, relevant skills, and decent work opportunities. 

At the same time, persistent poverty — particularly affecting children and rural families — reminds us that growth must translate into real improvements in people’s lives. I am very pleased to hear about growth beyond GDP growth later from the panelists. In 2024, 25.7 percent of the population lived in poverty, with a further 7.7 percent at risk of falling into poverty in the face of economic or external shocks. Addressing vulnerabilities — including among persons with disabilities, women at risk of violence, migrants, and households exposed to climate and economic shocks — is essential to ensuring that no one is left behind, which is the marching order of the UN and for the Sustainable Development Goals. These realities are exactly why President Japarov, in his address to the SDG Summit in 2023, called for accelerated efforts to reduce poverty and inequalities by supporting those most at risk — a direction that continues to guide us here today.

Therefore, the UN welcomes the emphasis in the National Development Program 2030 that every person should not only be a beneficiary of development, but a contributor to national success. And we were honored to have worked closely with the Government both in shaping the Program and as the corresponding Action Plan is being finalized — aligning SDG indicators, integrating findings from Kyrgyzstan’s Second Voluntary National Review, and providing evidence-based social sector financing analysis to strengthen equity and efficiency in public spending. 

And this is why today’s meeting is so important. The Doha Summit reminded us that to deliver on global commitments, the quality and targeting of financing for human development need to significantly improve. Investments in social protection, education, health, employment, and skills do not primarily represent costs — they represent the highest-value returns a society can make. Global evidence shows that every dollar invested in social protection can yield up to three dollars in economic returns. Targeted investments in skills can increase incomes by up to 40 percent.

In Kyrgyzstan, the 27 UN agencies support the Doha outcomes through SDG financing diagnostics, public expenditure alignment and gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring that resources truly empower those who need them most. We fully recognize that the priority now is implementation — to that end, we are working closely with development partners to strengthen collective alignment behind all pillars of the National Development Program 2030, so that external financing and technical assistance reinforce national priorities and accelerate their delivery.

Yet, to succeed, the ambitions of the National Development Program must be backed by predictable and adequate budget allocations. While mobilizing domestic revenues, attracting responsible private investment, and leveraging international and innovative financing, including blended and debt-for-development mechanisms, the key will be to use Kyrgyzstan’s fiscal space strategically and in a more targeted way. Accordingly, ensuring that the forthcoming Action Plan is fully reflected and costed in the 2026 national budget will support the continued translation of today’s commitments into tangible progress.

The private sector, too, is a key partner in this national endeavor. Fostering an enabling environment for business — including women-led and youth-led enterprises — is core to creating more and better jobs, spurring innovation, and driving sustained growth.

Excellencies, colleagues,

Before I close, allow me to underscore that today — 25 November — is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Human capital development cannot be sustainable unless it is equal. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations — silently undermining economic growth, deepening inequality, and weakening social cohesion. When women are empowered in safety, dignity, and leadership, societies prosper. This is not only a matter of rights — it is essential to unlock the full potential of this beautiful country’s people.

And that, ultimately, is what brings us together today. From the renewed resolve of President Japarov’s commitments on poverty reduction and reducing inequalities, to Doha earlier this month, to today’s consultations, we are advancing a shared agenda rooted in human rights, equal opportunity, and a renewed social contract centered on people. Our Joint Work Plans for 2026–27 — and, subsequently, the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework which we start developing with partners early next year — will ensure that UN support remains fully aligned with the priorities of the National Development Program 2030, reinforcing coherence, continuity and measurable national results. 

We very much look forward to working with all of you in this endeavor and I wish us all productive consultations today. 

Thank you.