Statement of the UNRC in the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms. Antje Grawe First Formal Meeting of the SDG Working Group of the Jogorku Kenesh

Dear colleagues from the United Nations system,

Let me begin by warmly thanking the leadership of the Jogorku Kenesh for convening this first formal meeting of the re-established SDG Working Group under this Convocation and for inviting the UN Country Team to this first meeting – this is a strong signal of a shared determination to advance sustainable development in the Kyrgyz Republic

It is a great honor for us to be here today. We greatly value our close partnership with the Kyrgyz Republic, and especially with the Jogorku Kenesh. Because Parliament matters enormously for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Progress on the SDGs depends not only on policy commitments, but also on legislation, effective oversight, sound public spending and institutions that respond to people’s needs. In all these areas, the role of the Jogorku Kenesh is fundamental.

And the timing could not be more important. We are now only four and a half years away from 2030.

That means this is a moment not for incremental progress, but for acceleration.

Kyrgyzstan has set itself a bold ambition: to be among the top 30 SDG achievers by 2030. That is an impressive objective. But such ambition can only be realized if all parts of the state move together — Government, Parliament, local authorities and other national institutions — with focus, urgency and determination, and in partnership with other national actors such as civil society, media, academia and the private sector and international partners alike

This gives your Working Group a particularly important role:

You can help keep the SDGs at the center of national decision-making. You can help ensure stronger alignment between legislation, public spending and development priorities. And you can help champion a development path that is not only about growth, but about equitable growth — growth that reaches people, reduces poverty and expands opportunity.

And in this regard, the National Development Programme 2030 provides the blueprint to advance the SDGs. I am particularly encouraged that the SDGs and the principle of Leaving No-one behind are reflected in this new Programme. It shows that the 2030 Agenda is not being treated as a separate international framework, but as an integral part of Kyrgyzstan’s own national development vision.

And this did not happen by accident.

Last year’s Voluntary National Review helped inform the National Development Programme, especially in its people-centered vision and in its emphasis on ensuring that economic growth translates into poverty reduction and into better outcomes for those furthest behind. That is extremely important. Because averages do not tell the full story. Growth alone does not guarantee inclusion. And national progress must always be measured by how people actually live.

The United Nations is proud to support Kyrgyzstan in this effort.

Twenty-six UN entities work in the country as one system through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023-2027. Together, we support national efforts across four broad priority areas: stronger social services and human development; more inclusive and greener economic development; climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability; and more accountable, inclusive and cohesive institutions and societies.

Through this framework, we work in a coordinated and integrated way with Government, Parliament, local authorities, civil society and other partners. Preparations for the next Cooperation Framework have started recently.

And allow me to say very clearly: the work of UN agencies in Kyrgyzstan deserves real recognition. Across the country, UN agencies support national institutions and communities with dedication, technical excellence and a deep commitment to partnership. They help strengthen education, health and social protection systems; support women, children and young people; promote decent work and more inclusive growth; advance climate action and disaster risk reduction; improve data and evidence for policymaking; and contribute to stronger, more inclusive institutions.

This work is practical. It is policy-oriented. And it is anchored in Kyrgyzstan’s national priorities.

Today’s presentations will give a snapshot of that contribution. For logistical reasons, the presentations are limited to resident agencies, almost all of whom are represented here today. UNODC and ITC unfortunately could not join us. But of course, the support of the United Nations to Kyrgyzstan goes beyond those present in this room, drawing also on expertise from regional offices and headquarters.

Looking ahead, the United Nations stands ready to support this Working Group and the Jogorku Kenesh in very practical ways: through technical and analytical support, capacity-building for Members of Parliament and committees, comparative experiences from other countries, and support for stronger data and monitoring systems to enable evidence-based policymaking and oversight.

Let me conclude with this: The establishment of this Working Group is timely. It is important. And it is full of promise.

At a moment when the path to 2030 is becoming shorter, your role becomes greater.

The United Nations is ready to be your committed partner in advancing the SDGs in Kyrgyzstan and in helping ensure that development is inclusive, people-centered and leaves no one behind.

We would therefore be very pleased to host the next meeting of this Working Group at the UN House and to use that opportunity for a more in-depth discussion on cooperation priorities and on the specific areas where Parliament may wish to draw on UN support.

Thank you.