Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Social Cohesion through Youth Empowerment

The project is jointly implemented by UNICEF, UNFPA and UNESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The initiative will support adolescents and young people in building peacebuilding, critical thinking and media and information literacy skills. It will also promote youth-led engagement, intergenerational dialogue and community-based efforts to strengthen trust and inclusion.

The launch event brought together representatives of government institutions, the United Nations, civil society, youth organizations and development partners. Discussions highlighted challenges affecting social cohesion, including disinformation, hate speech and the limited participation of young people in decision-making.

“This project speaks directly to Kyrgyzstan’s national development priorities by investing in the capacities and relationships that strengthen resilience at community level,” said Ms. Antje Grawe, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic. “It also reflects the strength of joint United Nations action, bringing together the complementary expertise of UNESCO, UNFPA and UNICEF to support national and local partners in building trust, participation and social cohesion.”

“Promoting media and information literacy and peacebuilding competencies directly contributes to the development of skills in critical analysis of information, resilience to disinformation, and responsible behavior in the digital environment among young people. This is an important foundation for preventing the spread of hate speech and fostering a culture of peaceful dialogue,” noted Nadira Dzhusupbekova, Deputy Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The project will be implemented over 36 months in Jalal-Abad, Issyk-Kul, Osh and Chui regions.