Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms. Antje Grawe at the Strategic Coordination Committee 2026

It is a privilege to co-chair with you, Excellency, this fourth meeting of the Strategic Coordination Committee. I would like to thank you, the Government, and all partners for the strong and active engagement—both in implementing our joint work and in shaping the strategic priorities for 2026–2027 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This Committee has become a central platform for guiding our collective efforts—allowing us not only to take stock of progress, but also to take strategic decisions that keep our cooperation both aligned with Kyrgyzstan’s evolving development priorities and focused on tangible results for the Kyrgyz people. I am particularly pleased to see the strong ministerial participation in today’s meeting, which reflects both the importance attached to this Committee as well as the depth of our partnership.

Today’s meeting has three key purposes:

• to review progress,
• to endorse our strategic priorities for the final phase of the current Cooperation Framework,
• and to guide the development of the next Cooperation Framework beyond 2027.

Let me briefly reflect on each.

First, on progress:

Kyrgyzstan has made important strides, including strong economic growth and progress across most Sustainable Development Goals. The key question is how to move beyond GDP by translating growth into improved well-being for all, reduced poverty and inequality, and opportunities for those at risk of being left behind.

The Second Voluntary National Review in 2025 helped address this question. With its strong focus on leaving no one behind, it highlighted disparities affecting women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other vulnerable groups, and identified policy responses.

These insights have informed the National Development Programme 2030 and its Action Plan. The United Nations supported both processes through data, joint analysis and policy engagement, helping to place poverty reduction, inequality and human development at the core of national priorities.

The follow-up to the Doha Social Summit further underscored the importance of investing in human capital - particularly for young people - as a foundation for inclusive growth. Across our work, this has translated into a stronger focus on skills, education, health and social protection, with attention to gender equality and inclusion, including for persons with disabilities and migrants.

At the same time, climate change is increasingly shaping Kyrgyzstan’s development trajectory. The Government’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions demonstrate strong commitment to the global climate agenda. Yet, Kyrgyzstan is among those countries more affected by climate change than contributing to it—particularly through impacts on glaciers, water resources, ecosystems and livelihoods, with regional dimensions.

Recent analysis underscores the urgency of these pressures. Climate action is therefore not only an environmental priority, but a strategic development imperative—requiring greater focus on adaptation, resilience and risk-informed planning, as highlighted by the President at the recent Regional Environmental Summit in Astana.

Across these areas, our aim has been to support national priorities in a more integrated way—linking economic, social and environmental dimensions.

Second, on our priorities for 2026–2027.

In response to these challenges, we have, together, sharpened our focus for the period ahead. As we implement the Joint Work Plans, we are concentrating efforts through a set of flagship initiatives - bringing together the expertise of the UN system in a more integrated way.

These include:

• strengthening human capital—particularly for youth, women and girls, and returning migrants—through skills, social protection and health;
• advancing climate action and green financing, including through the Mountain Agenda;
• promoting human rights, gender equality, and access to inclusive, people-centered justice in line with international standards;
• and leveraging digitalization to improve accessibility and quality of public services, including for persons with disabilities.

These flagships are also designed to reduce fragmentation and deliver more coherent, system-wide support. My colleagues will elaborate further.

Third, on the next Cooperation Framework.

We are entering a critical phase of preparation for the Cooperation Framework starting in 2028, grounded in a country analysis and an evaluation of the current Framework, including its peacebuilding portfolio, supported by the Peacebuilding Fund.

The Strategic Coordination Committee will play a central role in guiding this process—both in shaping the analysis and in defining priorities. A wide, multi-stakeholder consultation process will ensure that perspectives from Government, Parliament, other State institutions, civil society and other partners are reflected.

The Committee will also be key in taking strategic decisions on the future scope of engagement, including in areas such as peacebuilding and cross-border cooperation, if requested by the Government.

Dear participants,

These decisions will need to be taken in a changing global environment. Official Development Assistance declined by over 23 percent in 2025—the largest drop on record. While overall funding for the UN in Kyrgyzstan remains stable, the UN system has been affected, with core funding – the most adaptive form of funding - declining by 73 percent compared to 2024.

This context makes the Secretary-General’s UN80 reform agenda even more relevant. It calls for more integrated, system-wide support—moving beyond fragmented approaches towards collective solutions.

This is the direction we are pursuing in Kyrgyzstan, including through the flagships.

The United Nations will continue to bring together its expertise across 26 entities, working as one system in support of national priorities, combining technical expertise with our convening role to support strategic dialogue, including through the annual National Development Forum, across State institutions civil society, communities, development partners, and the private sector.

Excellency, Honourable Ministers,

Our shared objective is clear: to translate strong economic performance into tangible improvements in people’s lives; to reduce poverty and inequality; and to address emerging challenges, including climate risks, in an integrated manner.

I would like to conclude by thanking the Government, all our partners, the United Nations Country Team, and the 505 national and international UN staff for their strong partnership, professionalism and dedication.

Thank you.