Bringing Youth Voices into UN–Kyrgyzstan Cooperation

Bektan Kydyev, Deputy Chair of the UN Youth Advisory Board in the Kyrgyz Republic, reflected on the Board’s role in strengthening meaningful youth participation and connecting young people with the UN system and national institutions.

Responsible for international relations, public outreach and engagement with youth organizations, Kydyev described the Board as a bridge between the UN system and young people across Kyrgyzstan. It advises the UN on youth priorities and helps ensure that young people’s perspectives are reflected in programmes, discussions and decision-making.

From consultation to meaningful participation

During its two-year mandate, the Youth Advisory Board has held online and in-person meetings with all UN entities operating in Kyrgyzstan. These discussions informed an action plan setting out priorities, activities and opportunities for continued engagement.

Board members have also contributed to national dialogues, public hearings and UN-supported initiatives, bringing youth perspectives into discussions on development priorities. They participated in a national youth forum attended by President Sadyr Japarov, with several members of the Board speaking during panel sessions as representatives of the country’s youth.

The Board also works with the government institution responsible for youth policy, helping connect national priorities with the work of the UN system. This enables it to communicate in both directions: presenting young people’s concerns and aspirations to institutions while sharing information about policies and opportunities with youth communities.

International engagement is another growing dimension of its work. Board members are increasingly participating in global events and exchanges, providing opportunities to contribute Kyrgyzstan’s youth perspectives to international discussions and bring relevant knowledge and experience back to the country.

Bektan emphasized that meaningful youth participation must go beyond inviting young people to individual events. It requires consistent mechanisms through which their views can influence programme design, policy dialogue and decisions affecting their lives.

Expanding opportunities beyond the capital

Looking ahead, Bektan Kydyev identified greater engagement with young people in the provinces as a central priority. While youth in Bishkek may have easier access to information about grants, internships, training and UN programmes, these opportunities do not always reach young people in more remote communities.

A more inclusive approach would require stronger regional outreach, accessible communication and partnerships with local youth organizations. It would also mean engaging young people from different social and economic background, not only as beneficiaries, but as partners who can identify local challenges and help develop solutions.

Kydyev also called for greater investment in civic participation and youth leadership. Small-grant programmes and other flexible funding mechanisms could enable youth-led organizations and informal initiatives to turn ideas into practical action within their communities.

Kyrgyzstan’s election to the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 also creates an opportunity to deepen young people’s understanding of multilateralism and connect them more closely with the country’s growing international role. Structured consultations and educational initiatives could help youth contribute perspectives on peace, security and sustainable development while building a new generation of civic and international leaders.

His reflections will contribute to the UN Country Analysis by highlighting the importance of systematic, inclusive and meaningful youth participation. They also point to opportunities for expanding regional engagement, investing in youth-led solutions and ensuring that young people have a stronger voice in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s development.