Opening Remarks by UNRC Antje Grawe at the extended meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations, Defense, Security, and Migration on development of Voluntary National Review on progress towards the SDGs

Honorable Chairman Ulan Primov,

Honorable Member, Chingiz Aidarbekov,

Distinguished Members of Parliament, 

Representatives of Ministries, 

Dear UN Colleagues, distinguished experts,

It is a privilege to be invited to the extended meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations, Defense, Security, and Migration. Today’s discussion on Kyrgyzstan’s development of its Voluntary National Review (VNR) and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) marks a pivotal step in the nation’s journey toward a sustainable future. As Kyrgyzstan prepares to present its findings at the UN High-Level Political Forum in 2025, the leadership of Parliament in this process cannot be overstated.

The development of Kyrgyzstan’s VNR offers a crucial opportunity to enhance the nation’s capacity to monitor progress, craft evidence-based policies, and promote accountability through tools such as the National SDG Tracker. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) has played an invaluable role in the tracker’s development, ensuring its functionality and adaptability to Kyrgyzstan’s unique needs. This innovative tool positions the country as a regional leader in harnessing data-driven solutions for sustainable development. 

President Japarov’s renewed commitment at the UN General Assembly underscores Kyrgyzstan’s determination to advance the SDG agenda. However, achieving this vision requires proactive engagement of Parliament. As representatives of the people, you hold the unique ability to shape the future of Kyrgyzstan by enacting legislation that addresses critical challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. By integrating the SDGs into national policies and ensuring effective oversight mechanisms, Parliament can help close gaps and drive targeted interventions where they are most needed. Furthermore, the power of the purse lies in your hands. Thoughtful allocation of resources can prioritize underfunded sectors and ensure that development efforts are equitable, inclusive, and far-reaching.

Equally important is the inclusivity of the VNR process. A truly impactful review reflects the voices of all stakeholders, including women, children, persons with disabilities, migrants, and other vulnerable groups. As parliamentarians, you play a critical role in amplifying these voices and ensuring that policies leave no one behind. Open consultations and public hearings provide invaluable opportunities for civil society, academia, and the private sector to contribute to this shared vision. Lessons from previous VNRs globally have shown that participatory approaches lead to more comprehensive and actionable outcomes, strengthening public trust and fostering a sense of collective ownership.

One example of effective participatory engagement can be seen in Bishkek’s Voluntary Local Review conducted this year. By aligning local actions with the SDGs and addressing gaps identified through this process, Bishkek not only developed a comprehensive set of localized data but also secured funding to implement its recommendations. This success underscores the importance of integrating SDG priorities into planning at every level and ensuring a holistic approach. Parliament’s support in championing similar initiatives across the country is vital to replicating this success on a national scale.

The National SDG Tracker serves as a cornerstone for these efforts. Its real-time, accurate data enables the monitoring of progress, enhances transparency, and guides evidence-based policymaking. Since its inception in 2019, the tracker has overcome significant challenges, such as data inconsistencies and limitations in administrative data quality. Despite these obstacles, systematic efforts have led to the entry of over 3,000 data points, covering 171 SDG indicators. As the first country in the region to fully implement this innovative platform, this progress reflects Kyrgyzstan’s commitment, aligning its efforts with global standards and setting a benchmark for regional collaboration and leadership.

As we assess this progress, it is evident that challenges remain. Issues such as hunger eradication (SDG 2), energy quality (SDG 7), and governance (SDG 16) highlight the need for continued focus and innovative solutions. These areas require bold action and sustained attention, with Parliament at the forefront of driving reforms, ensuring accountability, and facilitating the allocation of resources to underfunded sectors.

As Kyrgyzstan approaches its 2025 VNR, I encourage you to champion a process that is participatory, transparent, and firmly aligned with the nation’s development priorities. Your role in shaping legislation, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering collaboration will be instrumental in achieving the SDGs and position Kyrgyzstan as a leader in sustainable development, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation on the global stage.

Thank you for your commitment to this important work. I look forward to the rich discussions and thoughtful decisions that will emerge from this Committee.

Chon rakhmat!