Bishkek, May 8, 2024 – A roundtable on optimizing the legislative framework for climate policy implementation was held in Kyrgyzstan. This event, organized in partnership with the Jogorku Kenesh, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the active participation of stakeholders, provides an opportunity to join forces and create a legislative framework to combat the challenges of climate change, contributing to the sustainable development of Kyrgyzstan and the entire region.

Kyrgyzstan faces severe impacts of climate change, including increased average temperatures, decreased precipitation, frequent and severe droughts, and an increased threat of natural disasters. These challenges require joint efforts and solutions.

This event is of particular importance for translating commitments made at international platforms into practice. The development of a further joint action plan for improving climate legislation at the national level is therefore a further step. The participants also exchanged information on the implementation of national climate policy.

Confirming the commitment of the President and Government of Kyrgyzstan to fulfilling its highest climate promise, the concept of carbon neutrality by 2050 has been developed, and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDC) has been prepared as the main mechanism for action to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

Reaffirming the commitment of the President and the Government of Kyrgyzstan to fulfilling its highest climate promise, the concept of carbon neutrality by 2050 has been developed and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDC) has been prepared, as the main mechanism for action to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

Asel Raimkulova, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision said at the opening of the event: “We set the task of developing national legislation that not only regulates the emissions and absorption of greenhouse gases, but also stimulates innovation, supports the development of clean technologies and ensures the efficient use of resources."

Cooperation with the Jogorku Kenesh on climate legislation provides a framework where international agreements should be transposed into national legislation and supported by appropriate budget allocations. 

“Our legislation should support the transition to a low-carbon economy and job creation. Optimizing legislation for the implementation of climate policy is a critical step for us in achieving our goals to combat climate change and ensure environmental sustainability,” said Dinara Ashimova, deputy of the Parliament.

The roundtable covered a wide range of topics, including climate change policy, energy, resilience and adaptation, and improving interactions between government, academic, private and civil society sectors.

UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan Alexandra Solovieva said: “Legislation plays an important role in realizing Kyrgyzstan's climate ambitions. UNDP supports the development and amendment of the law on government regulation and policy in the field of emissions and absorption of greenhouse gases, as well as the development of the concept of environmental safety. UNDP offers support and cooperation in the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable green economy and in the implementation of Kyrgyzstan’s climate goals.”

This roundtable in Kyrgyzstan represents an important event for sustainable development. Participants are committed to join forces to make an active contribution to addressing climate change and to creating a more sustainable future for all.