New Centre - New Opportunities for Young People in Karakol 

The Youth Centre in Karakol was established jointly by the Mayor’s Office of Karakol and UNDP under the project “Expanding Youth Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Local Solutions for Entrepreneurship and Social Cohesion,” funded by the Russian Federation. The new Centre is designed to become a focal point for young people — a space for learning, professional development, networking and the implementation of youth initiatives. 

The Centre has a total area of 392.54 m². The Mayor’s Office of Karakol financed the renovation of the building, investing approximately USD 114,000 from the municipal budget. The project, funded by the Russian Federation, contributed more than USD 61,000 for interior works, IT equipment and furniture. The total investment in the facility therefore amounts to approximately USD 175,000. 

During the visit, participants also toured the youth educational centre at the Karakol city library. The Mayor’s Office of Karakol financed the construction of the new library building, allocating USD 300,000 for this purpose. With financial support from the Russian Federation, the UNDP project provided USD 20,000 to equip the educational centre. The centre complements the Youth Centre and gives young people in Karakol an additional space for learning and self-education in the variety of topics such as the youth’s leadership skills, participation in decision-making, youth entrepreneurship, digital skills, social cohesion etc. 

Partnership as the Foundation for Sustainable Results 

The opening of the Youth Centre in Karakol was made possible through close cooperation among the Mayor’s Office of Karakol, the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Government of the Russian Federation and UNDP. The substantial contribution of the Mayor’s Office to the renovation of the building demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to creating favourable conditions for young people and investing in the future of the city. 

Earlier this year, Youth Centres were opened in Min-Bulak, Chuy Region (March 2026), Batken (May 2026), and Osh and Manas (June 2026). Together with other centres established with UNDP support, these form part of a nationwide network of 13 Youth Centres whose establishment, renovation and equipment have been supported by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic and local authorities. 

“For the Kyrgyz Republic, young people are the most important resource for development. Therefore, our common task is not only to talk about the future of the younger generation, but also to create the necessary conditions today for them to receive quality education, grow professionally, actively participate in public life, and realize their potential. By supporting young people, we are investing in human capital, the development of our regions, and the sustainable future of our country.”  - First Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy, Mr. Soyuzbek Nadybekov. 

“The opening of this Youth Centre is an investment in the potential and leadership of young people in Karakol. Established through the important partnership and contribution of the Mayor’s Office of Karakol and made possible with the generous support of the Russian Federation, the Centre will serve as an inclusive platform where young people from different social and economic backgrounds can connect, develop their capacities and engage with the Mayor’s Office in advancing the National Youth Policy. The Centre will become a sustainable knowledge hub for entrepreneurship, civic engagement and innovation — helping nurture a new generation of talented young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who will contribute to stronger and more cohesive communities” — Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic 

“The Russian Federation has traditionally been a key donor to the project activities of UN family agencies in the Kyrgyz Republic. In 2025, Russia’s contribution amounted to approximately USD 12 million. With our support, youth centres are being established in various cities across Kyrgyzstan through the United Nations Development Programme. One such institution has already been actively operating and expanding its activities in Manas for more than a year. The opening of the Youth Centre in Karakol is Russia’s contribution to the development of the education system and the upbringing of the younger generation of Kyrgyzstan. We expect that courses in areas that are in demand will be organized here, and that the Centre will become a venue for joint events and a point of attraction for young talents who will be able to realize their potential”. - Alexey Poyda, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

Context 

Karakol is one of the largest cities in the Kyrgyz Republic, with a youth population of more than 20,000. The Youth Centre was established within the framework of the state youth policy of the Kyrgyz Republic and contributes to the implementation of the National Youth Development Programme. UNDP implements the project in close cooperation with the relevant government institutions responsible for youth policy.