LocationsAdvancing Regional Development and Expanding Youth Opportunities in Kyrgyzstan
January 20, 2026
The work of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, implemented in partnership with national and local self-government authorities, focuses on accelerating regional development, strengthening the investment climate, and expanding meaningful youth participation in the country’s socio-economic life. In 2025, UNDP support contributed to the launch and institutionalization of sustainable mechanisms across investment planning, youth infrastructure, entrepreneurship, the creative economy, and risk governance.
Implemented initiatives reached twenty localities across seven regions, home to more than 1.28 million young people. Through established regional and municipal structures, an estimated 12,000–25,000 young people are engaged annually in development programmes, entrepreneurial activities, and civic initiatives.
Beyond expanded coverage, the key outcome has been a qualitative shift in local development governance. Regional Investment Councils and youth centres have evolved into durable platforms for collaboration among public institutions, the private sector, and young people, supporting youth policy implementation, entrepreneurship, social initiatives, and preventive risk monitoring. These results reflect a high level of national ownership and the sustainability of institutional solutions introduced.
Partnerships and National Priorities
Progress was enabled through close cooperation with the Offices of the Presidential Plenipotentiary Representatives in the regions, local self-government bodies, the National Agency for Religious and Interethnic Affairs, the Public-Private Partnership Centre, and the National Council for Business and Investment Development. Support from the Russia–UNDP Trust Fund for Development played a catalytic role, enabling the establishment of institutional mechanisms and leveraging significant national and municipal resources. A high level of co-financing by partners demonstrates strong commitment to sustaining and scaling achieved results.
The initiatives directly support Government priorities in crisis response, youth policy, investment climate improvement, regional development, digital skills, and the creative economy.
Regional Investment Councils
Regional Investment Councils have been established and are operational in six regions, serving as permanent dialogue platforms between the public and private sectors. Dedicated secretariats ensure systematic preparation of investment proposals, project facilitation, and the advancement of public-private partnership mechanisms. In Batken region, for example, cooperation between the Council and the National Investment Agency contributed to the preparation of investment agreements exceeding USD 2 billion, reflecting a shift in regional investment dynamics and growing investor confidence in local institutions.
In 2025 alone, secretariats of the Regional Investment Councils in Osh, Jalal-Abad, Talas, Naryn, and Issyk-Kul regions provided expert support for the development and launch of 18 large-scale public-private partnership infrastructure projects, as well as three investment projects with a combined value exceeding USD 300 million and KGS 2.2 billion.
During the regional investment council opening in Manas city
Youth Centres
The establishment of eight youth centres marked a significant step in expanding youth participation in regional socio-economic development. The centres are institutionally integrated into local self-government systems and UNDP’s existing youth infrastructure network, creating enabling conditions for youth entrepreneurship, volunteering, and social innovation.
A financing model based on substantial co-financing by local authorities—ranging from 60 to 80 percent—demonstrates the sustainability of the centres and local commitment to their continued operation. Through these initiatives, 141 youth organizations received support and capacity development, alongside national and republican-level events that promoted peer learning and the implementation of youth-led initiatives.
A participant in a social entrepreneurship training pitches her business idea
Creative Industries
Support to the creative economy has focused on economic diversification and strengthening territorial branding. Analytical assessments of creative industries in four cities enabled a transition from analysis to practical implementation of support tools.
As a result, the online platform openosh.kg was launched to promote Osh as a tourism destination, alongside the ARTurduuluk creative laboratory, which brought together 40 artists and more than 400 artworks. These initiatives contribute to expanding regional economic bases through intangible assets and building sustainable potential for cultural and tourism sector growth.
A participant of the ARTurduuluk creative laboratory in Osh city
Trade Facilitation
In partnership with the UNDP Aid for Trade project, support was provided for the development of the National Export Programme “Made in Kyrgyzstan.” Findings from assessments of the entrepreneurial environment in border regions were integrated into the programme, strengthening its regional relevance and export orientation. In parallel, the capacities of trade and business support institutions were enhanced, including training specialists to work with international marketplaces, expanding market access opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The exhibition "Made in Kyrgyzstan" within the framework of the eighth interregional conference of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Mr. T.I. Maksimov.
Risk Monitoring
Strengthening the capacity of national and local authorities to monitor risk drivers formed a core element of the integrated regional development approach. Analytical studies examined climate-related, economic, and social risks and their impact on vulnerable population groups.
As a result, monitoring tools and reporting forms used by local state administrations and city mayoralties were updated, allowing relevant indicators to be embedded into routine management processes, improving data comparability across regions, and enabling more proactive planning.
Overall, the implementation of these initiatives reflects a shift from short-term responses to sustainable, institutionally embedded governance solutions. Strong engagement by national and municipal partners confirms readiness to sustain and scale achieved results. Collectively, UNDP’s work and the support of the Russia–UNDP Trust Fund for Development contribute to enhanced regional resilience and more effective territorial governance in the Kyrgyz Republic.
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