Bishkek, 22 December 2025 — The Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, with the support of UNDP, convened an expert discussion focused on advancing the implementation of national gender equality programmes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s participation in the economy and improve the effectiveness of public finance management. 

UNDP works alongside Kyrgyzstan in implementing key national policy frameworks, including the National Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic on Achieving Gender Equality until 2030, the State Programme on Supporting Women’s Leadership until 2030, and the Programme for the Support and Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship. 

The dialogue brought together representatives of government institutions and the expert community, enabling a practical and cross-sectoral exchange on how gender-responsive approaches can be applied within the public finance system. 

Deputy Minister of Labour, Social Protection and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ainura Orozbaeva, highlighted the importance of a systemic approach in public policy. 
“Gender-responsive budgeting along with taxation policy are not only matters of social justice; they are effective economic tools that contribute to sustainable growth, improved public well-being, and the achievement of national and global development goals,” she noted. 

Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized that women’s participation in the economy directly shapes the quality of economic growth and long-term development outcomes. “Economies become more resilient and competitive when women’s contributions are reflected in budgetary and tax decisions. Gender-responsive budgeting helps governments direct resources more precisely, increase returns on public investments, and support sustainable economic development,” she said. 

The discussion also reviewed results achieved under UNDP’s Equanomics initiative, which positions fiscal policy as a practical instrument for advancing gender equality and inclusive economic growth. In 2024, UNDP provided expert support to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Tax Service of the Kyrgyz Republic, including an analysis of tax policy impacts across different population groups. The findings underscored the importance of adjusting selected fiscal measures to reduce unequal tax burdens and strengthen fairness within the system. 

Kyrgyzstan’s National Development Programme until 2030 sets the objective of joining the top 30 countries demonstrating the greatest progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, alongside improving the country’s standing in international rankings that reflect inclusiveness and economic resilience. 

UNDP will continue to support the Kyrgyz Republic in implementing sustainable development programmes, including efforts aimed at expanding women’s economic opportunities.