The main winners of the competition were: 

• Aitmat Peasant Farm for developing a technology for producing organic fertilizer, vermicompost; 

• Ereken Group LLC for its hybrid heating system implemented at Secondary School No. 43; 

• Taza-Di-Kadamjai LLC for its waste recycling project. 

The award ceremony brought together representatives of the business community, government institutions, the banking sector, and international organizations. The competition was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, UNDP, Eldik Bank OJSC, and Mastercard. 

The competition became one of the first events of the Climate and Nature Week 2026, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. It demonstrated that climate and environmental issues are no longer abstract concepts for businesses, but practical matters involving solutions to reduce energy costs, use resources more efficiently, recycle waste, introduce innovative technologies, and create sustainable jobs. 

For Kyrgyzstan, these issues are becoming increasingly important as the country moves forward with implementing its new climate action plan, NDC 3.0. A significant share of the transformations envisioned under the plan depends not only on government actions but also on decisions made by the private sector, including investments in energy efficiency, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and innovative technologies. 

“Climate policy is becoming economic policy. For businesses, this means new requirements, but also new opportunities to reduce costs through energy efficiency, adopt new technologies, improve competitiveness, and access markets where environmental and social standards are becoming an integral part of doing business. This is why the development of ESG approaches should be viewed as an investment in the resilience and future of Kyrgyzstan’s economy,” said Akyl Toktobaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. 

UNDP supports Kyrgyzstan in moving from climate commitments to practical implementation, from climate policy development and planning to financing mobilization and private sector engagement. In 2025, with technical support from UNDP, Kyrgyzstan prepared and submitted NDC 3.0, which serves as the foundation of the country’s climate action agenda for the coming years. 

“Today, ESG is a way to translate the country’s ambitious climate goals into everyday business decisions. When a company saves energy and resources, reduces waste, adopts new technologies, or creates jobs, it not only becomes more resilient itself but also helps the country advance toward its climate goals,” said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

One of the distinctive features of the competition was its focus on practical results rather than declarations or strategies. The competition covered three categories: climate projects, innovations for sustainable development, and green projects implemented by women entrepreneurs. According to the competition concept, these categories encompass energy efficiency, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, digital and AI solutions, circular economy approaches, and sustainable business models. 

Additional certificates and recognition awards were presented to: 

• Adal Azyk LLC (Toyboss brand) for its heat recovery system in food production; 

• Kyrgyzpromtechnologiya LLC for the Water Watch AI project; 

• Anara Kudaibergenova for the Kazarman Monte project. 

“It is important for us that this competition becomes not a one-time initiative, but a platform where businesses can showcase practical solutions, exchange experiences, and identify opportunities for scaling them up,” emphasized Aichurek Jakypova, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Eldik Bank OJSC. 

The event also featured two panel discussions focused on ESG and green finance, as well as innovation, digital solutions, and women’s entrepreneurship. The competition program highlighted the role of the financial sector, emerging requirements for businesses, and the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and digitalization for more efficient resource use. 

The organizers expect the “ESG Business Leader” competition to become an annual platform for identifying and promoting solutions that generate economic benefits for businesses while addressing the country’s environmental and social challenges.