Bishkek, 6 May 2025 — Today, UNDP launched its global 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”. The launch, held in Brussels, marks a critical moment for understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) can influence the future of human development worldwide, including in Kyrgyzstan.  

This year’s report addresses how AI and digital technologies are reshaping human development pathways, creating both new opportunities and emerging challenges. It highlights the widening inequalities and slowing human development progress globally, calling for urgent, people-centered choices to harness digital transformation for inclusive and sustainable growth​.  

The 2025 HDR proposes three key action areas: building a complementarity economy where humans and AI work together, driving innovation with the intent to expand human capabilities, and investing in inclusive education, healthcare, and social protection systems​.   

Kyrgyzstan's Steady Progress in Human Development 

Kyrgyzstan continues to make steady progress in advancing human development, with improvements seen across education, health, and living standards. In 2023, the country has achieved a Human Development Index (HDI) value of 0.720, placing it in the "High Human Development" category for the second year in a row. This milestone reflects Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to expanding opportunities for its citizens, particularly through investments in education reforms and healthcare services.  

Kyrgyzstan’s positive Human Development Index (HDI) dynamics have been primarily driven by notable improvements education, health, and income. Between 1990 and 2023, Kyrgyzstan's life expectancy at birth changed by 6.9 years, expected years of schooling changed by 0.8 years and mean years of schooling changed by 2.9 years. Kyrgyzstan's GNI per capita changed by about 1.3 percent between 1990 and 2023. The steady improvements in health and education were key to boosting the country’s overall human development. 

Advancements in Gender Equality - Gender Development Index (GDI) 

Kyrgyzstan has made significant strides in gender equality, as evidenced by its Gender Development Index (GDI). The GDI measures disparities between men and women in terms of health, education, and income. Kyrgyzstan's GDI value is 0.959, with a female HDI value of 0.701 and a male HDI value of 0.731m placing the country in the Group 2. This indicates that the country is narrowing the gender gap, with women increasingly accessing education and healthcare services.  

Addressing Inequality - Inequality-adjusted HDI 

The country's Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) reveals a 9.9% loss due to inequality in the distribution of health, education, and living standards. This means that while the country has made progress in overall human development, inequality significantly reduces the benefits experienced across different segments of the population. Kyrgyzstan’s development would be 9.9% higher if there were no inequality in the distribution of health, education, and living standards. Addressing these disparities could lead to a more equitable distribution of development, improving the quality of life for all citizens and reducing the gap between the ideal HDI and the actual human development experience in Kyrgyzstan. 

Reduction in Multidimensional Poverty - Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 

Kyrgyzstan's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) highlights the various dimensions of poverty beyond income, including education, health, and living standards. People who experience deprivation in at least one third of these weighted indicators fall into the category of multidimensionally poor.  The MPI value for Kyrgyzstan is 0.001.  This indicates that Kyrgyzstan is performing well in terms of reducing multidimensional poverty, with fewer households experiencing multiple deprivations in health, education, and living standards. 

Balancing Development with Sustainability - Planetary Pressures-adjusted HDI  

The Planetary Pressures-adjusted Human Development Index (PHDI) takes into account the environmental impact of human development. Kyrgyzstan's PHDI value is 0.699.  This value is higher than the world average PHDI of 0.680, indicating that Kyrgyzstan is performing relatively well in balancing human development with environmental sustainability. By integrating environmental considerations into development planning, Kyrgyzstan is working towards a more sustainable future that protects natural resources while promoting human well-being. 

To further advance its Human Development Index (HDI), Kyrgyzstan should capitalize on several key opportunities. Enhancing digital infrastructure and expanding access to technology can drive innovation and economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Investing in renewable energy sources will not only support environmental sustainability but also create new job opportunities and reduce energy dependency. Strengthening vocational and technical education programs can equip the workforce with future-ready skills, addressing the evolving demands of the labor market. Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships can accelerate development projects and improve service delivery. By prioritizing these areas, Kyrgyzstan can build on its achievements and ensure inclusive, sustainable development for all its citizens. 

UNDP Kyrgyzstan, in close partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development, is actively supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda as a key driver of sustainable development. Through joint initiatives, they are fostering inclusive digital infrastructure, enhancing digital skills, and developing innovative solutions that bridge the digital divide and ensure that no one is left behind. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of using technology not only for efficiency but also to expand access to services, boost economic opportunities, and improve quality of life across all regions of Kyrgyzstan. 

UNDP Kyrgyzstan remains committed to supporting national efforts to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape and to help create a future where digital transformation advances human dignity, opportunity, and equality for all.