Youth Center Open in Batken

Batken, Kyrgyz Republic, 20 May 2026 - The Youth Center was officially opened in Batken city, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the financial support of the Russian Federation. An opening ceremony was held with the participation of representatives of local authorities, and the UNDP team.

May 20, 2026

Group of officials in formal attire posing in a bright room with a national flag behind them. — UNDP Kyrgyzstan

The Youth Center was established to help young people build modern skills, develop business ideas, work in a co-working environment, and pursue their own initiatives. Today, more than 12,000 young people aged 15–35 live in Batken city, along with a large number of students from across the region attending more than 15 educational institutions in the city — including schools, a university, colleges, and vocational lycees. The center is designed to become a hub for all of them.

The center’s facilities are equipped for conferences, digital skills training, and co-working. With the financial support of the Russian Federation, channeled through UNDP, the center was furnished with office equipment, furniture, and heating and cooling systems valued at USD 51,686.

I am very glad, on behalf of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, to take part in the launch of the UNDP youth center, financed with the assistance of the Russian Federation. I very much hope that the opening of the youth center will contribute to the comprehensive development of Batken and the region. Russia is ready to continue providing financial and other assistance through the UN."

- says Roman Svistin, Consul General of the Russian Federation.

A vital contribution to the project was made by the Batken Mayor’s Office, which allocated 6 million soms for the full renovation of the building. UNDP and its partners express sincere gratitude to the Mayor’s Office for this commitment, which reflects the strong engagement of local authorities in investing in the potential of Batken’s youth and women.

A Youth Council under the Batken Mayor’s Office was established jointly with the Mayor’s Office and with UNDP support. The Council will play a direct role in the management and development of the center and brings together young activists, entrepreneurs, volunteers, representatives of educational institutions, and civil society organizations — placing young people at the center of the initiative.

The Batken Youth Center is one of 13 youth centers across the country whose construction, renovation, and equipping were supported by UNDP to strengthen youth infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people in the regions of Kyrgyzstan. The project is implemented in close cooperation with the Agency for Youth Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.

For media enquiries, please contact: Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, Head of Communications, +996 770 183 493 ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org