LocationsUNDP Strengthens the Capacity of Social Contract Advisors in the Kyrgyz Republic
May 23, 2025
Participants of the training on enhancing advisory support for recipients of social contracts
Bishkek, 23 May 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (MLSSM), has successfully concluded a nationwide series of regional trainings under its Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme aimed at enhancing advisory support for recipients of social contracts.
Despite a moderate average economic growth rate of 6.9% over the past three years, around 2.1 million people in the Kyrgyz Republic—62.8% of whom reside in rural areas—remain below the poverty line. Launched in 2022, the Government’s Social Contract Programme has become a cornerstone of social support, with over 35,226 families receiving a total of 3.5 billion KGS to start microbusinesses. However, the long-term impact and sustainability of this initiative hinge on the quality of advisory services provided to beneficiaries and the presence of integrated support mechanisms involving the Ministry and local self-government bodies (LSGs).
During the training
In response to these challenges, UNDP and MLSSM have initiated a joint capacity-building programme to strengthen the skills of territorial offices and LSG staff. This initiative aligns with the Kyrgyz Republic’s National Development Strategy to 2040 and the Development Programme to 2026, both of which prioritize inclusive economic growth, social protection, and sustainable development.
From 15 April to 21 May 2025, the trainings were conducted across all seven regions of the country — from Naryn to Batken — reaching over 160 staff members from the Ministry and LSGs. The two-day intensive training programme equipped participants with knowledge and practical tools on financial literacy, business idea development and implementation, marketing, business registration, taxation, and risk management. The training was based on interactive methodologies, including role-playing, real-life case studies, and hands-on work with business documentation templates.
During the training
“The current social protection policy is focused on sustainable development, encouraging families to engage in economic activity and reduce dependence on social benefits. Through our partnership with UNDP, we are enhancing the capacity of our frontline specialists—this is an effective investment in human capital,” noted Aliza Soltonbekova, First Deputy Minister of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“The Social Contract is a strategic tool for moving from dependency to sustainable self-reliance. The Ministry's support for this initiative is part of our comprehensive approach to poverty reduction and economic empowerment. A key role in this process is the training of qualified professionals among local government officials and MLSSM regional offices who can effectively and sustainably accompany families on the path to sustainable development,” emphasized Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The next stage of the programme will focus on post-training support. This includes advisory assistance to ToT participants, mentoring participants in their work with families, and collecting successful cases for scaling and promoting sustainable self-employment practices among social contract beneficiaries.
“This training helped me structure my knowledge and provided clear tools for practical work. Now I know how to support a person from the very beginning—identifying viable business niches, formulating an idea, assessing risks, and building a realistic action plan,” shared Zhyldyz Kurmanalieva, Head of the Employment and Migration Support Department at the Karakol City Social Protection and Migration Office in Issyk-Kul region and ToT participant.
UNDP and MLSSM remain committed to advancing the Social Contract Programme as a powerful mechanism for reducing poverty, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening sustainable human capital in the Kyrgyz Republic.
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