First of all, let me congratulate all the people of Kyrgyzstan on the recent Independence Day. This is a holiday that symbolizes the country's path to freedom, development and prosperity. Over the years of independence, Kyrgyzstan has achieved a lot: we see sustainable economic growth, improved quality of life and strengthening of the country's international authority.

Today, the world faces serious challenges: climate change, degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity. But it is in the mountains that the consequences of these challenges are especially acute. Mountains are a source of water, food and energy for millions of people. They are the keepers of culture and traditions.

It is no coincidence that Kyrgyzstan has become a world leader in promoting the mountain agenda. Thanks to the efforts of the government, the topic of mountain regions is heard at the UN General Assembly, climate conferences and international summits. The adopted Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023-2027) is a historic initiative of Kyrgyzstan, which today forms the global agenda for sustainable development.

For UNDP, sustainable mountain development is the foundation for partnership with the public, non-governmental and private sectors in the Kyrgyz Republic.

• By supporting the preparation of climate plans, we are jointly setting the course for a green transition, the creation of green jobs and a just energy transition.

• Working on the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP), we are laying the foundations for nature conservation, with mountain ecosystems at the center.

• Joint projects supported by the Global Environment Facility have expanded protected areas, restored pastures and forests, and supported the conservation of rare species. We are currently working on the creation of the Chon-Alai Nature Park, an area of ​​66 thousand hectares, to protect the habitats of rare species of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard.

• In the Osh region, we are developing organic agriculture, ecotourism, women's and youth entrepreneurship, strengthening the incomes of local residents and reducing their vulnerability.

• I would like to particularly emphasize that UNDP provides comprehensive support to the activities of Regional Investment Councils, including the Council in Osh Oblast. These platforms play a key role in identifying local priorities, creating a favorable investment environment, and ensuring the participation of business and civil society in development processes.

Osh region is unique. It combines rich cultural heritage, strong traditions and mountain communities that require sustainable support.

UNDP is proud to work together with local authorities and communities:

• helping border areas build trust and cooperation;

• creating new opportunities for women and youth;

• promoting sustainable agriculture and access to markets;

• preserving nature and developing ecotourism.

On behalf of UNDP, I express my readiness to continue fruitful cooperation and support to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Osh region in the following areas:

• Strengthening platforms for open dialogue between business, government and communities;

• Supporting the development of investment programmes, especially in the field of women's, youth and creative entrepreneurship;

• Implementing community-based initiatives aimed at sustainable development of rural and urban areas.

I would like to especially emphasize the role of youth. Young people are not only the future, they are already shaping a new vision of sustainable development.

Very soon, on September 20–24, Bishkek will host the YouthLead(ership) Mountain Roundtable as part of the World Youth Festival of Mountain Countries. This event is being organized jointly with the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy, as well as UN agencies.

It will become a platform where young leaders from the mountain regions of Kyrgyzstan and other countries will be able to put forward their ideas and solutions for the future. The results of this meeting will be integrated into global UN processes, including the Future Pact and the Sustainable Development Goals.

For UNDP, this is strategically important: to ensure that the voices of young people, especially from mountain communities, are loud and heard at the highest level.

The five years of action to develop mountain regions is a unique opportunity for Kyrgyzstan and the entire region to show that it is possible to combine economic growth, environmental protection and social development.

Today, we must focus on three priorities:

1. Attracting long-term financing for mountain regions, considering both innovative financial solutions and traditional ones, including targeted public financing;

2. Adapting agriculture and infrastructure to climate challenges;

3. Strengthening community participation, especially youth and women, in decision-making.

Osh region can become an example of how sustainable mountain development benefits people, nature and the economy.

On behalf of UNDP, I reaffirm our full commitment to partner with Kyrgyzstan in implementing the Five Years of Action and am confident that together we can ensure that the country's mountain regions become a space of opportunity, sustainability and justice for future generations.