Designed to strengthen MPs’ knowledge and practical skills on key aspects of parliamentary work, the orientation seminars align with the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, national legislation, the Rules of Procedure of the Jogorku Kenesh, and relevant international standards and practices. The program covers the constitutional and legal foundations of parliamentary activity; the legislative, oversight, and representative functions of parliament; parliamentary ethics; engagement with society and international partners; and selected thematic areas related to the budget process, human rights, gender equality, the Sustainable Development Goals, and strategic planning.

The seminars reflect the partners' shared commitment to strengthening parliament's institutional capacity as a key democratic institution responsible for lawmaking, representation, and accountability. Given the new composition of the VIII convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh, this support is particularly important for strengthening parliament's role in advancing national development priorities, the rule of law, and effective citizen engagement.

"This seminar is an important step aimed at strengthening parliamentarianism in our country and supporting the professional development of deputies. We highly value the support of our partners, UNDP and the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, and we are confident that our continued cooperation will contribute to the institutional effectiveness, openness, transparency, and accountability of the Jogorku Kenesh," said Mederbek Aliyev, First Deputy Toraga of the Jogorku Kenesh.

"A strong and effective parliament plays a vital role in advancing sustainable development, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring that public policy remains responsive to the interests of citizens. It is important for UNDP to support the institutional development of the Jogorku Kenesh and strengthen the capacity of the new convocation, including through platforms for professional exchange and learning, such as this one," said Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative.

The seminar aims to foster a deeper understanding of parliament's role in implementing the Kyrgyz Republic's National Development Program until 2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, it focuses on SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Today's orientation seminar aims to promote a deeper understanding of parliamentary procedures and the roles and responsibilities of deputies. It also explores opportunities for effective engagement with constituents, civil society, and state institutions. For over twenty years, the OSCE has been a reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan, supporting parliamentary democracy, promoting an inclusive and transparent legislative process, strengthening the institutional development of the Jogorku Kenesh, and enhancing parliament's human capacity. The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek highly values its cooperation with the Jogorku Kenesh and stands ready to continue providing expert and advisory support within the framework of our mandate,” said Ambassador Volker Frölich, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

During the seminar, deputies will discuss various topics, such as the history of parliamentarianism in the Kyrgyz Republic, the Jogorku Kenesh's role in the separation of powers, the status and ethics of deputies, the legislative process, parliamentary oversight, media and civil society engagement, parliament's role in the budget process, and issues related to human rights, gender equality, cybersecurity, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

In partnership with the Jogorku Kenesh, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, and other development partners, UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic will continue to support the strengthening of parliament’s institutional capacity in the interest of more open, effective, and people-centered governance.