November 10, 2025
During the opening of the Art4Peace festival in Karakol
Photo: UNDP Kyrgyz Republic
The Youth Day of the Kyrgyz Republic is celebrated annually on 10 November. It was established by the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 15 dated 14 January 2002, recognizing the growing role of the young generation in advancing the country’s democratic course and in further developing national youth policy.
In Kyrgyzstan, youth, defined as individuals aged 14 to 35 years, make up more than one-third of the population. They are an engine of progress, contributing to economic, social, and cultural life across the country - from agriculture and tourism to emerging digital and creative industries. Many are self-employed or engaged in small enterprises, while others work abroad and contribute significantly through remittances.
In line with the priorities of the National Development Programme until 2030, which recognizes human capital development and youth support as key areas for sustainable growth, UNDP works in partnership with national institutions and civil society to create opportunities that help young people realize their potential and contribute to the country's development. These efforts are also in line with the Concept of the State Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2020-2030, approved by Government Decree No. 562 of October 18, 2019, which sets out long-term guidelines for youth participation in the socio-economic development of the state.
Youth of Kyrgyzstan at the Jaratman Forum in Bishkek
Photo: UNDP Kyrgyz Republic
Empowering youth entrepreneurship through digital skills
To translate potential into economic opportunity, UNDP helps young entrepreneurs develop competitive, future-ready businesses in the digital economy. One of the key initiatives, the E-Commerce Incubation Programme was implemented jointly with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to strengthen the digital and export capacity of local enterprises.
Over nine months, the programme equipped 43 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), many led by youth and women, with practical skills in online sales, digital marketing, and e-commerce management. Participants took part in more than 150 individual coaching sessions, 50 peer-to-peer mastermind meetings, and 12 expert master classes, helping them refine growth strategies, enhance their online presence, and enter new markets.
Five of the most promising projects received seed grants totalling USD 15,000 to modernize production, improve branding, and scale operations. Beyond these measurable results, the programme also enhanced the digital confidence of participants with over 80 percent reporting that the training was highly relevant to their business needs and helped them build lasting professional networks.
Photo: UNDP Kyrgyz Republic
Unlocking Youth Potential through Mentorship
Complementing digital skills development, UNDP promotes youth leadership and inclusion through the Mentorship Programme. The initiative enhanced the entrepreneurial capacity of young people aged 18–35, including persons with disabilities, across key value chains such as adventure tourism, honey production, dried fruits and crafts.
From 170 applications, 66 mentees were paired with 32 experienced mentors for nearly a year of guided learning, one-to-one consultations, and peer exchange. The programme achieved notable results: mentee enterprises recorded a 75 percent increase in sales and a 64 percent rise in online trade volumes, generating more than 110 new jobs, many in rural areas.
The initiative also fostered youth leadership: 20 young mentees became local “ambassadors” of entrepreneurship, participating in national platforms such as the Bishkek Investment Forum and the Green Economy Forum, where they showcased sustainable business solutions and expanded their professional networks.
Photo: UNDP Kyrgyz Republic
Youth shaping Kyrgyzstan’s climate future
Young people are becoming the main drivers of climate change in the country. The updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) emphasizes the importance of climate education, the development of green professions, and support for youth initiatives, including the promotion of women's leadership. These measures are shaping a generation of citizens ready to live and work in a sustainable and low-carbon future.
The UNDP's flagship initiative, the Youth Climate Caravan, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, played a special role in this process. The caravan traveled through all seven regions of Kyrgyzstan in May 2025. Nearly 200 participants, including schoolchildren, students, activists, and volunteers, shared their ideas and suggestions on how they envision the country's climate policy. These meetings resulted in regional recommendations that were included in the NDC 3.0. The caravan showed that the voice of young people can indeed influence decision-making at the national level.
This movement was continued by the Local Climate Youth Conference (LCOY), organized on the basis of the Youth Climate Caravan. It brought together young people from across the country and connected them with the international YOUNGO movement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), opening up new opportunities for participation in global climate negotiations.
In August 2025, a lecture on climate diplomacy was held, where students learned about the mechanisms of the Paris Agreement, carbon markets, and the principles of the "green economy." The event became a platform for the exchange of knowledge and inspiration and for the formation of professional skills among young people to participate in the climate dialogue.
The course on innovation continued with the national hackathon Digital4Climate.KG, which brought together young innovators from across the country who are developing digital solutions to combat climate change.
These initiatives have shown that the active participation of young people in the climate agenda strengthens their role as partners in sustainable development and provides a solid foundation for broader involvement in society.
During the summing up of the results of the youth climate caravan in Kyrgyzstan
Photo: UNDP Kyrgyz Republic
Promoting youth potential, local participation, and community resilience
UNDP’s partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy continues to advance youth empowerment and strengthen institutional mechanisms for youth engagement across Kyrgyzstan. Building on earlier achievements, UNDP supported the development and implementation of youth action plans in five pilot municipalities, ensuring that youth priorities are integrated into local Programmes of Social and Economic Development and linked with municipal budgeting processes.
To expand opportunities for participation and skills development, five additional youth centres were modernized in the regions, complementing earlier UNDP-supported facilities. These centres now serve as inclusive platforms for training, entrepreneurship, civic dialogue and green innovation, helping young people transform local initiatives into sustainable solutions.
Recognizing the vital role of young people in promoting tolerance and strengthening community resilience, UNDP also integrates youth engagement for peaceful and cohesive societies across its programmes. Through youth centres and local initiatives, young women and men participate in dialogue, foster inclusion, and promote mutual understanding, helping to prevent conflicts and strengthen trust within communities. This approach reflects the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, which emphasizes participation, protection, prevention, partnership, and reintegration. By equipping young people with the necessary skills, networks, and confidence, UNDP empowers them to act as agents of positive change and resilience in their communities.
At the national level, UNDP continues to promote evidence-based decision-making through the Youth Well-being Index 2024, which provides updated insights into the evolving needs and aspirations of Kyrgyz youth.
Through these integrated efforts UNDP helps ensure that young people are not only beneficiaries but active partners in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s sustainable and inclusive future.
Over 2,500 young people joined environmental trainings and the Trash Festival, raising awareness and inspiring community action for a cleaner Kyrgyzstan.
Photo: UNDP Kyrgyz Republic
Investing in the future
The creativity and resilience of young people are among Kyrgyzstan’s greatest strengths. Sustained investment in their skills is important as the country pursues sustainable growth under its National Development Programme until 2030, which prioritises human capital development, digitalisation, and inclusive opportunity.
On this Youth Day, UNDP reaffirms its commitment to work hand in hand with young people, supporting their ideas, amplifying their voices, and helping them turn ambition into action. Empowering youth today means shaping a better tomorrow led by young leaders, innovators, , and changemakers building Kyrgyzstan’s sustainable future.
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