Bishkek, 7 May 2024 – Today the Ministry of Digital Development and UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic hosted a pivotal gathering of government officials, development partners, and experts at the Meeting of the Joint Working Group on E-Government, Information, and Communication Technologies of the Development Partners Coordinating Council (DPCC). Members of DPCC discussed progress, challenges, and opportunities in Kyrgyzstan's digital transformation journey. 

Nuria Kutnaeva, Minister of Digital Development, and Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative co-chaired the meeting. The meeting was attended by Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers. 

Edil Baisalov highlighted the importance of strengthening the coordination of partners, including government agencies and development partners to support the implementation of the Digital Transformation Concept for 2024-2028.

The meeting of the Working Group was also attended by Nurzhan Shaildabekova, Chair of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of the Kyrgyz Republic, Azamat Burzhuev, Head of the Digital Development Department of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Chyngyz Amanatov, Director of the State Institution “Tunduk”, Kubanychbek Sadambekov, Director of the State Enterprise “Infocom”, and others.

The Working Group meeting was attended by the Head of the Digital Development Department of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Azamat Burzhuev, Director of the State Agency "Tunduk" Chyngyz Amanatov, Director of the State Enterprise "Infocom" Kubanychbek Salambekov, Chair of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurzhan Shaildabekova and others. 

The discussions revolved around achievements and plans in digital transformation, highlighting initiatives such as the "Tunduk" mobile application, document management information systems for public administration, enhancing connectivity infrastructure, the electronic voting project, and digitalization of tax procedures.

Minister Kutnaeva provided insights into the digitalization process in the country, showcasing interim results and outlining future directions. Key stakeholders including development partners shared updates on ongoing projects and activities, offering a comprehensive overview of the digital landscape in Kyrgyzstan.

“The main goal of our digital transformation is to make the lives of our citizens and businesses easier by reducing bureaucracy and the costs of government services. We strive to ensure that digital services are accessible, intuitive, and free, while reducing the number of calls to government through improved digital interactions. The digital economy and the ability to trace goods, services, and data play a key role in increasing government revenues”, said Minister Kutnaeva. 

The year 2024 marks the beginning of the implementation of the Kyrgyz Republic's new Digital Transformation Concept for 2024-2028, infusing fresh momentum into the collaborative efforts between UNDP, other development partners, and the state. This collaboration is characterized by open knowledge exchange and the pooling of resources and opportunities.

“Given the new complex global challenges and increasing uncertainty of this decade, there is an urgent need to strengthen coordination of actions and available resources, as well as deepen cooperation to ensure catalytic results, materialize opportunities, and mitigate risks associated with digital change. UNDP stands ready to deepen and build new partnerships to support and promote the national digital agenda”, said UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Alexandra Solovieva.

The Kyrgyz Republic has demonstrated significant progress across various sectors, with digitalization as a central pillar of its national development strategy. This includes enhancements in digital government services, financial technologies, and telecommunications. The country is a trailblazer in the regulation of digital technologies, notably through its pioneering Digital Code, which aims to consolidate all digital regulations within a unified legal framework.

A notable highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Mr. Azamat Burzhuev, Head of the Digital Development Department of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, on the concept of Digital transformation for 2024-2028. Mr. Burzhuev outlined the strategic vision and priorities guiding Kyrgyzstan's digital agenda for the coming years. 

The meeting served as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, setting the stage for concerted efforts towards realizing Kyrgyzstan's digital aspirations.

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Media contacts:

Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, Communications Officer +996775755 ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org