LocationsUNDP role in fostering regional development in Batken province
November 5, 2024
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan, including in Batken province. Batken is the furthest behind in terms of geography and socio-economic development in the country, which faces a complexity of development challenges. However, through targeted projects and initiatives, UNDP is helping to foster regional development, social cohesion, youth empowerment, and climate resilience.
Inclusive governance for peaceful change and development
In line with UNDP’s Offer for Batken Integrated Development that is fully based on UNDP’s Country Programme Document and the priorities of the National Development Strategy, UNDP takes actions in Batken region in three broad programmatic areas - Green Growth, Good Governance and Climate Action – to ensure an integrative impact on Social Cohesion and Integrated Development.
UNDP supports the Kyrgyz Government at the strategic and local levels to strengthen social cohesion and foster integrated sustainable development in accordance with a wide range of national policies and strategies aimed at socio-economic regional development, human and cultural development, export, trade and investment, creativity and digital development.
UNDP empowers government structure for more inclusive, transparent and accountable cooperation with the citizens. All our support goes through gender, inclusivity and human-centric approach. UNDP helps in carrying out institutional reforms and strengthening best governance practices to ensure that accountable and responsive local government systems, social dialogue platforms, civic participation of youth and women and communities are in place.
UNDP also strengthened access to justice for the vulnerable groups of people by addressing key barriers in social, economic and political domain.
UNDP supports the Government’s plans in betterment of relationships between citizens and the state - empowering citizens and institutions for more inclusive and responsive governance; develop relevant skills among decision-makers, people, CSOs and private sector.
UNDP supports the Government to implement sustainable solutions for social cohesion applying an inclusive approach anchored in tolerance, civic engagement, socio-economic empowerment, and structured dialogues and networks to address exclusion and inequalities. Institutions and communities are supported with inclusive policies, mechanisms and capacities to address the socio-economic development, cultural and human development, trade, business and investment challenges.
Youth Engagement and Socio -Economic Empowerment
Recognizing the vital role of youth in shaping Batken Province's future, UNDP has prioritized their development through impactful socio-economic empowerment initiatives. These programs, which often include capacity building, employment and self-employment opportunities, enable young people to become agents for peaceful change and actively contribute to the entire local development. By fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing civic competencies, UNDP promotes youth’s increased civic engagement in decision-making and local development, empowers young men and women to address their own needs and priorities, expands opportunities for personal growth, well-being and livelihoods. This engagement not only boosts individual prospects but also plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and inequality, creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
"I want the children from our village to dream big, which is why I named my education center “Dream” - says Jazgul Akhmatkulova , a founder of the Dream Education Center in Sulukta , Batken province. She is one of 55 recipients of small grants from UNDP worth about 250,000 USD aimed at supporting regional development and youth entrepreneurship improving rural areas and strengthening social cohesion, peace, and local development .
Today, the "Dream" education center serves over 60 school-aged children and is a key resource for educational development in the area . By supporting academic environments in Batken, UNDP highlights education's crucial role in countering radicalization and violent extremism by building resilience and addressing underlying causes fostering more peaceful future for all .
Bridging the Digital Divide
In today's increasingly digital world, access to technology is vital for development. UNDP is working on the bridge the digital divide in Batken province by facilitating access to information and communication technologies (ICT). This includes providing training programs that enhance digital literacy offering resources to local entrepreneurs to help them establish an online presence, and most importantly enhancing overall community connectivity and social cohesion. These efforts are essential for fostering innovation and ensuring bridging the digital divide of the residents of Batken province, particularly among girls and young women.
Aigul Zhamaldinova Batken is a participant in UNDP's " Sanarip " Ayimdar ” initiative , which created more than 200 employment and self-employment opportunities for rural girls in Batken, Jalal-Abad and Osh provinces . This project aimed at promoting economic empowerment through digital learning and developing IT skills leadership and entrepreneurship among girls and young women Aged 15 to 34 years .
“I am the youngest daughter-in-law among 10 others , probably those who live in rural areas will understand me and agree that starting a business in such a case is not Easy . However , I succeeded. thanks to you support of my husband and family . I am grateful to you project that participation in it helped me overcome fear and believe in myself !” says Aigul ( read her full story here ) .
Digital projects , like Sanarip ayimdar ”, are a part of UNDP's broad efforts to promote decent employment through digital skills and accelerate digitalization in remote areas of Kyrgyzstan, thereby contributing to social cohesion and reducing the digital divide with a special focus on women and girls .
UNDP also supported the establishment of the Youth Center in Batken by providing IT equipment to create an environment for bringing young people together to develop their knowledge and meaningful participation , which prevents outbreaks of violence and promotes peacebuilding and social cohesion .
The Media Center, established with the public school in Ak Turpak village provides a space for expression and equips youth with digital skills to make them more competitive in the labor market . It is specific addresses the digital divide faced by girls in this area which empowered them to amplify their voices .
Public private partnership as a driver of regional development and social cohesion
UNDP is enhancing the capacity of government bodies in Batken province in strengthening public-private partnership (PPP) as a cornerstone of regional development and social cohesion by promoting the establishment of multi-stakeholder, multi-dimensional Regional Investment Councils (RICs), which serve as one of the key governance arrangements organized in the form of inclusive social dialogue and spanning a wide range of development areas starting from youth and women entrepreneurship, tourism, investments, export, trade and ending with regional development.
Since its inception in May 2023, the Batken RIC has functioned as an advisory body under the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Batken province, collaboratively finding development solutions to improve the business agenda and investment climate in the region. To date, the Council has convened three meetings focused on elimination of structural barriers for businesses, private sector and investments and conducted ten consultations with local entrepreneurs. This engagement has identified over 14 obstacles hampering businesses, private sector engagement and investments, and led to actionable decisions on eight of these issues, including tax reductions and process optimizations in tourism and insurance.
Additionally, the UNDP is supporting the digitalization of municipal services by providing technical assistance and office equipment. The organization has also successfully hosted investment forums in 2021 and 2024, allocating over 1.2 million KGS (~$15,000) for organizational support.
Climate Resilience Initiatives
Batken Province is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, making climate resilience is a key focus for UNDP. The organization has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the region's adaptive capacity, including the installation of meteorological stations for better climate monitoring, the introduction of drip irrigation systems to optimize water use in agriculture, and the repair of irrigation channels to improve water management. These projects not only help farmers increase productivity but also promote sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing climate resilience, UNDP is ensuring that the communities in Batken can thrive despite environmental challenges.
Water is life for farmers in Batken which is most dry climate in Kyrgyzstan. In Kadamzhai , Batken province , together with the rural water users associations in Batken and local farmers , we are advancing sustainable climate-resistant agriculture through drip irrigation in arid areas . UNDP has also brought back water for agriculture for almost 3000 hectares of farmland in Markas village ( Kadamzhai district , Batken province ) by rehabilitating a 475m segment of the local irrigation canal .
As part of its climate resilience efforts, UNDP has also installed a meteorological station in the Razzakov district of Batken for about 40,000 USD. This station is one of five meteorological stations established across Kyrgyzstan. By providing accurate weather data and forecasting, these stations empower local farmers to make informed decisions regarding their agricultural practices, enhancing their ability to adapt to climate changes. This initiative not only supports the livelihoods of farmers in Batken but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the region’s agricultural sector.
In Kyshtut village council of Batken region, UNDP supported a local initiative group of residents and local self-government, which further, having defined local issues, repaired the drinking water supply system that served all villages in the area. Local authorities experienced difficulties in acquiring the necessary equipment to carry out repairs to the existing water supply system. Due to untimely repairs, discontent and mistrust of the population grew, which led to frequent tensions between residents and local self-government. By improving the water supply infrastructure, the UNDP project not only solved the urgent problem of access to clean water, but also contributed to long-term benefits, making the community more resilient and cohesive. Such cooperation contributed to strengthening trust and unity in the community, as everyone realized the importance of a shared resource.
Through these targeted initiatives, UNDP is making significant steps in fostering regional development and assisting Batken province in its journey. By promoting peace, engaging youth, bridging the digital divide, and enhancing climate resilience, UNDP is helping to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for the residents of this diverse region.
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