kyrgyzstan: post-2015 national consultations

8/13/2019 Kyrgyzstan: Post-2015 National Consultations

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Post-2015Development AgendaNational Consultationsin the Kyrgyz Republic

The United Nationsin the Kyrgyz Republic

The Kyrgyz Republic

Bishkek - 2013


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The United Nations in the Kyrgyz Republic

Copyright the United Nations in the Kyrgyz RepublicBishkek, 2013


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Post-2015Development AgendaNational Consultationsin the Kyrgyz Republic


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Post-2015 Development Agenda National Consultations in the Kyrgyz Republic4

The preparations for the national consulta-

tions started late into 2012 as Kyrgyzstan

was one of eight additional countries includ-

ed in the global consultation process. The

process and data gathered were conceived

through a framework that would be in har-

mony with the draft version for the Strategy

for Sustainable Development of Kyrgyzstan

for the period of 2013-2017 (document

dated December 7, 2012). The framework

of data set reects the 11 themes globally

proposed and the data gathered were en-

visaged to also reect inputs that would ini-

tially feed into the sustainable development

strategy of the country.

The UN Country Team (UNCT) in the Kyr-

gyz Republic set up the Thematic Working

Group (TWG) composed of representa-

tives of UN agencies which coordinated the

preparations for the consultative processes.

The national government was involved at

the very start of the process. The identied

methodologies included surveys, focused

group discussions, and social media discus-

sions and voting. The validation process

was done through roundtable discussions in

two major regions and at the national level

involving high level stakeholders. The stake-

holders were identied in coordination with

UN agencies and major non-government or-

ganizations with focus in the inclusion of the

non-traditional voices in the country.

National ConsultationsProcess

Traditional Groups

Table 1: Post 2015 National Consultation Stakeholders

Labor migrants families; Average households; Elderly/Retired persons; Formally employed;Organized Workers; Women (Women-headed households; rural women farmers); smallbusinesses/small scale traders/subsistent and small scale farmers; community-based groups;government officials

Non-traditionalgroups

Youth; Children; Ethnic minorities; Food insecure groups; population affected by natural disasters;cross-border communities; population affected by conflicts; unemployed; members of PLHIVcommunity; members of community of key population at high risk (IDU, SE, LGBT); informal

sector workers (irregular wage laborers); stateless people; refugees; people with disability/familiesliving with disabled people; migrants

National Consultations Launch, Bishkek, 31 January 2013(Director of National Institute for Strategic Studies Mr. Me-lis Djunushaliev, UN RC Mr. Alexander Avanessov, Ministerof Economy Mr. Temir Sariev and Deputy Minister of For-eign Affairs Mr. Erines Otorbaev)


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Post-2015 Development Agenda National Consultations in the Kyrgyz Republic 5

The National Institute for Strategic Stud-

ies (NISS) was engaged to collect the data

across the country, facilitate the validation

processes, and prime the reports together

with the TWG for presentation to the na-

tional government and the UNCT as well as

for the submission of the nal report. At the

onset, the team was aware that there was

six months for the entire process to happen.

The rst two months were spent to prepare

for the consultations including the analysis

of existing documents and reports, design-

ing the questions set and methodologies,

identifying and connecting with the identi-

ed stakeholders, and nalizing the data-

gathering tools. The data gathering was

slated for approximately two months, data

processing for another month, and the re-

port nalization and re-validation with the

UNCT for the last month. Five major ques-

tions were asked revolving around the mainquestion What Future Do You Want for

Kyrgyzstan? The respondents were also

asked to suggest ways of ensuring that a

better future is possible for all.

A total of 1,685 respondents from across

the country were engaged to identify three

important themes they see as important for

the country. A good number of respondentswere women (48%) whose voices repre-

sented urban and rural areas as well as tra-

ditional and non-traditional sectors. There

were also children and adolescents under

18 years old (6 %) with 44 children fromremote and disadvantaged area who par-

ticipated in the focus group discussions. In

terms of ethnic demographical data, 55%

were Kyrygz as well as residents who were

Russians (20%), Uzbeks (12%) and other

ethnicities (12%). More than half of the

voices had graduate and/or post graduate

educational attainment. An even urban andrural divide was observed in the gathering

of the voices of the People of Kyrgyzstan.

The limited time given for the consultative

process was the major limitation in gather-

ing more voices from the people. Additional

time was also spent on translating the data

from Kyrgyz and Russian to English for the

reporting and validation processes.

National ConsultationsProcess

National Consultations Launch participants, Bishkek


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Thematic AreasThematic Areas

Based on the results that aggregated the pri-

oritization of the top three-choice responses

from 1,685 respondents the thematic areas

of most importance were reported and pri-

oritized. Corresponding thematic areas was

a brief description citing the respondents

rationale in deciding a particular theme as

important in enabling the future they want.

These descriptions also included sugges-

tions for having a better enabling environ-

ment around the theme.

1. Economic Growth andEmployment

Across all the methodologies, economic

growth and employment was mostly dis-

cussed and cited by the respondents as the

most important one to have the future they

want. The respondents who cited this themost were women (52%) from the rural ar-

eas. Reasons cited tended to focus on nega-

tive social factors which affect the country

resulting in widespread social mistrust and

a sense of social insecurity; that there is a

need for economic development that would

encompass the entire country, raising all

boats; that there is a need to improve the

living standards of the people; that there

is inefciency in the administration of the

state; that there is corruption across the

system that affects the delivery of basic ser-

vices; the existence of a high rate of for-

eign debt that affects the economy rippling

towards peoples economic incapacitation;

and, that there are inequalities in access-

ing opportunities for all the citizens in terms

of socio-economic prospects. They also in-

dicated that there is a need to attract inves-

tors and to develop international coopera-

tion with neighboring countries as well as

other major players in the region.

A good number of respondents cited devel-

opment as the primary response that would

bring about economic empowerment of the

citizens with direct referral to increasing em-

ployment opportunities within the country.

Other actions cited were progressive and

necessary reforms to the political and eco-

FGD with youth, Osh


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Thematic Areas

nomic sphere that would combat corruption

and the shadow economy; the need to have

better trained human resource capacity in

the civil service; and, the development of

high ethical and morale qualities amongst

the people. Responses also indicated that

there is a need for improvement of inter-

national cooperation with other countries

either within the region or those with po-

tential economic ties. In achieving economic

growth and increasing employment, the re-

spondents cited that the ones who are able

to do changes are the executive and legisla-

tive authorities, the population in general,

private businesses, and the international

community. Most respondents deemed that

they can do nothing in this area while a few

cited that they can work to contribute to this

thematic area.

Taken together a picture begins to emerge

that strongly links improvements in good

governance and mechanisms for empow-

erment with macro and microeconomic

improvements that would be equitably al-

located throughout society of Kyrgyzstan.

This is elaborated in further detail in the

section below, but the data suggests that

respondents both see great opportunity for

advancement in their own standards of liv-

ing and for the country as a whole, though

the burden nonetheless rests with the state

apparatus to facilitate sustainable and inclu-

sive economic growth. Areas for improve-

ment then could focus on the direct nexus

between government and economic growth,

especially in the decision-making areas of

the administrative state in directing invest-

ment capital and public sector jobs.

2. State Administration,Governance

A good number of respondents indicated

that the system of state administration and

in some aspects, governance has to improve

to allow services to be delivered and for the

economy to prosper. Most cited that there is

poor performance of the government, that

there is corruption, that the system should

FGD with women - heads of households, Osh


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Thematic Areas

be more socially orientated or people ori-

ented, that there is a need for the develop-

ment of economy, and to ensure that the

citizens have better life translated is some

ways in a ensuring there is better security

for the citizens and there is stability in all

aspects. A few indicated that salaries should

be regulated and still others who said that

the international relations should be further

developed.

To achieve changes, the responses indicated

that there is a need to change the politicalsphere especially in the area of delegation

of authority as well as in ensuring there will

be economic development, to improve the

human qualities of the state workers in or-

der to increase the level of professionalism

of the civil servants, to ght against corrup-

tion, ensure changes in the social sphere,

and making sure there is honesty, fairness

and transparency in governance. Some re-

sponses indicated that there should also be

amendments to the laws. The respondents

cited that the executive body, the popula-

tion in general, and the legislative body

should be involved in the changes. Some

of the respondents cited a desire to combat

corruption and take active civil positions in

the country.

3. Education

A number of respondents indicated that

education in general across the country is

another important thematic area. Most of

the respondents recognize that the devel-

opment is hindered without a quality educa-

tion. Some of the impediments to the edu-

cation system cited were insufcient funds,

rampant corruption, a shortage of qualied

Everyone should vote. Sometimeschildren of ministers become dep-uties of parliament, they have not

even served in the army and theydo not know what the problemsare. How can they direct people?The votes should not be sold. FGD participant (male), Talas, Av-erage households.

Validation workshop in Osh, 16 April 2013


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Thematic Areas

specialists, and a lack of new technologies

integrated into the educational system. The

general response is that there is a need to

reform the education system. Some also in-dicated that the migration of young gradu-

ates should also be addressed.

For changes to occur there is a need to

enhance the quality of education, upgrade

qualications of the teachers, increase s-

cal expenditure in the area of education,

integrate new learning materials, combat

corruption in the system, enact education

system reforms that ensure state oversight

is effectively maintaining the quality stan-

dards of education across the country. The

authorities (government), civil society and

institutions, leaders of higher education,

youth organizations, and the international

organizations were cited as the agents who

can bring about changes in this thematic

area. The respondents have indicated that

they can contribute to the change by dis-

seminating information and providing advo-

cacy work in their communities.

4. Food Security and

Agriculture

A good number of respondents indicated

that this thematic area is a concern espe-

I would also like education to begood in ve or six years: I wouldlike our children to study in the

best schools: for all the schoolsto be good and for education tobe high quality.- 13 year old FGDparticipant (female), Osh, Youth.

FGD with youth, Osh

We need to know how much milkwe should produce and its sell-ing price so that we can plan ourwork. We will see the future andwill be more committed to ourwork. Its same for meat. FGDparticipant (female), Chui Prov-ince, Moskovskii rayon, Predtech-enka village, Farmers.


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Thematic Areas

cially for the population who live in the rural

areas. A focus in this area would bring about

development in the country.

As such, there is a need to create favor-

able conditions for the development of

the food security and agricultural sector. It

is also necessary to resolve food security

and agricultural issues like high and vola-

tile food prices, access to market informa-

tion and negative impacts of climate. The

state should also address the high prices of

fertilizers, equipment, and fuel that is not

favorable to the farmers. The state should

also regulate the production and any issues

related to product sales. Responses also in-

dicated that the state should also look into

the development of products for export as

well as creation of new work places. Actions

that would support the agricultural sector

would at the very least mitigate rising food

prices.

Most of the responses suggest that there

should be actions done in relation to crop

production and animal breeding which goes

hand in hand with the need to develop the

veterinary system and the processing indus-

try. The governments support in the sector

in general is needed with special attention

to provision of loans and subsidies.

Establishing farmer cooperatives should also

be considered as a way to achieve changes

in this thematic area. Responses also indi-

cated that there is a need to develop the

export quality part of the sector as well at-

(the) State should pay special at-tention to agriculture. Currently,

the state does not maintain thecitizens but the citizens maintainthe state. It would have been pos-sible to sell the fuel on discountedprice. At least the prices for thechemicals, fertilizers and fuel couldbe cheaper for 10% for the farm-ers. In our region (Talas) about70% of populations are engaged

in agriculture. This would havebeen a huge push for the coun-try. FGD participant (female),Talas, Average households.


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Thematic Areas

tracting foreign investments to make sure

that there is sustainability.

The responses identied that several stake-

holders should work together to make sure

there are changes in this area. Uppermost

in the list is the government, the local self-

governance bodies, the population in gen-

eral, public organizations and NGOs, inves-

tors, agricultural specialists and banks. The

respondents indicated that there is a need

to train the farmers and to make sharing

of experiences possible. There is a need for

greater market transparency and predict-

ability and more efcient market mecha-

nism that can link farmers better into the

end market for their products.

Since Kyrgyzstan is an agricultur-al country, it is necessary to estab-

lish processing enterprises in thecountry. For example, butter, meatprocessing factories, canning. Wehave lots of apricots and apples inour country. At least we need mini-shops. If we have all these facili-ties, I think it will be ne. FGDparticipant (male), Batken oblast,Korgon village, cross-border com-

munities - population directly orindirectly affected by conicts.

Winter was prolonged last yearand hay for feeding livestock cost500 soms per bale. This price was

not justied, but articially cre-ated. As a result, people had toeat their livestock and mortgagedtheir barns for hay, and someeven took loan. Now many peoplehave fallen into debt, also becausethe selling prices of livestock hasdropped. There is no demand (forlivestock). The government should

have anticipated this. FGD par-ticipant (female), Chui Province,Moskovskii rayon, Predtechenkavillage, Farmers.


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Thematic Areas

Some respondents indicated that there is a

need to increase efciency of the state ad-

ministration in relation to ghting against

unemployment and corruption. There is also

a need to attract investment and develop

international relations.

Most of the recommendations indicated that

there is a need to promote tolerance and

understanding that we are one people.

The authorities must hear the views of the

people and must address the need to be

more efcient in state administration and in

the execution of laws. The development of

the economy by addressing unemployment,

poverty and making sure there is economic

stability as well as improving the quality of

education were also cited as possible ways

to achieve changes in this area.

Most of the respondents cited that there is a

need for the general populace to take more

active civic positions and indicated that

this is their personal contribution towards

changes in this thematic area. They cited

that the civil society, the state, international

organizations, investors should work to-

gether towards bringing peace and stability

in the country.

7. Energy

A good number of the respondents cited that

there is a need for uninterrupted power sup-

ply in the country. The responses in general

FGD with retired people, Chui Province, Bishkek city

Stability is needed for Kyrgyz-stans development. The develop-ment of the country depends on

investors but the instability of thecountry hindered it those rallies,raids, seizures. FGD participant(male), Bishkek, Unemployed.

FGD with youth, Osh


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Thematic Areas

indicated that there is a need to have rev-

enue from export of power and coal. They

also cited that there should be availability of

resources and investors to construct HPPs,

power lines and substations. Problems in

the energy sector were also pointed out as

well as the need to address the limited ac-

cess the general population has to power

supply.

The respondents suggested that there is

a need to reorganize the energy sector, to

construct and rehabilitate HPPs, to attract

investments in this area, and to ensure that

there is international cooperation with other

countries. The need to train professional

human resources in the energy sector was

also signied as an important investment in

this area.

8. EnvironmentalSustainability

Most of the respondents who shared their

insights in this area denoted that the coun-

try needs to look into cleanliness in general

pertaining to waste disposal. The general

disposition is that a good environmental

care is needed for the future as it ensures

that there will be a healthy nation, tourist

promotion, and sustainable environmental

care.

They cited that there is a need to improvethe environments management system that

is, strengthen the control over environmen-

tal standards with the inclusion of monitor-

ing systems, awareness raising campaign in

protecting nature and maintaining cleanli-

ness.

9. Demographic Dynamics,Migration

Most of the responses signied that there

is a high level of external migration due to

unemployment and poverty. They cited that

the inefcient public administration contrib-

uted to this migration pattern. They indi-

Ive known Kyrgyz guys who arevery intelligent and can speak sev-eral languages. Most of them leftfor Canada or the USA. If the gov-ernment would be able to keepthose guys in Kyrgyzstan, theycould have been of great service. FGD participant (male), Bishkek,

Refugees.


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Thematic Areas

cated that there is a need to provide good

education and jobs to the young people.

In addition, they cited that there is a need to

develop the economy especially in the areaof employment and trade. The responses

cited that the government should address

the need to develop small and medium busi-

nesses, attract investors, increase wages,

develop the agricultural sector, to develop

trade and export and most importantly,

enhance the level of public administration.

There were also responses that linked edu-

cation to the problem of migration; there

is a need to develop quality education that

would prepare youth to be a more competi-

tive and skilled work force.

10. Inequalities

The general response in this area is that

there is a high rate of poverty and unem-

ployment across the country. The efciency

of public administration should be addressed

ensuring that there is the observance of the

rule of law. Also cited was the need to have

more tolerance towards the vulnerable and

to address the low morale of the people.

The main suggestions of the respondents

are to ensure that there is poverty reduc-

tion, law enforcement, advocacy for toler-

ance and to combat corruption in the public

administration.

11. Water

Water was cited as one of the theme that

needs to be addressed. The main reason

Seriously, Id like to see in Kyr-gyzstan inclusive society that wehad no boundaries between peo-ple with disabilities, or others, thepoor and so on. An inclusive soci-ety is my dream. It can be achievedonly if the political forces bring asocial dialogue with employers tothe level of Ail okmotu (local ad-ministrations). - FGD participant

(male), Bishkek, Employers.FGD with ethnic minorities, OshProvince, Osh city


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Thematic Areas

given by the respondents was that the lack

of access to potable water contribute to the

presence of conict among the residents of

the communities and between communities

across the borders. Most of the responses

indicated that there is lack of clean water

supply and low reserves affecting delivery

of this basic resource to outlying communi-

ties. Rural residents indicated that sourcing

water for irrigation was also a problem.

The suggestions were mostly on the access

to water supply that is, access to potable

water and irrigation water. Other responses

also indicated that there is need for stron-

ger political will of leadership and a stron-

ger international cooperation across borders

especially with Tajikistan. The government

should also capacitate their workers and

should hire more high level professionals. At

the community level, the suggestions are to

develop more projects, to organize coopera-

tives, create more jobs, and to resolve prob-

lems at local levels.

The respondents identied government, lo-

cal administrations, and international orga-

nizations as the ones who can sort the prob-

lems on water. Actions suggested range from

advocacy at the community level to creation

of work places at the community level to

ensuring accountability and transparency in

the decision making of the local administra-

tions. The population at large was also sug-

gested as to having a more active approach

to the concerns related to water. Engaging

the youth and working with them as actors

in responding to the concerns on water was

also a recommendation raised during the

consultation process.

12. Values

The respondents cited an additional area

that is important for them in relation to the

development agenda and the future they

want. The theme of values and culture is

deemed important as there is an observable

decline in the cultural and spiritual values of

the people in general.

There is a need to promote culture that

would ensure the future they have is one

of economic stability and peaceful harmony.

They also indicated that there should be a

balance between what is traditional with

what is emerging within the culture of tech-

nology.


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Thematic Areas

Another aspect that the responses citedwas the need to have international cultural

engagement that would bring about posi-

tive changes. Some responses indicated the

need to promote culture within the country

and by bringing in people of other countries

in like volunteers and other international

workers.

They also indicated that there is a need to

engage people, more specially the youth. In

the formulation of the development agenda,

which in many ways can tie into a desire for

increased volunteerism that can empower

youth, transform the often passive relation-

ship between citizen and state in addressing

development challenges, and provide work

skills.

Family from rural Kyrgyzstan


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Key Messagesof the National Consultations


There are several responses that stand out

in the consultations that indicated cross-

cutting recommendations. The responses in

the area of recommendations suggest some

commonalities that are addressed to major

stakeholders of the development agenda forthe Kyrgyz Republic.

To the Government

The general message is that there is a need

for the government to address system and

structural changes that would ensure the

presence and sustainability of economic de-

velopment. High unemployment rates and

poverty were cited as main concerns that

should be addressed for the future that the

people of Kyrgyzstan want. Citizens clamor

for government that is responsive to their

needs, such as improvements in health-

care, education, agriculture, environmental

protection, security and poverty reduction,

while at the same time restraining itself in its

control over the daily lives of citizens and in

comporting itself in a fair, transparent, and

ethical manner. The changes involve ensur-

ing that there is more participation from the

citizenry that is, there should be more close

interaction between the state and the popu-

lation. Individual responses to development

challenges are seen as something to be en-

couraged and better facilitated at the statelevel, such as voluntary action and youth in-

volvement in decision-making processes.

To the People

The main message is for the people to be

more actively involved in the process of de-

cision-making for the country. The respon-

dents specied in several recommendations

that engaging the population is a way to

make changes in the future.

To Other Stakeholders

Other stakeholders were also identied as

relevant partners in the development agen-

da. International organizations, private sec-

tor, investors and donors should also be

engaged and be more included in the for-

mulation of the agenda.

We should learn how to see moreopportunities than problems. - 13year old FGD participant (male),

Osh, Youth.

National Consultations Launch Participant, Bishkek


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The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reect those of the United Nations,its programmes/projects or governments. The designations employed do not imply the expres-

sion of any opinion whatsoever concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, orits frontiers or boundaries.


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fax: + 996 312 611217www.un.org.kg

kyrgyzstan: post-2015 national consultations

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