State Educational Standards launch today in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 23 May 2025 – The Government of Kyrgyzstan officially launched the State Educational Standards today at a ceremony attended by H.E. Mr. Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ms. Nadira Dzhusupbekova, Deputy Minister of Education, and Ms. Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

The State Educational Standards are a national curriculum framework designed to ensure that every child in Kyrgyzstan receives a high-quality education and gain the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to thrive.

The Standards aim to improve the quality of teaching and learning for all 1.4 million children in pre-primary, primary and secondary education in the country.

UNICEF provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and Science and the Kyrgyz Academy for Education – improving the quality of teaching and learning for all 1.4 million children in pre-primary, primary and secondary education across the country.

"Education shapes children’s futures and the potential of entire nations. Kyrgyzstan’s adoption of new education standards is a critical investment in its human capital. By aligning the education system with international best practices, Kyrgyzstan is delivering on its commitments in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and preparing a new generation of students to drive innovation and build more resilient communities,” said Ms. Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

The Government of Kyrgyzstan’s transformative education reforms known as ‘Altyn Kazyk (Polar Star)’ include the transition to a 12-year education system; modernization of curriculum, pedagogies and textbooks; optimization of district education offices; digital transformation; and expansion of preschool coverage. The refinement of the State Educational Standards is essential to advance the progress of Altyn Kazyk.

UNICEF helped the Ministry of Education and Science to formulate the transition to a 12-year education system, refine subject standards (syllabuses), and organize consultation forums for teachers and parents in the transformative process. These achievements pave the way for a resilient education system that meets the diverse needs of all students, including those from disadvantaged communities and those with disabilities.