UNICEF Partners with Kyrgyzstan’s Business Community to Advance Children’s Rights

Today, on World Children’s Day, UNICEF in Kyrgyzstan established the Business Advisory Council on Children – a new platform that will unite leading companies committed to promoting child rights in Kyrgyzstan. This partnership is a part of UNICEF’s core work globally to ensure children’s rights are protected and prioritized across workplaces, markets, and communities.

The first members of the new Business Advisory Council include so far:

• International Business Council
• Eldik Bank
• Tezсom Ltd
• “Demir Kyrgyz International Bank” CJSC
• O!Bank
• Tradegof
• "JSC 'Kyrgyzstan' Insurance Company
• AmCham
• LLC Lion
• Umai retail Group
• Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB)

With the Council now established, leading companies will be able to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and work alongside UNICEF to help advance child rights in the country and address issues such as child safety, inclusive education, nutrition, digital protection, and family-friendly workplaces.

“Businesses shape the world that children grow up in – from the jobs their parents hold to the products they use and the information they see. UNICEF in Kyrgyzstan is proud to partner with leading businesses in Kyrgyzstan in advancing children’s rights and creating new opportunities for their development. I’m delighted that so many businesses are keen to take a decisive step toward building a safer, fairer, and more nurturing environment for every child” said UNICEF Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic Samman J. Thapa.

The establishment of the Council was announcement during an event with businesses titled “Children Are Our Most Important Business”, dedicated to World Children’s Day. The business leaders gathered to discuss how their companies can actively contribute to meaningful and lasting change for children. UNICEF organized the event in partnership with the International Business Council (IBC).

“Investing in children is investing in the future of the country and its economy. The Council will help businesses apply child-friendly principles in practical, meaningful ways, and ensure that our efforts align with national development priorities” Noted IBC Executive Director Askar Sydykov highlighting the business community’s readiness to collaborate.

During the event, UNICEF presented data and analysis on key issues facing children in Kyrgyzstan – including child poverty, learning outcomes, disability inclusion, nutrition, and digital safety. A panel discussion with business leaders and UNICEF explored how companies can adopt family-friendly workplace policies, ensure responsible marketing and digital protection, invest in child-friendly products and services, engage communities through child-focused programmes and other issues.

“As businesses, we have the power to influence the environments where children live, learn, and grow. Through this Council, we can unite our expertise and resources to create meaningful change and ensure that every child in Kyrgyzstan has the opportunity to thrive,” said Artyom Lyjin, Managing Director of UMAI Group, one of the largest retail chains in Kyrgyzstan.

Participants emphasized that business actions aligned with child rights can strengthen the workforce, boost productivity, and build trust with consumers.