Launch of New State Educational Standards in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 23 May 2025 – Today, as part of the Pedagogical Forum held under the theme “New Horizons: Transition to 12-Year Education and the Altyn Kazyk Programme – A Key Indicator of Education Quality”, Kyrgyzstan officially launched its updated State Educational Standards. The ceremony was 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 updated standards serve as a national curriculum framework and form the foundation for developing educational programmes aimed at ensuring quality education for every child in Kyrgyzstan. They focus on equipping children with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success and development in the modern world.

The new standards cover all levels of education — from pre-primary to secondary — and will impact more than 1.4 million children across the country. Their development was made possible through technical support from UNICEF, provided to the Ministry of Education and the Kyrgyz Academy for Education.

“Education shapes the future of children and the potential of entire nations. The adoption of new educational standards is a strategic investment by Kyrgyzstan in its human capital. By aligning its education system with international standards, the country is fulfilling its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and preparing a new generation for innovation and sustainable development,” said Ms. Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

The update of the standards is part of a broader education reform initiative known as “Altyn Kazyk” (Polar Star). The reform includes the transition to a 12-year education system, modernization of state educational standards, curricula, teaching methods, and textbooks, digital transformation, optimization of district education offices, and expansion of preschool coverage.

UNICEF also supported the Ministry of Education and Science in developing the roadmap for the transition to a 12-year system, updating subject standards (syllabuses), and organizing consultations with teachers and parents. These efforts aim to build a resilient and inclusive education system that meets the needs of all children, including those from vulnerable groups and children with disabilities.