In two years, U-Report has become a unique platform for expressing the opinions of the youth of Kyrgyzstan

UNICEF and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport, and Youth Policy organized an event to mark the two-year anniversary of U-Report in Kyrgyzstan. Launched in 2021, this unique platform allows young people to voice their opinions through real-time polls. The platform now has more than 11 000 users that participated in 15 surveys about different topics related online safety, bullying, education, vaccination and others.

“More than half of Kyrgyzstan’s population is under 25. This means it’s critical to hear what the youth have to say. U-Report is truly a unique tool that gives voice to thousands of young people across the country” says Sylvi Hill, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

For example, one of the most popular polls was about bullying among youth of Kyrgyzstan. More than 3 400 participants answered questions about their emotional state and issues related to bullying. Almost a third of responders said that they have encountered bullying in the last three months. The majority of young people feel that they can do something about it.

Another poll concerned online safety of young people. More than a third of the respondents expressed feeling unsafe or threatened when using the Internet.

In Kyrgyzstan, UNICEF collaborates with the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport, and Youth Policy to use and promote U-Report. The polls are overseen by a Steering Committee that consists of representatives of the Kyrgyz Government, Parliament, Youth Congress, and U-Report volunteers.

According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy Marat Tagayev, U-Report has become a very convenient digital tool. "In the past, we used to gather in large arenas and halls to discuss something, now we can communicate online and learn what the opinions of others," said the deputy minister.

Going forward, the polls will be linked to discussions at "Pikirler Club" (Discussion Club) established under the U-Report’s Steering Committee. The goal is to address different concerns of young people and seek solutions to different issues through polls.

More information about the platform and poll results, head over to the website.