UNICEF and University of Central Asia Partner to Support Girls in ECOKyzdar Hackathon

Bishkek/Naryn, 18 April 2023 – The University of Central Asia’s School of Arts and Sciences (UCA-SAS) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) organized the ECOKyzdar Hackathon on “Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability” at UCA Campus in Naryn on 15-16 April 2023. The Hackathon welcomed 49 girls from diverse backgrounds across Kyrgyzstan, including students from UCA and other universities and secondary schools. Most of them are participating in  UNICEF's “Girls in Science” programme.

This group of young women aged 17-21 gathered to deepen their understanding of climate change and collaborate on addressing various environmental issues. 

At the end of the weekend, they presented their innovative ideas to a panel of expert judges, including Samarat Mambetajieva, Manager of Academic Affairs of UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education, Naryn, Jyldyz Isabekova, Country Director of Accelerate Prosperity, Kyrgyzstan, and Dr Ian Phil Canlas, Senior Lecturer of Science at UCA-SAS and Scholar of the Department of Science and Technology in the Philippines.

Addressing various environmental challenges, one of the groups proposed the development of a robot arm separating recyclable trash from other waste. Similarly, another group suggested adding QR codes to fabric bags for grocery store loyalty programs to incentivize the use of reusable bags. A group came forward with the idea of producing sustainable book covers. 

Another idea was presented aiming at the establishment of a tourism exchange program, supporting women in launching startups and teaching young girls how to make traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts.

“At UCA, we recognize that achieving gender equality requires more than providing ‘equal’ opportunities”, stated Kiran Bhimani, member of the Faculty at UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences and co-Organizer of ECOKyzdar Hackathon. “By creating a program exclusively for young women, we aim to address the gender-based inequities that exist in STEM subjects and provide a more level playing field for our young women to succeed. This effort is part of the broader vision of the UCA Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, who emphasizes the importance of pluralism and civil society in promoting peace and development. We believe that by embracing both equality and equity, we can contribute to building a more inclusive and pluralistic society that aligns with our founder's vision”.  

The Hackathon concluded with Elnura Asangazy Kyzy, Vice Mayor of Naryn, awarding the winners of the competition with a monetary prize sponsored by UCA: $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place. To further develop on the vision of the ECOKyzdar Hackathon, the winning team has been invited to participate in the Accelerate Prosperity Incubation Programme, run by the Aga Khan Development Network. The programme offers the team an opportunity to win an investment of up to $10,000 US for their startup. 

“For many children and young people, climate change is the most pressing issue. We have also seen how young people are currently taking the lead throughout the world in campaigning for climate action. Since girls and young women are disproportionately affected by climate change, we need to ensure that they participate in this movement and can develop innovative green initiatives. If we give them the right opportunities and can provide a positive learning environment, as we did during this hackathon, our young Kyrgyzstani leaders can make a difference and contribute to the collective climate change response,” - said Christine Jaulmes, UNICEF Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

In addition to their participation in the competition, the young women also attended sessions on Design Thinking, Public Speaking, Women in Leadership, Financial Literacy and Fundraising. These workshops were conducted by various women leaders distinguished in their respective fields such as Elena Chigibaeva, CEO of WeInCrypto, Aizat Ruslanova, Executive Director of IDEA Central Asia and Jyldyz Isabekova, Country Director of Accelerate Prosperity, Kyrgyzstan.