On World Children’s Day, European Union and UNICEF Launch Joint Action to Support Youth to Become Change-Makers

BISHKEK, 20 November 2024 – In celebration of World Children’s Day, the European Union and UNICEF announce the launch of the "Youth Rising: Kyrgyzstan’s Change Makers" initiative. This transformative three-year project aims to empower youth organizations across the Kyrgyz Republic, strengthen human rights protection, combat gender-based violence, and enhance the capacities of youth organizations.

With a total budget of USD 1,240,990, the "Youth Rising: Kyrgyzstan’s Change Makers" initiative will focus on key locations including Osh city, Nookat, Bishkek city, Kochkor, Atbashy, Kyzyl Kiya, Suzak, and Talas city.

The overall objective of the initiative is to empower youth organizations to effectively address youth-related issues, promote human rights, and foster inclusivity and gender equality. The project will primarily target adolescents and young people aged 14-25 years.

The overall objective of the initiative is to empower youth organizations to effectively address youth-related issues, promote human rights, and foster inclusivity and gender equality. A key focus will be on encouraging STEM education and challenging gender stereotypes. The project will also tackle critical issues such as violence in schools, cyberbullying, malnutrition, drug use, and other harmful practices affecting adolescents and youth. By targeting adolescents and young people aged 14-25 years, this initiative aims to create a safer, more equitable environment for all young people in the Kyrgyz Republic.

“Empowering girls in STEM is not just about better education, it’s also about unlocking innovation, driving equality, and building a better future where Kyrgyzstan’s brightest minds—regardless of gender—lead the way in science and technology. The new programmes innovative partnership with young Kyrgyz girls who are building their own satellite, is telling example of this”, Marilyn Josefson, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic stressed.

“There are almost 2.5 million young people in Kyrgyzstan. We believe that the youth have the potential to drive significant social change. This initiative will provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to make a real impact,” said Samman Jung Thapa, UNICEF Representative to Kyrgyzstan.

UNICEF Kyrgyzstan is committed to ensuring the success of this initiative through strategic partnerships with government bodies, CSOs, educational institutions, and community groups. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, UNICEF aims to empower young people to become active change-makers in their communities.

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About the EU

The European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic have been partners since the country gained independence in 1991 and have continued to increase their cooperation and areas of interaction year-on-year. In the 2014-2020 period, the overall EU support to Kyrgyzstan amounted to EUR 263 Million, focusing on promoting sustainable development, education, rule of law, integrated rural development, and assisting the development of basic service infrastructure as well as supporting SMEs. For more information about the European Union visit our website and Facebook.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.Follow UNICEF on Twitter and Facebook.