The memorandum of understanding foresees cooperation and commitment to promote the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and its goal 16 aiming at the creation of peaceful, just and strong institutions, to support the implementation of the Strategy of Development of the Jogorku Kenesh in line with the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic.  

“Switzerland's rich experience with democratic governance can serve as a basis for exchange and collaboration between our two countries. I am very glad to announce that Switzerland has responded favorably to the request of the Kyrgyz Parliament to assist in strengthening parliamentary democracy and improving citizens’ engagement in decision-making processes,” – said Ambassador Holenstein.

With financial support of Switzerland, UNDP will implement a ten-year prospective project “Strong and Inclusive Parliamentary Democracy”, primarily aimed at further enhancing parliamentary democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic by making it more inclusive, accountable and responsive to the needs of the citizens. The first phase of the project foresees close collaboration and expert support to the activities of three parliamentary committees, namely the committee on constitutional legislation, state structure and judicial legal affairs, the committee on social affairs, education, science, culture and healthcare as well as the committee on finance and budget.

In addition, the project will work actively on enhancing capacity of Public Councils and will launch a special Civic Action Fund to provide citizens with an opportunity to participate in the decision- and policy-making process, ensure effective monitoring and influencing the performance of parliamentary and state accountability institutions. This will allow citizens to hold the Parliament and government accountable and benefit from a more accessible, effective and responsive government.

Contact information:

Aigul Baiburaeva, UNDP Policy Advisor, tel.: 0312 394140 (ext. 152), email:  aigul.baiburaeva@undp.org

Elena Zakirova, Program Officer of the Embassy of Switzerland, tel. 0312 301036, email: elena.zakirova@eda.admin.ch

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The Government of Switzerland provides assistance for the development of the Kyrgyz Republic and supports projects in areas such as health, private sector development, public sector reform, and infrastructure.

This was the result of cooperation with the project ”Voice of citizens and accountability of local self-governments” financed by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Development Policy Institute.

The project aims at more transparent and effective management of local finances by local self-governments through increased accountability and citizens’ participation in decision-making processes.

Following a decision-making process actively involving citizens and ensuring transparent management of local finances, the municipalities of Onbir-Jylga Ayil Aimak in Chui rayon and Boroldoi Ayil Aimak in Kemin rayon, acquired needed equipment (furniture for children, toys, books, and kitchen equipment) for two kindergartens. Both projects were selected by citizens and successfully passed a competitive selection process in the frame of the small grant program of the project.

The project provided 1 million soms to both municipalities which added their own resources amounted to 100’000 soms in Boroldoi and 150’000 soms in Onbir-Jylga.

15 small projects were supported within the small grant program of the “Voice of citizens and accountability of local self-governments” project in 2017 for a total of almost 15 million soms. The small projects financed at municipal levels are related to improved drinking water supply, street lighting, public transportation, recreation services and education.