In the heart of Bishkek, a powerful collaboration is transforming the city's journey toward sustainable development. The "Empowering Bishkek Stakeholders for Sustainable Development" joint programme, financed by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, is a partnership between UN organizations—UNECE, UN-Habitat, and UNDP—and the Mayor's Office of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. It is turning ambitious visions into tangible actions.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office has mobilized the UN entities for this joint effort, fostering collaboration across UN entities and ensuring alignment with national frameworks and coherence with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
The cornerstone of this partnership is the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) anchored on the voices of Bishkek’s residents through its first Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Review (VLR), which outlines strategic goals for the city's sustainable future. Through this, the joint programme is actively working to operationalize these strategies by translating them into actionable initiatives.
The result? Real change that resonates in the everyday lives of Bishkek's residents. A key outcome of the project is the causal-chain analysis, a deep dive into the challenges slowing down SDG implementation. By identifying the root causes, evaluating existing tools, and understanding what’s missing, the joint programme is working to streamline efforts and achieve better results. This approach helps ensure that SDG progress isn’t just planned but truly delivered.
Central to this effort is empowering local government officials. Through targeted capacity-building activities, including workshops and training sessions, the joint programme equips officials with the skills and knowledge to integrate the SDGs into local policy and practice. The success of this effort depends specifically on the collaborative nature of the joint programme, bringing the different knowledge materials of the participating UN organizations and creating a holistic package targeted to Bishkek’s needs and strategic visioning. A special focus on digital transformation and data management is enabling smarter, more efficient, and transparent governance while enhancing communication with its citizens. At the same time, awareness-raising initiatives are cultivating a culture of sustainability and accountability within the city's administration.
One significant achievement is the organization of the first capacity-building exercise in Bishkek on 25-26 March, aimed at enhancing local officials' skills for SDG implementation. This training will introduce practical tools for integrating SDG targets into municipal planning, including case studies from other cities that have successfully implemented similar strategies.
The partnership doesn't stop at the local level. By showcasing Bishkek's initiatives on international platforms, the joint programme is amplifying the city's voice on the global stage. This increased visibility not only strengthens Bishkek's reputation but also opens doors to new partnerships and collaborative opportunities, bringing global best practices back to benefit local communities.
"We believe this project offers an excellent opportunity to find joint solutions for overcoming challenges in SDG localization. Our goal is to make Bishkek a more comfortable, safer, and greener city for our citizens." — Mr. Baigonchokov, First Deputy Mayor, Mayor's Office of Bishkek
The journey is ongoing, but the foundation is strong. With continued cooperation, Bishkek is setting a model for local SDG implementation and demonstrating the power of partnerships in building a better, more sustainable future for all.
Strengthening Partnerships: The Success of Bishkek's Joint Programme Steering Committee
The foundation of progress in Bishkek's journey toward sustainable development lies in the strength of its partnerships. The Steering Committee of the "Empowering Bishkek Stakeholders for Sustainable Development" joint programme exemplifies successful collaboration, bringing together the Mayor's Office of Bishkek and participating UN organizations—UNECE, UN-Habitat, and UNDP.
Recognizing the importance of ongoing coordination, the first Steering Committee meeting took place on 18 December 2024. While the Terms of Reference originally required only a start and end meeting, members—including the First Deputy Mayor of Bishkek and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office—agreed that regular check-ins were essential. Their commitment to continuous engagement ensures that progress is closely monitored, challenges are addressed proactively, and joint decision-making remains at the core of the initiative.
"The Steering Committee has been pivotal in shaping the direction of the Joint Programme, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every perspective considered," said Thamara Fortes, UNECE Technical Adviser. "This inclusive approach strengthens our ability to achieve meaningful results".
This collaborative platform has proven instrumental in aligning goals, strategizing initiatives, and ensuring that efforts are well-coordinated and impactful. Through regular meetings, the Steering Committee fosters open dialogue, mutual learning, and a shared commitment to the SDGs and Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process.
The Committee not only ensures that progress is on track but also addresses challenges collectively, facilitating a seamless exchange of knowledge and expertise, enabling local and international stakeholders to collaborate closely.
Beyond strategy, the joint programme, financed by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, is about action. From operationalizing strategies identified in Bishkek's Action-Oriented VLRs to enhancing the capacities of local officials, the initiative is creating a roadmap for tangible progress. Capacity-building workshops, including digital transformation efforts, and improved data management practices are equipping local leaders with the tools to make informed decisions that align with the SDGs.
"We believe this project offers an excellent opportunity to find joint solutions for overcoming challenges in SDG localization. Our goal is to make Bishkek a more comfortable, safer, and greener city for our citizens." — Mr. Baigonchokov, First Deputy Mayor, Mayor's Office of Bishkek
This story of collaboration is not just about meetings and strategies but about building a resilient, sustainable future for Bishkek. Together, through shared vision and collective effort, the Joint Programme partners and the Mayor's Office are transforming ambitions into actionable outcomes for the city's sustainable development.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
