Acted has been operating in Kyrgyzstan since 1999, working to address the country’s main challenges by fostering opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development, especially for remote and marginalised communities. Over the years, Acted has built diverse sectoral expertise and used participatory approaches to build resilience across an array of sectors. All of Acted’s ongoing projects strengthen the institutional capacity of partners, stakeholders and/or communities. As a result, Acted has long standing partnerships with communities, government agencies, civil society and international development partners.
Kyrgyzstan is located in the heart of Asia and boasts a rich history, influenced by and influencing diverse interactions and exchanges with its neighbours and the wider world. The country is home to 6.8 million people and has been called an island of democracy and openness in Central Asia since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
However, Kyrgyzstan remains one of the region’s poorest countries, with government data putting one-third of the population below the poverty line. Women and young people bear the brunt of the hardship, with every third child living in poverty. Gender inequality is a driver of poor economic performance, with women’s contribution to GDP 2.5 times lower than men’s. This unlocked potential reflects deeper social norms and barriers for full participation in society for women; nearly one in three women experience domestic violence.
For over 25 years, responding to the challenges posed by climate change, Acted continuously implementing projects that promote sustainable development and the green transition in Kyrgyzstan, in partnership with civil society, international partners and the government. In line with our Acted’s Zero Carbon strategy pillar in Kyrgyzstan we strive to: reduce the carbon footprint of our operations; ensure sustainable energy supply through business development for green energy; attract green financing; continue advocating for improved policy for the green economy; and promoting eco-tourism.
In Kyrgyzstan Acted is also constantly developing and implementing its programmes within the Zero Poverty strategic pillar, on sustainable inclusive economic growth across the country. This includes working with local development planning modalities to help create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for women and vulnerable groups. Moreover, Acted’s existing initiatives on MSMEs incubation and acceleration including social entrepreneurship, are strengthening the productivity and efficiency of different business sectors, such as in tourism and beyond.
In addition, Acted’s conceptual approach to effective governance is based upon an empowered, diverse civil society, social cohesion, as well as effective and responsive public institutions, with the objective of developing and enhancing local civil society and social accountability mechanisms. In line with the Zero Exclusion strategic pillar Acted promotes gender equality by preventing and responding to gender-based violence, breaking persistent gender stereotypes, and strengthening economic empowerment of women, youth and people with disabilities.
Main sectors of experience:
In Kyrgyzstan, Acted has been focusing on interventions towards the 3ZERO objectives to address the identified development challenges which are also in alignment with the Government of Kyrgyzstan’s National Development Strategy (NDS) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDCs).
Zero Carbon
Zero Exclusion
Zero Poverty