On November 13, 2025 a roundtable discussion on Sustainable Development Goals: Global Challenges and National Priorities of Kyrgyzstan was held at Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn. It was organized by the A.A. Asanova Institute of Management and Business with the support of the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The event brought together representatives of government agencies, academia, international organizations, and businesses to discuss key challenges and opportunities in implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Myrzabek Kamchybek uulu, PhD, Associate Professor, Vice-Rector for Research at Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, addressed the participants with a welcoming sspeech, emphasizing that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires the combined efforts of science, government, and society. He noted that universities play a strategic role in developing human resources and promoting sustainable development through education and innovation.
Then, Professor Merimkul Kadyrovna Kerimkulova, Director of the A.A. Asanova Institute of Management and Business, PhD in Economics, spoke. She noted that integrating the SDGs into Kyrgyzstan’s national development strategy is impossible without scientific support and the training of competent specialists skilled in modern analytical and management tools.
Keynotes and Key Ideas
- Kalina Avlabekovna Toktorbaeva, Head of the Department of Strategic Development and SDG Implementation at Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, delivered an introductory speech on “Strategic Development Directions for Kyrgyz National University in Accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.” In her speech, she emphasized that the university, as the country’s leading center of education, science, and innovation, must not only train qualified personnel but also actively participate in the implementation of sustainable development principles into the national strategy.
Other participants followed with presentations, each of whom made significant contributions to the discussion of various aspects of sustainable development.
- Baktybek Chyngyzbaevich Kainazarov, Head of the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) Office, presented a report titled “Youth and the SDGs,” focusing on the role of the younger generation as the main driver of social transformation and sustainable development in the country.
- Dinara Kulubekovna Bayakunova, Chief Specialist at the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic, presented a report titled “Digitalization and Innovative Technologies as Drivers for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.” She emphasized that the digital transformation of education is a key factor in improving its quality and accessibility in Kyrgyzstan.
- Saltanat Kaiyrovna Omurova, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of the State Development Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, presented a report titled “Green Investments in the State Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic,” noting the importance of green financing and the implementation of sustainable financial instruments in the national economy.
- Tolendi Aripbaevich Ashimbaev, PhD, Senior Lecturer at the Almaty University of Humanities and Economics, shared the neighboring country’s successful experience in implementing smart agriculture technologies in his presentation “Digital Transformation of the Agricultural Sector in Kazakhstan.”
- Saliya Zodanbekovna Seidakhmatova, Director of the Institute of Statistical Research and Advanced Training, presented a national platform with SDG indicators for Kyrgyzstan, which will allow for systematic monitoring of the country’s progress in each area of sustainable development.
- Zhyldyz Toktobekovna Dzhylkychieva, PhD, Associate Professor at the Institute of Management and Business, presented a report, “Sustainable Development and ESG Principles in the Kyrgyz Republic,” noting the importance of implementing international corporate responsibility standards.
- Saltanat Suleimanovna Tleuberdieva, PhD, Associate Professor at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, in her report “Regional Policy of Kazakhstan: Instruments and Mechanisms for Achieving Sustainable Development,” presented a comparative analysis of regional initiatives and their effectiveness.
- Dinara Satybaldievna Cherikova, Director of the Bishkek Environmental Fund, presented the topic “Education, Innovation, and Partnership: Training a New Generation of Specialists for Kyrgyzstan’s Sustainable Development,” emphasizing the importance of environmental education and intersectoral cooperation.
Thus, the reports presented covered a wide range of issues, from digitalization and green investments to social sustainability and international cooperation. The round table emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and brought confidence that the participants’ conclusions and proposals will contribute to the further advancement of the SDGs in Kyrgyzstan.
The participants emphasized the high scientific and practical level of the roundtable. Following the discussion, a resolution was adopted confirming the readiness of the scientific community and the government.
The event, which mobilizes government agencies for joint action and identifies key areas for implementing sustainable development principles, was attended by Merimkul Kerimkulova, Director of the Institute of Management and Business, who expressed gratitude to all participants and the event organizers, led by Professor Nelly Ilyinichna Akylbekova, Head of the Management Educational Program. All participants received certificates of participation.
