In the heart of Central Asia, Bishkek is charting a new course toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. At the center of this transformation is the joint programme Empowering Bishkek Stakeholders for Sustainable Development, financed by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented in partnership with UNECE, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the Mayor’s Office of Bishkek. This initiative exemplifies how global partnerships can support local solutions to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme is guided by the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, which has played a central role in aligning the efforts of participating UN entities with national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. From the early stages, the Partnerships Officer supported coordination among stakeholders, ensuring coherence and facilitating collaboration.
At the center of the joint programme is the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals, rooted in the voices and priorities of Bishkek’s residents. This process has led to the development of the city’s first Action-Oriented Voluntary Local Review, a strategic document that identifies long-term development goals while also offering clear, actionable steps. The VLR is not only a plan; it is a commitment to translating global objectives into local realities.
The programme has supported a causal-chain analysis to understand the deeper obstacles hindering SDG progress. By identifying root causes, assessing existing tools, and clarifying what is missing, the initiative is focused on building effective, practical responses. This evidence-based approach ensures that planning leads to measurable improvements in the lives of Bishkek’s citizens.
Building Local Capacity for Sustainable Change
Strengthening the capacity of local officials is a key component of the initiative. On 25 and 26 March 2024, the first capacity-building workshop took place, introducing practical tools and knowledge for integrating SDG targets into municipal planning. The training featured real-world examples from other cities and helped connect global experiences with local governance needs.
In addition to skills development, the joint programme is placing particular emphasis on digital transformation and data management. This focus is helping to create more transparent, responsive, and efficient governance while improving communication with residents. Awareness-raising efforts within the municipal administration are also nurturing a culture of sustainability and shared responsibility.
Central to the success of the programme is its Joint Programme Steering Committee. Established to oversee implementation, the committee held its first meeting on 18 December 2023. Although originally planned to convene only at the beginning and end of the initiative, participants agreed that regular meetings would be essential. The committee includes the First Deputy Mayor of Bishkek and representatives from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and participating UN agencies. Its inclusive, collaborative approach ensures ongoing dialogue, responsive decision-making, and coordinated action.
Thamara Fortes, Technical Adviser at UNECE, noted:
“The Steering Committee has been pivotal in shaping the direction of the Joint Programme, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective considered. This inclusive approach strengthens our ability to achieve meaningful results.”
Through consistent engagement, the committee has helped maintain strategic focus, resolve challenges, and foster a shared sense of ownership among local and international partners.
Mr. Baigonchokov, First Deputy Mayor of Bishkek, affirmed:
“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.”
Bishkek’s journey is still underway, but the foundation laid by this joint programme is both strong and promising. Through meaningful collaboration, strategic alignment, and a shared vision for sustainable development, Bishkek is emerging as a leading example of how cities can translate global goals into local impact.
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.
