– You have been overseeing the mountain agenda for more than two years. Various sources mention that 90% to 95% of Kyrgyzstan's territory is mountainous. What can be said for sure?
– Yes, the data does vary. To clarify this information, we initiated a comprehensive survey and mapping of mountainous areas. This research provides not only statistics but also a visual representation of the real situation: how much forest and pasture land is located in the mountains, what access to electricity, clean water, and the internet residents of remote villages have, as well as where the risk zones for emergencies are located. Each agency keeps its own statistics, but now we have a unified and reliable picture. According to the State Cartography data, mountainous areas occupy almost 93% of Kyrgyzstan's territory. Research is ongoing, and a key role in this is played by the Working Group under the auspices of the National Institute for Strategic Studies.
– So, almost the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan is mountainous. How does this reflect on the international stage?
– Today, Kyrgyzstan is in a leading position in promoting the mountain agenda at the international level thanks to the consistent actions of the country under the leadership of President Sadyr Japarov. We are actively working to include issues of sustainable mountain development in the global UN agenda.
One of the significant results of our work has been the declaration of the period from 2023 to 2027 as the "UN Decade of Action for Mountain Development."
Since the early 2000s, we have been actively drawing attention to the problems of mountain regions. This is important because residents of mountain communities face vulnerable living conditions due to geographical isolation and the negative impact of climate change, which we have experienced firsthand. At the same time, our mountains are a source of clean water and unique ecosystems for the entire region. Mountain countries provide the world with ecological products, recreational resources, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
Therefore, we are joining forces with other states to ensure that the "voice of the mountains" is heard louder. In 2019, at our initiative, the Group of Friends of Mountain Countries was established, which includes 31 states.
Since 2002, the Mountain Partnership has been actively functioning, uniting 687 members, including 74 states. Kyrgyzstan is currently a member of the governing Committee of this partnership.
Also, at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan and Andorra, a negotiating Mountain Group was created within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, representing the interests of mountain regions in climate processes. It includes 11 states, and Kyrgyzstan chairs this group.
– The President of Kyrgyzstan is actively participating in global climate processes and the work of COP. What changes have occurred in this area, and what does this bring to Kyrgyzstan?
We are constantly working within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, promoting the protection of mountain ecosystems and glaciers. Our President has repeatedly stated this at international forums.
At COP29 in Baku, Kyrgyzstan held an international High-Level Dialogue for the first time, dedicated to mountain issues and climate change. This event was attended by President S.N. Japarov, heads of states, and representatives of international organizations.
Kyrgyzstan also presented a Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains, and Glaciers, calling for immediate action to preserve these vital natural systems, which was supported by 21 states. Now our delegation is perceived as an active advocate for the mountain agenda.
In November of last year, at COP30 in Belém, where more than 56,000 delegates gathered, Kyrgyzstan actively participated in negotiations, advocating for the mountain agenda and the need to consider the specifics of mountain regions in climate solutions.
My task was to fulfill the President's directives, promote the mountain agenda, and integrate the interests of mountain countries into the decision-making processes of the Conference of the Parties. Special attention was given to reflecting the characteristics of mountain regions in adaptation issues and supporting vulnerable countries.
As a result of the Conference, important agreements were reached: a Just Transition Mechanism was established, and a commitment was made to mobilize at least $1.3 trillion annually to combat climate change by 2035.
A political document titled "Global Mutirão – Collective Efforts" was adopted, which affirms a two-year work program on climate financing and paves the way for the implementation of the "Roadmap from Baku to Belém," which also mentions the vulnerability of mountain ecosystems.
Additionally, at Kyrgyzstan's initiative, as a result of multilateral consultations, a separate Decision "Mountain Areas and Climate Change" was adopted, which mandates the bodies of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to conduct an international dialogue on these issues in June 2026 in Bonn.
Also, at Kyrgyzstan's initiative, the first expert Dialogue was held in Bonn at COP-28 in 2024. These are steps towards making such dialogues annual events to discuss the problems of mountain residents and protect mountain ecosystems in the context of climate change.
– Did Kyrgyzstan participate in the conference alone or as part of a coalition?
– Yes, that is correct. We worked as the Chair of the Mountain Group together with delegations from the countries in the group and in close cooperation with Bhutan and Nepal. This "mountain trio" allowed us to promote our common interests more effectively. The culmination of the negotiations was the decision to hold an expert dialogue on mountains in Bonn in June 2026.
In addition, Kyrgyzstan is promoting two key initiatives:
Establishment of a Fund for the Development of Mountain Countries to support mountain ecosystems.
Creation of a Global Center for Mountain Area Resilience in Bishkek, which will facilitate knowledge acquisition, technical assistance, and support for adaptation and sustainable development projects.
– What is happening within the country? How is Bishkek becoming a significant platform for the global community?
– Bishkek is already becoming a "hub" for international mountain dialogue. In April of last year, we held a "Global Mountain Dialogue," which gathered 420 participants from more than 50 countries and 29 international organizations. This event became an important platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities of mountain areas and prepared the ground for the Second Global Mountain Summit "Bishkek+25," which will take place from October 21-23, 2027.
At the conference, issues ranging from glacier melting to the role of women in resource management and the mountain economy were discussed. We strive for the Decade of Action to conclude not just with a report, but with real changes in the lives of people living in the mountains.
– How are the lives of people in mountain regions?
– We regularly hold meetings with local communities, which allows us to monitor the situation and understand the needs of mountain residents. At the national level, a Roadmap for the Decade of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions for 2023-2027 has also been adopted.
Last year, changes were made to the Roadmap to improve the living conditions of mountain residents based on their requests. Items were added to improve healthcare, access to resources, water supply, digitalization, road modernization, education, poverty alleviation, and support for cultural tourism.
We completed a series of round tables in the regions, where we discussed adaptation to climate change, tourism development, and organic farming. The progress of the Roadmap's implementation was also assessed by local authorities.
– What achievements can be considered the most significant during the implementation of the Roadmap?
– The government is purposefully working to improve life in mountain regions. Many remember the village of Zardaly, where our President S.N. Japarov instructed to provide electricity and build a road. Similar work is being carried out in other mountain settlements.
Eight small hydropower plants have been commissioned, roads are being modernized, airports are being built, access to emergency assistance and disease prevention is improving.
Forest planting areas are expanding, and reclamation work is being carried out in areas affected by uranium mining, along with a whole range of other activities.
We pay special attention to improving the well-being of mountain communities by creating additional sources of income. One of the new directions is branding mountain products. Our task is to support local residents through training and assistance in promoting their unique resources to the market.
In the near future, the implementation of the project of the government of Italy and FAO "Business Incubator and Accelerator for Mountain and Island Regions" will begin, aimed at supporting innovative entrepreneurship in agriculture and textiles. Soon we will announce the launch of a project for the participation of representatives of mountain communities.
