Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev reported that as part of the implementation of youth policy, 50 million soms are planned to be allocated in 2025, and 74 million soms in 2026. This year, Kyrgyzstan, as the chair of the SCO, is organizing a number of international events, including events for youth, and also plans festivals in various regions.
The deputy emphasized that many of the planned events are of a cultural and mass nature, but a systematic approach is required for real support for youth—primarily in the economic sphere. She reminded that the government had previously decided to support youth employment.
Kultaeva noted that funding for youth entrepreneurship and business initiatives remains insufficient, and young people find it difficult to obtain grants and loans with low interest rates to develop their ideas.
In her opinion, youth policy should be divided: issues of economic support would be better transferred to the Ministry of Economy, while the Ministry of Science and Higher Education should be responsible for employment and professional development.
Kemel Sadikov, Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation, added that the department is implementing projects such as "Student Startup" and "40 Districts - 40 Initiatives." However, according to him, these measures are insufficient.
Sadikov also reported that by 2026, the opening of technoparks and laboratories in all universities is planned, as well as the development of dual education through agreements with entrepreneurs, although currently this is not enough.
Gulsharkan Kultaeva concluded that youth should be attracted not only to the private sector but also to state and municipal enterprises.
She expressed concern that university graduates find it difficult to find jobs due to a lack of experience and available vacancies. "If we do not start acting now, ensuring youth employment through quotas, the situation will only worsen in the future. Supporting youth in state, municipal, and private organizations is extremely important," she concluded.
