Among those implementers of these projects was our programme, UNDP Poverty Reduction Programme, which was able to adapt its previously existing network of beneficiaries and create new groups among the affected population on the most important issues related to running a businesses, advanced production technology and training on legal aspects of restoring their businesses. Direct recipients of Russian funds through UNDP Poverty Reduction Programme were 1230 victims-businessmen from cities of Osh and Jalal-Abad, 200 young men and women who were trained on the most demanded professions in vocational schools and attended Start Your Business courses at 16 youth centers that were established in the south for the first time. They also participated in public works to restore damaged public facilities of the southern cities.
There was a particular focus on 11 NGOs and associations, representing interests of people whose businesses were damaged during the events. As a result, our activities helped restore 150 small businesses sites, create 600 permanent jobs and implement two projects on employment of people with disabilities.
Recently, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan Alexander Avanessov met with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kyrgyzstan Valentin Vlasov in the regional office of UNDP in Kyrgyzstan in Osh. Parties discussed the overall progress of projects financed by the Russian Federation. The meeting was attended by various representatives of UN agencies, projects and programmes, currently operating in the south. Clear, keen dialogue has truly surprised all participants because of its sincerity, simplicity and all-understandable style of communication and discussion of the unique experience of the project.
“The last year’s June tragedy, – said Ambassador Vlasov, – has not left us, Russian citizens, indifferent. It occurred on the territory that once was our common homeland. We want our joint projects to bring positivity and peace to people, to help them get on their feet. I saw with my own eyes that friendly relations with Russia are a source of support and the speedy socio-economic recovery of the south.” He also noted that there is a definite lack of information on donors currently working in the south, as well as little positive broadcasting and informing of what we are doing together in Osh and Jalal-Abad and about our results and achievements.
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Ainuska Tabaldieva, 45, is from Osh city. Since June 2010 events her son went missing. She is a mother of three children and a grandmother to two grandchildren, one of whom was born after the tragedy and has never seen his father. Despite the grief and loss, she has organized a sewing shop in the basement, which also was built with the funds provided by the Russian Government. Our projects helped to purchase five sewing machines and other necessary equipment for the workshop. The sewing shop employs women who have, just like Ainuska, lost their husbands and sons during the tragic events. As of today, she has found to continue her business for the future of her family. |
Participants of the meeting provided basic information about their areas of activity. It was noted that the experience of partnership of the UNDP in Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Government is unique, since our projects are focused on stabilization and further sustainability. All participants highlighted effective partnership, synergy and coordination in using funds provided by the Russian Government and other donors – UN Peace building Fund, Soros Foundation in Kyrgyzstan and the Government of Poland. This gave us a fruitful experience of working with local authorities, the State Directorate for Reconstruction and Development of Osh and Jalal-Abad, mayor's offices, and various associations that provide support to entrepreneurs, local NGOs and entrepreneurs.
Special attention and concern over the situation in the south, desire to overcome the post-crisis situation through economic revival of small businesses, fighting corruption and protection of human rights were the main focus of this meeting.
The projects implemented by the Poverty Reduction Programme were aimed at reducing social tensions in the community through rehabilitation and reconstruction of the local business environment. It is noteworthy that these projects were developed with consideration of the most sensitive factors: ethnic background, gender equality, participation and involvement of young people.
Mira Djangaracheva, UNDP Poverty Reduction Programme Manager
UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.
