Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (January 14, 2011) – On January 11 and 12 UNDP Acting Resident Representative and Deputy Resident Representative Pradeep Sharma met with Torogul Bekov, Minister of Agriculture, and Sabyrbek Jumabekov, Minister of Healthcare, to informe the cabinet members on preparation of the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) in line with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the next programme cycle (2012-2016).  UNDP’s current and future grant assistance meets both long term and urgent priorities of the country.

UNDP partners with the ministries in implementation of a number of programmes in the areas of poverty reduction, environment protection, democratic governance, peace building and disaster risk reduction.  UNDP’s grant-based assistance has doubled in the last five years and in 2010 it made up USD21 million.  “We hope to increase this assistance further given the active work of UNDP in attracting new funds and continuous support to the Kyrgyz Government” noted Pradeep Sharma.

In the Ministry of Agriculture, DRR Sharma briefed the minister on the progress of projects on development of fishery, supporting women in rural areas and effective land management.  Parties also discussed further actions on joint programmes and projects planned for 2011.  Minister Torogul Bekov confirmed his commitment to further cooperation.

Minister of Healthcare Sabyrbek Jumabekov was briefed on projects on fighting HIV, malaria and tuberculosis to be implemented by UNDP and funded by the Global Fund to Fight Aids Tuberculosis and Malaria starting this year.  Other programmes and projects in the areas of environment protection and healthcare were also discussed during the meeting.  Minister shared his views on the matter and expressed full support to the projects helping address the challenges faced by the country.

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.

UNDP Kyrgyzstan Deputy Resident Representative Pradeep Sharma with the Minister of Agriculture Torogul Bekov.

UNDP Kyrgyzstan Deputy Resident Representative Pradeep Sharma with the Minister of Healthcare Sabyrbek Jumabekov