Taking stock: Young people’s ideas on peace and the Sustainable Development Goals in Kyrgyzstan

In September 2015, every country in the world signed up to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, committing to 17 Sustainable Development Goals that strive to build partnerships and support prosperity, peace, people and the planet.

While Kyrgyzstan enjoys a reputation of being the most democratic country in Central Asia, many young women and men feel that their voices are not heard by decision makers. Despite their energy, skills and dedication to seeing positive change in society, they are often side-lined or ignored. Saferworld supports young people to address the issues they are passionate about, and to bring these concerns to those who are able to make decisions.

This report highlights the concerns and ideas of young people we spoke with from across four regions of Kyrgyzstan, bringing them together under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. It explores the priorities they identified under goal 16 for more peaceful and just societies. These range from issues of education, migration, safe transportation and public spaces, to corruption, justice, gender equality and accountable institutions. 

The findings and recommendations are part of an effort to measure Kyrgyzstan’s progress towards meeting its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and to building a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Download Taking stock: Young people’s ideas on peace and the Sustainable Development Goals in Kyrgyzstan.

Watch our videos on young people's ideas.

Read more about our work on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read more about our work in Kyrgyzstan