The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, in partnership with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening public finance management (PFM) and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The project, Advancing Public Finance Management Reforms for Sustainable Development Goals Achievement in Kyrgyzstan, is funded by the EU with more than $1.1 million and will be delivered by UNDP in collaboration with key government ministries.
Strengthening financial systems for better outcomes
The programme focuses on improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of how public funds are managed, with a particular emphasis on aligning spending with national development priorities.
Key areas include the introduction of programme-based and gender-responsive budgeting, the development of a modern Public Investment Management (PIM) system, and the creation of sustainable financing mechanisms for critical sectors such as water.
These reforms are designed to ensure that infrastructure and development investments deliver stronger value for money while supporting long-term economic and social outcomes.
Nurbek Akjolov, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, said:
“This project directly aligns with our national reform agenda. Enhancing our public finance system is central to achieving our National Development Strategy 2040 and delivering better results and improved public services for our citizens. We are fully committed to leading this initiative and thank the EU and UNDP for their steadfast support.”
Building trust through transparency and governance
For the European Union, the programme represents a broader effort to strengthen governance and public trust through more effective financial systems.
H.E. Rémi Duflot, EU Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, said:
“Public finance management can appear technical, however at heart it is about trust—ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and used effectively to improve people’s lives. This EU-funded programme is an important step toward strengthening that trust by supporting more efficient, accountable, and inclusive financial governance in Kyrgyzstan. Together with our partners, we are confident it will contribute to meaningful reforms and help advance sustainable development for all”.
Capacity building and long-term reform
The initiative will also focus on building institutional capability, including training for more than 300 civil servants and support for developing a next-generation PFM Development Strategy.
Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic, said:
“The project will provide technical assistance, capacity building for over 300 civil servants, and support the development of a next-generation PFM Development Strategy, ensuring reforms are strategic and sustainable.”
UNDP highlighted its role in bringing global expertise to support national reform efforts.
Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative, said:
“This project builds upon years of collaborative work in strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s financing architecture. Our role is to bring global expertise in digitalization, climate finance, and inclusive budgeting, adapting it to the national context. We are committed to ensuring this project delivers tangible results that strengthen resilience, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.”
Linking finance to development impact
By improving how public resources are planned, allocated, and monitored, the programme aims to directly support progress across several SDGs, including gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and strong institutions.
For project and programme professionals, the initiative underlines the growing importance of robust financial governance as a foundation for delivery—ensuring that investment decisions are not only well-funded, but measurable, accountable, and aligned with long-term outcomes.
Image Credit: UNDP
