Government of Japan allocates US$11.9 million for disaster risk reduction in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 7 March 2017 – With the contribution of US$11.9 million from the Government of Japan, Kyrgyzstan launched three new programmes to support disaster risk reduction, build up e-governance system, and make schools safer in the country. These programme will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“This renewed partnership between the Government of Japan and UNICEF will expand our programme to ensure the safety of schools to hazards and strengthen children’s learning on safe behaviour during and before disasters.”

The official signing ceremony took place in Bishkek with participation of the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbai Zheenbekov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic Yoshihiro Yamamura, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Alexander Avanessov, and UNICEF Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Yukie Mokuo as well as national counterparts. 

"I am very glad that today, in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, we are signing documents on three grant projects to be implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and the Government of Japan. Japan has great sympathy for Kyrgyzstan, which shares with us a common value – “democracy.” And for a quarter of a century our government consistently helpeds Kyrgyzstan to develop a democratic system. I am sure that the grants provided will contribute to the further development of the country's democracy, as well as the well-being of the people of Kyrgyzstan,” – noted Yoshihiro Yamamura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic.

Implemented by UNDP, the civil registry programme will aim to deliver a first batch of 3 million electronic ID cards and establish 150 State Registry Service offices across the country. The disaster risk reduction programme, also to be carried out by UNDP, will provide equipment to help monitor avalanches. It will equip 22 fire stations across the country, and create an emergency 112 number in the northern regions of the country. The Government of Japan has allocated US$10.8 million to UNDP for the implementation of both projects.  

“The Government of Japan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic as well as UNICEF and UNDP keep close contact. This partnership allows us to support the priority areas of development that meet the best interests of Kyrgyzstan. I believe our joint work will allow us to make an important contribution to implementation of the Agenda for the period until 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework Programme for Disaster Risk Reduction through 2030 adopted by the United Nations member countries,” stressed Alexander Avanessov, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

With Japan’s contribution of US$1.1 million, UNICEF will support the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the State Agency for Architecture, Construction and Communal Services in the implementation of the State Programme “Safe Schools and Pre-schools in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2015-2024.” 

Based on the Japan’s experience, UNICEF will develop a training module on retro-fitting methods and designing safe and energy-efficient schools. Interactive learning materials for children on disaster risk reduction and training modules for teachers will be implemented in schools. As a result of this project, over 5,000 children and their communities will benefit from improved safety and resilience to emergencies.

Addressing the participants of the signing ceremony, UNICEF Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Yukie Mokuo said: “This renewed partnership between the Government of Japan and UNICEF will expand our programme to ensure the safety of schools to hazards and strengthen children’s learning on safe behaviour during and before disasters. We are grateful to the Government of Japan for the continued commitment to reach more children in the Kyrgyz Republic with life-saving assistance.”