Kyrgyzstan, located in Central Asia, is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, which is associated with the rapid melting of glaciers and the deterioration of mountain ecosystems. These changes lead to water shortages and increased ecological risks.
The country has signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. President Sadyr Japarov, in his speech at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in 2024, identified climate change as one of the main challenges of our time.
The main task of the new program is to create a climate education system that covers all age groups—from children to the elderly. The program aims to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to climate change and participate in the sustainable development of the country.
The program includes the following key areas:
- integration of climate issues into formal and informal education
- training of officials at all levels
- raising public awareness
- development of scientific and methodological foundations
A gender-sensitive approach and the involvement of youth in decision-making regarding climate resilience are also planned. The implementation of the program will be carried out by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations, as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources. Local authorities, the scientific community, and international partners will also participate in this process.
Climate Education and Awareness Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2025–2030
Appendix 1
Introduction
The Kyrgyz Republic, with its vast freshwater resources and unique biodiversity, remains one of the most susceptible countries in Central Asia to the consequences of climate change. According to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC, 2025) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP, 2024), the rapid melting of glaciers and the deterioration of mountain ecosystems lead to water shortages and increased risks in various sectors of the economy. UNDP data (2023) emphasizes the importance of mountain ecosystems for providing vital resources for the country's population.
Since 1960, the average annual temperature in the country has increased by 1.2 °C, which is almost twice the global average warming. This results in an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, a reduction in glacier area, and a deterioration of water resource stability.
These changes have a serious impact on sustainable development, food and water security, energy, and public health, leading to social instability and inequality of opportunities. Rural and mountainous areas, women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to develop inclusive approaches to climate policy that take into account the needs of various population groups.
The Kyrgyz Republic actively demonstrates its political readiness to combat climate change by signing international agreements and implementing new climate strategies. At the national policy level, strategies are being updated, regulations are being developed, and intersectoral coordination on climate policy issues is being strengthened.
President Sadyr Japarov's speech at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in 2024 confirmed the prioritization of climate issues in state policy, emphasizing their significance for the country's future.
In the context of ongoing climate changes, special attention should be paid to the systematic development of climate education, which is the foundation for building resilience through knowledge and active citizen participation. International experience confirms that success in this area cannot be achieved without extensive public involvement and raising the level of climate literacy among civil servants, educators, and youth.
Currently, climate education in the Kyrgyz Republic is at an initial stage of development. Although there are successful examples, the integration of climate topics into curricula remains limited and unsystematic.
There is still significant potential for creating standards, expanding professional development programs, and developing educational resources that correspond to the scale of climate challenges. In the field of informal education, work is mainly carried out within temporary projects supported by external funding, which creates sustainability issues.
Despite the growing interest from government bodies, higher educational institutions, and NGOs in climate education, cooperation among them remains fragmented. The establishment of a coordinated mechanism for intersectoral interaction can significantly enhance the effectiveness of efforts and ensure a systematic approach to climate education.
The lack of clear regulatory requirements for including climate aspects in educational standards and competency profiles, as well as the absence of indicators for climate literacy and certification procedures for educators and civil servants, create additional barriers to development. The scientific basis for climate education is poorly developed, especially in the context of practical applications for adaptation and natural resource management.
In this context, a strategic approach is required to create an integrated climate education system that brings together the efforts of the state, the academic community, and international partners. The implementation of such an approach will require regulatory consolidation, sustainable funding, and the training of qualified specialists.
The development and implementation of the Climate Education and Awareness Development Program in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2025–2030 will aim to overcome current limitations and create a sustainable, multi-level climate education system. The program will align with international commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The goal of the program is to equip citizens with the knowledge, skills, and behavioral models necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change, actively participate in the sustainable development of the country, and adapt to new conditions.
The program will include formal and informal education, professional development for specialists, and active public engagement, as well as support for scientific research and digitalization in this field. Gender-sensitive approaches and the involvement of youth in decision-making will also be important aspects.
The main tasks of the program include:
integration of climate issues into educational standards;
development of professional development programs for educators and civil servants;
creation of accessible educational resources and materials;
involvement of local communities in climate initiatives;
The program will be based on the principles of interagency cooperation, gender inclusion, and sustainable financing, which will enhance climate literacy and resilience in society as a whole.
Thus, the successful implementation of the program will be an important step towards creating a sustainable and adaptive climate education system in the Kyrgyz Republic, enabling the country to effectively respond to the challenges of climate change and contribute to sustainable development.
