As part of this initiative, which was timed to coincide with International Snow Leopard Day, the republic united the efforts of nine countries, hundreds of organizations, and thousands of people around the world. Kyrgyzstan has been recognized as a leader in the conservation of unique mountain ecosystems and the promotion of "green" diplomacy.
The key idea of the "#23for23: 23 Minutes for Snow Leopards" campaign is a call to dedicate 23 minutes to physical activity (whether it be walking, running, or stretching) in support of efforts to protect this rare predator. On Snow Leopard Day, October 23, President Sadyr Japarov appealed to citizens to support this initiative, which contributed to a wide international response.
Kyrgyzstan's appeal resonated with governments, international organizations, celebrities, and millions of ordinary people. Here are the key achievements of the campaign:
- The campaign reached over 101 million people on social media, including audiences from more than 50 countries.
- Official support was received from 9 out of 12 countries where the snow leopard resides, including India, Pakistan, Russia, Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan itself.
- More than 700 organizations joined the campaign, including the UN, UNEP, and WWF.
- Ministers, diplomats, international agencies, NGOs, athletes, photographers, and influencers made the campaign a global movement.
Photo from the internet. Snow Leopard
The campaign generated over 861,000 interactions on social media—from likes to comments. Kyrgyzstan ranked in the top 5 countries for engagement alongside India, the USA, Pakistan, and Mongolia. These results highlight not only the international success of the campaign but also significant domestic support.
The #23for23 campaign represents not only a successful image project but also a strategic investment in the international image of the country, its ecological leadership, and economic prospects:
- Global leadership. Kyrgyzstan has strengthened its position as a leading voice in the protection of mountain ecosystems, continuing its course to promote International Snow Leopard Day at the UN General Assembly.
- Economic potential. The status of "snow leopard country" opens new opportunities for sustainable ecotourism and job creation in mountain regions.
- "Green" diplomacy. The mass support for the campaign, including the president's appeal, strengthens the position of the Kyrgyz Republic in negotiations for climate financing and "green" investments.
The #23for23 campaign has become a symbol of awareness, solidarity, and leadership. Kyrgyzstan has shown that it is capable not only of speaking about nature conservation but also of inspiring the world to take concrete action. This is a vivid example of how one state can become a catalyst for global change.
