At a meeting of the committee on education, science, and youth policy, Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev reported that in 2025, 50 million soms are planned to be allocated for the implementation of youth policy. In 2026, this amount will increase to 74 million soms. As part of Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship in the SCO this year, international events are planned, with special attention to be paid to youth. Youth festivals are also planned in various regions of the country.
According to Kultaeva, most of the mentioned events have a cultural nature; however, a comprehensive approach is necessary for full support of youth, especially in the economic sphere. She emphasized that the government had previously adopted a resolution aimed at supporting and employing young citizens of Kyrgyzstan.
"State investments in support of youth entrepreneurship and small business startups are insufficient. Young people find it difficult to obtain grants and loans at preferential rates to develop their ideas," the deputy noted.
Kultaeva suggested dividing youth policy: transferring issues of economic support for youth to the Ministry of Economy, while issues of employment and professional growth should go to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations Kemel Sadykov added that his department is implementing projects such as "Student Startup" and "40 Districts - 40 Initiatives," but these events are not enough to address the problems facing youth.
"Currently, we aim to have technoparks and laboratories opened in all universities by 2026 to train specialists. We are also actively developing dual education and signing agreements with businessmen. But for now, this is not enough," he acknowledged.
Kultaeva also noted that it is important to attract youth not only to the private sector but also to state and municipal enterprises.
"Today, university graduates face difficulties in finding jobs. They are often told that they lack experience or that there are no available vacancies. If we do not start taking care of youth and do not provide them with jobs through quotas right now, the situation may become even more complicated in the future. Support for youth through quotas is necessary in both public and private institutions," the deputy concluded.
