Addressing challenges in Kyrgyzstan necessitates collective action and innovative solutions

PIVOTAL roundtable on enhancing the legislative framework for climate policy was recently held in Kyrgyzstan .

Organised with the Jogorku Kenesh , the Ministry of Natural Resources , Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic , and the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ), the event saw active participation from various stakeholders .

This collaboration aims to strengthen legislation to combat climate change , fostering sustainable development i n Kyrgyzstan and the broader region .

Climate change increasingly affects Kyrgyzstan , which is experiencing higher average temperatures , reduced precipitation , frequent severe droughts , and a heightened risk of natural disasters . Addressing these challenges necessitates collective action and innovative solutions .

The roundtable was crucial in translating international climate commitments into actionable national policies . Participants discussed the development of a joint action plan to enhance climate legislation and exchanged insights on national climate policy implementation .

Reflecting the commitment of Kyrgyzstan ’ s leadership , the President and Government have developed a carbon

THE UNITED Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ), under its ‘ Strengthening Institutions , Policies , and Service ( SIPS )’ programme , and the Bangladesh National Parliament jointly organised a Leadership Session titled “ Parliamentarians ’ Engagement in Monitoring and Implementing SDGs : Progress and Priorities in Bangladesh ,” on May 7 , 2024 , at the Bangladesh Parliament .

The session aimed to galvanise efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) by fostering dialogue and catalysing action among Members of Parliament .

Dr Shirin Sharmin Choudhury , Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament , highlighted the country ’ s commendable strides in various SDG-aligned sectors , including poverty reduction , gender equality , healthcare , and education .

She underscored persistent challenges such as climate change impacts , inclusive economic growth , and robust institutions .

During the upcoming budget session , the Speaker urged MPs to integrate SDGrelated scopes into constituency areas and proposed forming an SDG Caucus to strategise and execute action plans for SDG achievement .

neutrality concept for 2050 and prepared the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan ( NDC ). These initiatives are key mechanisms for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change .

Asel Raimkulova , Deputy Minister of Natural Resources , Ecology and Technical Supervision , emphasised : “ We set the task of developing national legislation that not only regulates the emissions and absorption of greenhouse gases but also stimulates innovation , supports the development of clean technologies and ensures the efficient use of resources .”

Collaboration with the Jogorku Kenesh on climate legislation is critical , ensuring that international agreements are incorporated into national laws with appropriate budget support .

Dinara Ashimova , a deputy of the Parliament , highlighted : “ Our legislation should support the transition to a lowcarbon economy and job creation .

“ Optimising legislation for implementing climate policy is critical for us in achieving our goals to combat climate change and ensure environmental sustainability .”

The roundtable addressed various topics , including climate change policy , energy resilience , adaptation strategies , and improving interactions among

Asel Raimkulova

Alexandra Solovieva

Dinara Ashimova

government , academic , private , and civil society sectors .

UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan Alexandra Solovieva remarked : “ Legislation plays an important role in realising Kyrgyzstan ’ s climate ambitions . UNDP supports the development and amendment of the law on government regulation and policy in the field of emissions and absorption of greenhouse gases , as well as the development of the concept of environmental safety .

“ UNDP offers support and cooperation in transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable green economy and implementing Kyrgyzstan ’ s climate goals .”

The session provided a platform for approximately 100 representatives , including 74 Members of Parliament , to discuss the link between national development priorities and the SDGs . Key topics included the vital role of parliamentarians in policymaking , resource allocation , and monitoring progress towards SDG achievement .

Sonali Dayaratne , Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh , highlighted parliamentarians ’ pivotal role as bridges between the legislature and grassroots communities . Emphasising effective resource utilisation , she stressed the MPs ’ mandate in monitoring SDG implementation to ensure targets are met .

Corine Henchoz Pignani , Head of

Members of the Bangladesh Parliament and UNDP representatives engage in discussions on SDG monitoring and implementation at a leadership session held in the Oath Room of the Bangladesh Parliament on May 7 , 2024 .

Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh , reiterated the partnership ’ s commitment to smooth SDG implementation , with a special focus on SDG 16 . She expressed eagerness to sustain this collaboration to realise Agenda 2030 .

K . M Abdus Salam , Senior Secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat , gave the welcome remarks . Akhter Hossain , Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister ’ s Office , then gave an overview of SDG progress and priorities in Bangladesh .

Md Abul Kalam Azad MP , Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertaking , moderated the session on Parliamentarians ’ Role in Monitoring and Implementing the SDGs .

THE Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference concluded on a high note , marking a historic moment for global conservation efforts .

Opened by The Queen of Bhutan , the conference aimed to mobilise greater support for protecting tigers and their habitats through sustainable funding mechanisms .

Held at Dungkar Dzong in Pangbisa , Paro , Bhutan , the event brought together tiger range countries , donors from both private and public sectors , international development agencies , the Tiger Conservation Coalition , and other conservation organisations .

High-level representatives from 10 tiger range countries discussed their progress , challenges , and opportunities in conserving tiger landscapes .

The conference culminated with the Paro Statement by Bhutan in partnership with the Tiger Conservation Coalition . This statement invited participants to commit to raising an additional US $ 1 billion over the next ten years to conserve tigers and their habitats .

The funds aim to expand tiger ranges , enhance ecological integrity and biodiversity , and benefit local communities sharing space with tigers .

Speakers emphasised the necessity of sustainable funding for successful conservation . High-level addresses included Tengku Hassanal Shah of Pahang , who spoke on increasing protected areas in Malaysia , and Valerie Hickey of the World Bank , who stressed the intertwined fate of poverty alleviation and tiger conservation .

Bhutan ’ s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay highlighted that tigers represent the health of forests and ecosystems , and the wellbeing of future generations .

The conference underscored the need for resources and funds to achieve conservation goals , making this event a potential watershed moment for tigers and global conservation .

The Paro Statement underscored the commitment to innovative finance solutions , international collaboration , and national initiatives that benefit tigers and people .

Notable proposals included the Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund , presented by UNDP , a blended financial mechanism to support nature-positive businesses impacting tigers , biodiversity , and local communities .

The Asian Development Bank also announced its intention to explore innovative financing instruments like a tiger bond to engage private sector investors in conservation efforts .

In closing , Lobzang Dorji , Director of the Department of Forests and Park Services , expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the Paro Statement .

This conference began a ten-year collaborative process towards securing sustainable financing for tiger landscape conservation .