In 2021, WFD Kyrgyzstan marked a decade’s work to support key democratic institution across the Kyrgyz Republic. Our programmes helped local councils and parliament to interact more with the people they serve and represent. WFD worked to increase the opportunities that people in Kyrgyzstan have to take part in decision-making. More than that, our activities aim to help people oversee and hold government accountable for decisions that affect their lives. We did this by providing technical support, sharing UK expertise, and facilitating peer-to-peer learning in and outside of the country.

WFD supported Kyrgyzstan as it works to achieve the ambitions it set out in its plans under the Open Government Partnership. These plans set out a roadmap to open parliament up to the people it represents so they can access information, know what parliament is discussing, and know how they can get involved.

WFD’s activities in the Kyrgyz Republic included: working with a local radio station to inform the Batken community about local government responsibilities and engage young people in local politics; helping aspiring women politicians gain they skills and knowledge they need to run for office; and supporting local councils to improve schools and waste management through better oversight. WFD brought MPs and Councillors from Kyrgyzstan to the UK for peer-to-peer learning and exchange sessions.

Finally, as part of the group of European organisations, WFD nurtured media reform in the country to help increase access to information prevent around elections. WFD worked with political parties and the Electoral Commission to bolster efforts to eradicate hate speech during election campaigns.