About the UNCT
The UN presence in Kyrgyzstan dates back to 1993, shortly after the country became independent. Over the years, this presence has been strengthened and a wide range of activities are currently being implemented by the various UN programmes and agencies at the national but also at the grass-roots level. Six organizations currently have offices in Kyrgyzstan: UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP and WHO. UNV is a strong partner in UNDP's operational activities and has currently 46 volunteers posted in Kyrgyzstan, of whom more than 40 are working in local communities, for the most part in rural areas.
Although not a member of the United Nations system, the Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Kyrgyz Republic participates in the meetings of the UN Heads of Agencies, thematic groups, conferences and other activities conducted under the auspices of the United Nations System in Kyrgyzstan. IOM enjoys observer status in the UN General Assembly and has cooperation agreements with various UN agencies. A number of programmes and projects implemented by IOM in close cooperation with several UN agencies accredited in the Kyrgyz Republic proves to be a witness of such partnership.
The regional representatives of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Tashkent, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Almaty and United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Inter Country Programme Adviser (Almaty) implement activities in Kyrgyzstan from their regional offices and participate in the inter-agency meetings and other joint activities.
The regional office of International Labor Organization (ILO) in Moscow has responsibility for activities in Kyrgyzstan. All other agencies run their country-based activities from their respective headquarters, via the UN Resident Coordinator.
Of the Bretton Woods Institutions, both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have offices and Resident Representatives in Bishkek.
One of the main UNCT's events in 2002 was the first-ever visit of the UN Secretary-General to Bishkek and his official inauguration of the UN House with the Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev. The accommodation of UN Agencies (UNDP, UNV, UNHCR, UNICEF and UNFPA) in one building proved to be advantageous both for the agencies visibility and their perception as one UN Family. Moreover, joint operations within Common Premises and utilization of Common Services have led to a significant reduction of expenses associated with contracting, procurement, utilities usage, etc. Thus, the resulting savings amounted to USD 17,000 due to joint consumption of goods and services of the travel agent, printing and other vendors. If the UN Agencies still occupied individual premises, they would have been paying from 37 percent (UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA) to 88 percent (UNHCR) more for the rent. In all, actual rental savings amount to more than USD 63,000 a year.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, President Akayev and
UN Resident Coordinator Jerzy Skuratowicz
at the inauguration of the UN House in the Kyrgyz Republic
In 2002, the ground floor of the building was renovated to contain public information and conference facilities. The latter would further reduce renting expenses otherwise incurred by UN Agencies and their partners to hold seminars, workshops and other forums outside the UN House.
The UNCT meets on a monthly basis facilitating regular interactions of the Agency Heads on joint programming, security, common services and administrative measures.
For more detailed information please visit the following websites:
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- United Nations Women's Fund (UNIFEM)
- International Labor Organization (ILO)
- United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- The World Bank
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
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