NEW YORK — Kyrgyzstan could become a central figure in renewable energy and climate initiatives, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Speaking in New York during a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Guterres highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s significant potential and strategic position in Central Asia for advancing sustainable mountain and renewable energy projects.
According to Trend News Agency, Guterres praised Kyrgyzstan’s role in the region, emphasizing its capacity to spearhead important climate and energy initiatives. “Kyrgyzstan holds a unique position in Central Asia for advancing mountain initiatives and has significant potential to lead in renewable energy and climate projects,” Guterres stated.
In his response, President Zhaparov acknowledged the United Nations’ role as a pivotal and universally recognized international organization. He expressed confidence in the UN’s ongoing commitment to fostering global peace, prosperity, and addressing socio-economic and climate challenges. Zhaparov reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing a policy approach centered on human needs. He also announced the initiation of the second voluntary national review of the SDGs, aiming to propel Kyrgyzstan into the top 30 countries by 2030 in terms of development.
Addressing specific challenges such as glacial melt and diminishing water resources in the region, Zhaparov called for the establishment of a UN Regional Center for Energy Efficiency. He proposed a debt-for-green projects mechanism, which he described as a vital contribution to combating climate change. Additionally, the president stressed the importance of advancing mountain agendas and extended an invitation to the UN to assist in organizing the “Bishkek+25” global mountain summit, slated for 2027. He suggested the creation of “UN-Mountains,” an international platform to coordinate sustainable development efforts in mountain regions.
On September 22, Zhaparov participated in the UN Summit of the Future, which was part of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.