Samman J. Thapa

Samman J. Thapa UNICEF Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic

We commend the Kyrgyz Republic’s commitment to taking this important step to strengthen child protection. UNICEF stands ...
25/08/2025

We commend the Kyrgyz Republic’s commitment to taking this important step to strengthen child protection. UNICEF stands ready to support the Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare and Migration in training social workers, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet the needs of vulnerable children. As reaffirmed in the National Development Strategy 2030, this initiative is more than policy - it is an investment in human capital and in the country’s future, unlocking the potential of every child.

I was delighted to meet with Mr. Azamat Kadyraliev, Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Rep...
19/08/2025

I was delighted to meet with Mr. Azamat Kadyraliev, Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic at the August Forum hosted by the Ministry of Education in Osh City. His opening remarks strongly resonated with me, highlighting the importance of accelerating early learning, enhancing the capacities of teachers, and actively engaging parents in their childrens’ education.

UNICEF Kyrgyzstan looks forward to working with the Ministry of Education and partners to help turn this vision into a reality for !

It was a pleasure to meet newly appointed and experienced social workers in Karakol, Issyk-Kul region. The Head of the S...
08/08/2025

It was a pleasure to meet newly appointed and experienced social workers in Karakol, Issyk-Kul region. The Head of the Social Department warmly welcomed UNICEF Kyrgyzstan, and there’s great anticipation for the upcoming training on basic social work skills — developed with UNICEF support and in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare and Migration.

This training comes at a pivotal moment: following the Presidential Decree signed on January 29, 2025, Kyrgyzstan is introducing 550 new child protection social worker positions to support children in difficult life situations. One social worker will serve approximately 4,000 children — a major step forward for child protection in the country.

UNICEF is proud to support this effort through capacity building and system strengthening.

A very inspiring meeting with His Excellency Kim Kwang-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kyrgyzstan. We had a ...
07/08/2025

A very inspiring meeting with His Excellency Kim Kwang-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kyrgyzstan. We had a stimulating exchange on a range of issues impacting children in Kyrgyzstan on areas such as child health, access to clean water and sanitation, and the importance of preventing violence against children — all areas where UNICEF Kyrgyzstan continues to focus its efforts.

We also touched on shared interests around child protection, including the role of social workers, and discussed the broader effects of migration on children’s well-being. Looking forward to building on this exchange to accelerate together in Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬!

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Aybek Shamenov, Governor of Batken Region, to discuss how UNICEF Kyrgyzstan...
01/08/2025

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Aybek Shamenov, Governor of Batken Region, to discuss how UNICEF Kyrgyzstan and the regional administration can deepen our partnership for children.

We explored opportunities to strengthen services in child health, nutrition, education, and protection — with a strong focus on reaching the most vulnerable, including children with disabilities. The Governor’s commitment to advancing child rights and well-being is truly commendable.

Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive environment where every child in Batken has the opportunity to thrive.

This week, I had the privilege of participating in the Joint Appraisal on review of progress of Gavi grants in Kyrgyz Re...
04/07/2025

This week, I had the privilege of participating in the Joint Appraisal on review of progress of Gavi grants in Kyrgyz Republic — a critical moment to reflect on progress and chart the path forward with the Ministry of Health, WHO, GAVI, and UNICEF Kyrgyzstan.

Thanks to strong national leadership and the unwavering support of Gavi, Kyrgyzstan has made real strides: over 55,000 children in remote areas reached by mobile teams, 1.8 million measles and rubella vaccines delivered during an outbreak, and a growing movement to counter vaccine hesitancy through community engagement.

GAVI’s catalytic role has been instrumental in building a more resilient and equitable immunization system.
But challenges remain. Vaccine coverage has declined slightly, and trust in health services is fragile in some communities.

That’s why we must double down on equity — ensuring every child is protected, no matter where they live or who they are.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of closing the Youth Climate Caravan 2025 in Bishkek — a powerful initiative that UNICEF ...
02/07/2025

Yesterday, I had the privilege of closing the Youth Climate Caravan 2025 in Bishkek — a powerful initiative that UNICEF Kyrgyzstan proudly co-led with UNDP, UNISON Group and other partners.

Over the past weeks, we witnessed young people from across Kyrgyzstan step forward with passion, knowledge, and determination to shape the climate future of their country. Their voices are not just important, they are essential.

In Kyrgyzstan, over 2.4 million children and young people are exposed to dangerously high levels of air pollution — a clear sign that climate change is already threatening their health, education, and future. That’s why UNICEF is working not only to protect them, but to empower them to influence the climate policies that affect their lives.

Their priorities must be reflected in NDC 3.0, and I’m proud that through the Caravan, their ideas are now part of the national conversation. This is more than a campaign, it’s a movement toward a more just, inclusive, and climate-resilient Kyrgyzstan.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating in the meeting of the Council on the Rights of Women, Children, and Gend...
18/06/2025

Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating in the meeting of the Council on the Rights of Women, Children, and Gender Equality under the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, chaired by Deputy Speaker Zhyldyz Sadyrbayeva.

During the session, UNICEF Kyrgyzstan presented the findings of our recent study on access to education for children with disabilities — part of the global LiFE (Learning is For Everyone) initiative led by UNICEF Innocenti, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF Kyrgyzstan. The research sheds light on the real experiences of families and offers clear recommendations for building a more inclusive education system — from shifting to a social model of disability to training teachers in inclusive practices.

I was delighted to join the launch of “Youth in Action: Creators of Positive Change in Kyrgyzstan” — a powerful new init...
17/06/2025

I was delighted to join the launch of “Youth in Action: Creators of Positive Change in Kyrgyzstan” — a powerful new initiative by UNICEF Kyrgyzstan and the European Union.

When we speak with young people, their message is clear: they want to be heard and meaningfully included in shaping the future. Kyrgyzstan’s youth hold incredible promise — but only if we ensure their voices are heard and their rights upheld.

At today’s event, we heard powerful findings from a regional youth study, listened to young people read their own declaration, and witnessed a vibrant panel of youth leaders in action.
This initiative is about more than programs — it’s about protecting rights, combating gender-based violence, and empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Let’s move forward together — strengthening youth-led organizations, protecting civic space, and scaling what works. Together, we can ensure Kyrgyzstan’s youth are not just part of the conversation but leading it.

🌙 Warm Kurman Ait Greetings 🌙As we mark this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone celebrating Kurm...
06/06/2025

🌙 Warm Kurman Ait Greetings 🌙

As we mark this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone celebrating Kurman Ait.

This day reminds us of the power of compassion, unity, and generosity — values that lie at the heart of our work at UNICEF Kyrgyzstan. May this moment bring peace to your homes, strength to your hearts, and renewed inspiration to continue building a better world for every child.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful celebration!

05/06/2025

برنامج الأغذية العالمي واليونيسف يدينان الهجوم الذي استهدف قافلة إنسانية مشتركة في شمال دارفور، #السودان، الليلة الماضية.

قُتل خمسة من أفراد القافلة وأصيب عدد آخر.

بيان صحفي:https://bit.ly/4jF0CHb

Today, I had the honour of joining Minister of Education Dogdurgul Kendirbaeva and MP Dinara Ashimova to open a national...
29/05/2025

Today, I had the honour of joining Minister of Education Dogdurgul Kendirbaeva and MP Dinara Ashimova to open a national consultation forum on Kyrgyzstan’s strategy for climate change education. 🌱

This forum brings together government, development partners, and civil society to co-develop a strategy that equips children and youth with the knowledge and green skills they need to face the climate crisis.

At UNICEF Kyrgyzstan, we view the climate crisis as a child rights crisis. Nearly 90% of children globally — including 15 million in Central Asia — are vulnerable to climate threats. Their health, safety, and futures are at stake.

Kyrgyzstan is taking bold steps through the Altyn Kazyk education reforms, the Five Years of Action for Mountain Regions, and the NDC 3.0 process. It’s essential that children’s needs and voices are central to these efforts.

We’re proud to support this important work. The time to act is now. 💚

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