Digitalization in Kyrgyzstan. Cooperation with EU to accelerate digital transformation

The issue of digitalization has been at a high level in Kyrgyzstan over the past few years. A number of important projects have been implemented in various sectors - medicine, education, and the transition to electronic document management. In general, digitalization is important, as it is aimed not only at facilitating the daily life of citizens, but also to counteract corruption schemes. The active stage of digital transformation started in the country about 7 years ago. Various projects were being gradually implemented and gained momentum. Some have already become part of the everyday life of the Kyrgyz people. In 2021, a new stage began. Kyrgyzstan, in cooperation with the European Union and a number of countries, launched a bilateral cooperation project "Supporting the Digitalization Program in Kyrgyzstan”. The project supports Kyrgyzstan's digital development by increasing the capacity of public authorities to manage digital transformation, as well as promote transparency and accountability. This is the first project of bilateral cooperation in the form of peer-to-peer cooperation between EU member states and countries of the Central Asian region. "The project contributes to Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 of the SDGs, “Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation,” as well as the implementation of the Government's Concept and the associated Digital Transformation Roadmap for Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023," the Ministry of Digitalization of the republic reported. The project has many goals, including: 1. Improving digital skills. The Center for Innovation in Digital Skills has the knowledge and skills to design and deliver training programs and register certified training participants. By October 2023, at least 30% of ICDC's registered and certified training participants will be women. 2. Increased access to government electronic services. At least 2 e-government systems and/or services will be established and/or enhanced. 3. Increased citizen privacy and data protection, raising awareness of digital rights. There will be an online platform on the Data Protection Agency website to inform the public about data protection, data privacy, and citizens' rights. Data protection legislation/regulations will be reviewed and recommendations/amendments will be developed to improve data protection standards in accordance with GDPR regulations. 4. Improving cybersecurity and resilience of critical information infrastructure and networks. Cybersecurity-related legislation/regulatory framework will be analyzed and recommendations/amendments will be developed to improve national cybersecurity standards. Ambassador of the European Union to Kyrgyzstan Eduard Auer noted that this project is a very important step. The project is the first time in Kyrgyzstan, and according to the ambassador, it will be successfully implemented. "We have representatives both from the private sector and from the state. A similar project has been implemented in other countries in Europe. This project has a good approach. Kyrgyzstan will be able to adopt the experience of other countries. Our cooperation will continue after 2-3 years. The EU approach to digitalization puts people on the path of development. Developed countries have developed various regulations, which are aimed at the implementation of the project and will be applied here. What has been created is considered a benchmark," shared Auer. The ambassador also added that digitalization means respect for human rights and values. Also digital transformation can bring tangible benefits to citizens and quality communication and access to electronic government services. Digitalization, according to Auer, can be an important tool for achieving sustainable development. Tõnis Mäe, the project's permanent advisor for bilateral cooperation, said the project has four components - developing digital skills, increasing access to government services, improving privacy and protection of citizens' data, and increasing cybersecurity and resilience. "We have very clear goals, therefore we have to achieve clear results. It's a project, it's a two-way collaboration. On our side, we are working with the Ministry of Digital Development. In addition, there are 50 experts involved in the project who are the media," Mäe noted. He added that only a quarter of the way has been done so far. Indira Sharshenova, the Deputy Minister of Digital Development of the republic and leader of the beneficiary side of the project noted that this project will be of great benefit to the republic. Certain results and indicators have already been achieved. "I would like to note that the team worked very actively. We have a result on all components. We are moving to achieve new indicators. The world lockdown also affected this project, but at the moment we do not have any problems. No matter what, we've done a great job,” she noted. The budget of the project is EUR 2 million. The project is planned to be fully completed by October 2023, however, the Western partners noted that support will continue afterwards. Kabar News Agency