Bishkek to host Forum of Aimaks: Innovations in Local Services

AKIPRESS.COM - Representatives of 57 municipalities from all seven regions of the Kyrgyz Republic will convene in Bishkek for the Forum of Aimaks, organized with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on September 26, the U.S. Embassy said.
The main goal of the forum is to exchange experiences and ideas to inspire municipalities to innovate. Participants will learn about real examples of improving local services like waste management, access to drinking water, and land management by changing their practices and engaging citizens. For example, Kum-Dobo municipality in Naryn oblast used a drone and advanced geo-mapping techniques to identify exact land plot areas to determine fees for irrigation more accurately. The Forum will provide an opportunity to share experiences of successful real-life examples that can be replicated across Kyrgyzstan.
More than 150 participants are expected at the event, including local leaders, state officials, representatives of businesses and civil society, international organizations, USAID Mission Director Gary Linden and Head of Local Self-Governance Unit of the Kyrgyz Government Office Department for Coordination, Inspection, and Local Development Ramis Alykulov.
The event is organized under the USAID Community and Municipal Governance Initiative, a $9.5 million five-year project aimed at strengthening municipalities and increasing citizens' trust in local self-governments. The project works with 50 municipalities in Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Osh, to improve services at the local level and enhance economic development.