Center for Natural Resources and Sustainability

Due to her active and professional work, the Association of Small Hydropower Plants became a member of the International Hydropower Association, a non-profit international organization representing the global hydro energy sector, with only 2 member organizations from the CIS countries, one of which is Kyrgyzstan. In addition, the Association now making a significant contribution to the industry as a leading and respected business association, not only in the development of RES, but also in strengthening the public-private dialogue between the business community and the government, as well as promoting important initiatives in many sectors of the Kyrgyzstan’s economy and industry.

Having returned home after 20 years of study and work, with a busy schedule and traffic in different countries, I am still interested in the energy sector. Unfortunately, the energy sector is one of the most difficult and closed sectors in the economy of our country, although it has great potential, to drive our country’s economy and to be at the same level with the developed countries of the world.

This fact bothered me a lot and made me to work and contribute to the development of this sector. Kyrgyzstan is rich in water resources and balancing the policy and management of water resources is the big challenge. In addition, in order to reduce carbon emissions, many countries around the world with water potential are increasingly focusing on developing sustainable hydropower, which will play a vital role. The development of the private sector in the energy sector, in particular renewables, was another challenge at the time. In 2013, I could not find any private sustainable energy company willing to work with us on legal reforms in RES, which is a key pillar of the sector. In February 2015, I finally established the Association of Small Hydropower Plants with like-minded people, and brought together 25 companies willing to work on small hydropower development, of which there were previously only four. The Association of Small Hydro Power Plants is now an authoritative member of all national dialogue platforms, as well as participating in important international initiatives, for example, since 2017, the Association is a member of the National Forum of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which brings together 74 states and 15 sub-national (regional) governments, which Kyrgyzstan joined first in Central Asia, as well as the Open Parliament Partnership International Initiative, which promotes the principles of development a global culture of Open and Transparent Government and Parliament that empowers citizens and promotes the ideals of open and inclusive 21st century government and parliament.

I am proud of myself for being the first Kyrgyz woman to make a career abroad in the energy sector, working for the world's largest oil and gas consortium, participating in the implementation of major cross-border projects, pursuing a career in the energy sector and continue to work in my home country not only to develop and facilitate conditions in the RES sector, as head of a business association, but also to strengthen public-private dialogue. I also help girls and women to improve their financial literacy. I do mentoring. I try to give encouragement and inspiration to students and entrepreneurs; I provide financial support to the exceptional students so that they can receive a real help in the process of pursuing their dreams and continue to do good for the other generations growing up behind them. In doing so, our country will be stronger and happier. In addition, I became the president of an association of 60 national business associations by winning the elections. Thus, gaining the prestige and trust of the business community, which is very valuable to me. I have received many awards from the state bodies in recognition of my contribution to the Kyrgyz economy. These things inspire and empower me.

I first became involved in the energy sector through my master's thesis, in 1999, in Ankara. I had a perfect opportunity to get to know Turkey better and carry out comparative analysis while studying the economy and international politics of the Republic of Turkey, I started thinking that I could apply this successful experience in my home country. I was fortunate to work on what was then known as the “Project of the Century”, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan a transnational pipeline project involving 3 countries and a major consortium of 11 of the world's leading oil and gas corporations (led by British Petroleum). My experience in big corporations made me grow in many directions. Being inspired by very capable professionals in the energy and policy sectors, seeing how the sector as a whole and the country’s economy is changing through large projects, the negotiation process between the government and the company, participating in international platforms, expanding contacts and circles of experts around the world and seeing with my own eyes, it was one of the most interesting periods in my life. It was a very strong and serious school.

My current activities are mainly contributing to the development of many sectors in the country as well as energy security. Kyrgyzstan’s successful future depends on us.

Since 2014, I have been actively and openly promoting the issue of RES development in Kyrgyzstan at all levels and at the highest level. Thanks to these efforts, many innovations and proposals have been made in the regulatory framework. In particular, the abolition of RES licensing, partial tax and customs preferences, strengthening the capacity of business associations, support and active participation in public-private dialogue platforms at the Governmental, Parliamentary and other levels, organization of platforms at national and international levels and attracting investments in RES development and much more.

Challenges

All my professional activities are accompanied by a constant challenge and commitment to keep abreast of all developments taking place not only in my sector, but also on a regional and global scale, as well as trends in other sectors and regions. The development of the RES sector requires support, especially from the state. Therefore, issues in our sector are often resolved at a high political level and do not always receive support due to various regulatory and economic implications. However, there are platforms at presidential, governmental and parliamentary level to recognize and promote RES issues (as small hydropower is part of RES, the legislative framework is the same in this sector), which is an excellent achievement in the dialogue between public authorities and the private sector, that we all actively use and which characterizes our country. These platforms are attended by representatives of the highest level of government, where the agenda is formed on the basis of preliminary negotiations and meetings with the relevant authorities, and if no agreement is reached, the issues are taken to the Council level and a compromised is reached.

My position as head of a business association sets ambitious goals for personal and professional growth. It is a very interesting path that gives me the opportunity to develop, grow and learn constantly. Thus, I have taken part in training and education competitions in Japan, Germany, Italy and Turkey, where I have gained many ideas and experiences, which I continue to share.

I believe that any effort aimed at large-scale changes to improve the lives of people and the country, will always receive support from outside. The main thing is to correctly and fully communicate the idea and its effective result. Therefore, when on my way I meet people, organizations that see my efforts and come to support me, which is very important, it means that I have succeeded in my mission and problems.

I love this saying, “You will never cross the ocean if you are afraid of losing sight of the shore.” (H. Columbus). The challenges were many, but the most important thing is not to give up and to see clearly the big picture of what you want to achieve. At the same time, I am also inspired to focus on how my intended outcome can benefit the industry as a whole, society and the economy. I am an optimist by nature and believe in a bright future for my country.

Acknowledged success

In many cases, the livelihoods depend on diminishing natural resources year by year. Women do not have full access to good land, property and inheritance rights, while gender-based violence and discrimination in many countries prevent women from being active citizens and having political representation.

I believe that promoting women's economic empowerment, through investing in women and creating opportunities for them to contribute more effectively to economic development, offers great opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development in Central Asia. Women's active role in entrepreneurship can not only accelerate countries’ economic growth, but also promote broader development and create a multiplier effect against the effects of climate change impact, poverty and adaptive capacity building.

Women's access to cleaner, more efficient energy sources and technologies to maintain household activities and production is critical, as women have significant responsibilities. In countries like ours, where agribusiness is an important part of the economy, women are particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, so we need to work together to develop mitigation plans.

We need to overcome barriers that currently exist so that women can realize their full potential. This requires creating the conditions for the women’s participation in decision-making at local, regional and national levels to develop regulations, policies, measures and other instruments related to climate change that take into account all needs and interests and have a greater impact.