Bishkek, Oct. 7, 2026 /Kabar/. Kyrgyzstan is participating in the international "Asia-Pacific Social Protection Week 2026," taking place from October 6 to 8 in Manila, Philippines. Ministry of Education reports.
The event is organized by the Asian Development Bank and brings together representatives from government agencies, international organizations, development partners, civil society, the private sector, and the academic community.
This year, the week is being held under the theme "Empowered lives and Resilient Futures." Participants are discussing the resilience of social protection systems, human capital development, food and nutritional security, and the experiences of various countries.
Kyrgyzstan is represented at the event by Mirbek Rakhmatildeev, a leading specialist at the Ministry of Education’s School Education Department and the national coordinator for the School Meals Coalition. Also participating are development partners involved in the school meals program: Kojiro Nakai, Country Director for the UN World Food Programme in Kyrgyzstan, and Aida Aftandilova, a program policy specialist for school meals.
In Kyrgyzstan, school meals are viewed as a vital social investment in children's health and education. By decision of President Sadyr Zhaparov, starting January 1, 2027, the funding rate for school meals for students in grades 1–4 will increase from 14 to 40 soms per child per day.
The increased funding is expected to improve the quality and variety of school meals while also reducing the financial burden on families.
On October 7, Mirbek Rakhmatildeev will speak at a panel session titled "More Than Just Meals: School Meals for a Sustainable Future." He will present Kyrgyzstan's experience in developing its school meals program and establishing a sustainable state system.
