Bishkek, Oct. 6, 2026 /Kabar/. The winners of the first national "ESG Business Leader" contest aimed at supporting responsible entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable development principles have been announced in Kyrgyzstan. Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision reports.
According to the agency, the contest brought together small and medium-sized business projects implemented in the areas of environmental responsibility, sustainable development, innovation, and social entrepreneurship. Based on the selection committee's decision, winners were named in three categories:
"Aitmat" Peasant Farm — winner in the "Best Climate Project of the Year" category for developing a technology to produce organic fertilizer (vermicompost);
"Ereken Group" — winner in the "Sustainability Innovation of the Year" category for a hybrid heating system project for School No. 43;
"Taza-Di-Kadamzhai" — winner in the "Best Green Project in Women's Entrepreneurship" category for a waste processing project.
Speaking at the event, Akyl Toktobaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, noted that climate policy is evolving into economic policy. According to him, this entails not only new business requirements but also new opportunities: cost reductions through energy efficiency, the adoption of new technologies, increased competitiveness, and access to markets where environmental and social standards are becoming integral to business operations.
"Therefore, it is important to view the development of ESG principles as a contribution to the sustainability and future of Kyrgyzstan's economy," the minister said.
The event featured two panel discussions: one focused on ESG and green finance, and another on innovation, digital solutions, and women's entrepreneurship. Participants discussed the role of the financial sector, new business requirements, and the potential of artificial intelligence and digitalization to improve resource efficiency.
