EMPATY

Empowered CSOs and Multi-stakeholder Partnerships for Active and Prosperous Civil Society and Young Generation in the Kyrgyz Republic (EMPATY)

The EMPATY Consortium, comprising three Kyrgyz and one Austrian organization, launched the implementation of the project “Empowered CSOs and Multi-stakeholder Partnerships for an Active and Prosperous Civil Society and Young Generation in the Kyrgyz Republic” (EMPATY) in early 2026. The project aims to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting inclusive dialogue and active civic participation in the social and economic life of the Kyrgyz Republic, with a particular focus on young people in rural areas.

EMPATY is implemented by a consortium led by the Austrian international organization Hilfswerk International in equal partnership with the Kyrgyzstan Forum of Rural Advisory Services (KGFRAS), the Public Foundation Open Line, and the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Enterprises of Kyrgyzstan (AFVE). The project is co-financed by the European Union under the program “Support to Civil Society Initiatives in the Kyrgyz Republic” and by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

EMPATY is designed to enhance the resilience, professionalism, and influence of civil society organizations while enabling young people to play an active role in shaping the country’s social and economic development. Strong multi-stakeholder cooperation is a core principle of the project and a key driver of sustainable and positive change in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The project targets at least 30 CSOs, approximately 3,000 young women and men (at least 50% of whom are women), as well as volunteers and representatives of public authorities. Through a comprehensive package of capacity-building measures, social and business-oriented initiatives, multi-stakeholder platforms, internships, and leadership programs, EMPATY aims to promote employment, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and gender equality, contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of target communities. The project is planned for a duration of 30 months.

• Kyrgyzstan: 14 districts in 4 regions (Issyk-Kul, Naryn, Osh and Jalal-Abad)
• Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek

• TG1: 30 CSOs and/or grassroot organizations, primarily working in rural and/or remote areas
• TG2: 3000 young women and men aged 18-35 who face one or more of the following obstacles: economic, gender, and social
• TG3: Volunteers (most active young women and men)
• TG4: Representatives of national, regional, and district authorities and administrations