Кыргызская фондовая биржа

Annual Opening Ceremony of the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality - 2024

On 4th March 2024, the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange (KSE) jointly with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and UN Women in Kyrgyzstan, within the framework of the United Nations (UN) initiative "Sustainable Stock Exchanges" (UN SSE) held the annual opening ceremony of the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality - 2024, the theme of discussions - "INVESTMENT IN WOMEN: Accelerating ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN KYRGYZ REPUBLIC".

 Representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Financial Market Regulation and Supervision Service of the Kyrgyz Republic, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the United Nations, UN Women in Kyrgyzstan, business associations and the media attended the ceremony to mark International Women's Day.

 The event is a global event emphasising the key role of the private sector in promoting gender equality to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The series of annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality events first started in 2015 with the participation of 7 stock exchanges and was held under the auspices of the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UN SSE).

Organisations such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women, the UN Global Compact and the World Federation of Exchanges, in collaboration with exchanges around the world, have traditionally supported this action worldwide. Marking the tenth anniversary of the annual global movement, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality bidding ceremony highlights the importance of gender equality for economic development and growth, which is even more critical given the economic and social impact of the pandemic, the ongoing climate change crisis, conflict and instability, and unprecedented environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges.

Medet Nazaraliev, President of the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange, said:

"The annual Ring the Bell for Gender ceremony on the eve of the International Women's Day is one of the significant events in Kyrgyzstan. The purpose of the ceremony is to draw attention to gender equality issues, to create an effective dialogue platform to discuss the participation of women in all spheres of the economy. We are pleased that KSE has become part of a global initiative, which has already been joined by 133 exchanges around the world. Organising and holding such events in Kyrgyzstan allows us to expand the inclusion of gender aspects in development strategies, contribute to the achievement of SDG №5and promote sustainable development and growth within the country".

Adalyat Abdumanapova, Project Manager of IFC's Environmental, Social and Governance Practices Development Project in Central Asia and Turkey:

"Marking the tenth anniversary of the annual global movement, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality bidding ceremony emphasises the importance of gender equality for economic growth. In the context of emerging environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges, gender inclusiveness becomes even more important. In the Kyrgyz Republic, IFC is committed to implementing ESG best practices and sustainable finance. Working with the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange and partners, IFC supports gender diversity and the representation of women in leadership positions at various levels and on boards of directors".

IFC is intensifying its work with stock exchanges through its partnership with UN SSE to increase gender diversity in listed companies by mobilising capital markets to promote women leaders and ESG best practices, including disclosure and transparency.

Dr. Renaud Vuignier, Programme Manager and Head of Economic Development at the Swiss Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic

 "Gender equality and women's empowerment are priorities for Swiss co-operation in the Kyrgyz Republic and elsewhere. On behalf of Switzerland, I am pleased to be part of the global campaign "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2024". Gender is an important aspect. The SECO-IFC project "Investment Promotion through Integrated ESG Standards" aims to promote board diversity, including from a gender perspective. In particular, the programme, in collaboration with local partners, aims to create a pool of qualified female leaders and support them in taking on management responsibilities."

Ulziyisuren Zhamsran, UN Women Representative in Kyrgyzstan:

"Investing in women is not only the right thing to do, but also a strategic decision. By doing so, we economically strengthen women and unlock the potential for exponential growth and prosperity for the economy and the country as a whole."

In 2023, 123 exchanges from 117 countries participated in Ring the Bell for Gender Equality events. The dialogue platform and the topics discussed on it, play a key role in ensuring equal gender opportunities and active participation of women in the ongoing economic processes.