UNICEF and the Kyrgyz Republic's ministries of education and of culture, information and youth policy launched the third phase of the STEAM4Girls programme at the National Historical Museum in Bishkek on 1 October 2026, according to the announcement. The event gathered government representatives, educators, young people, development partners and the private sector, and included a STEAM exhibition of projects by young innovators.

According to UNICEF, STEAM4Girls has helped more than 52,000 adolescent girls strengthen technical knowledge, soft skills and confidence over the past six years, and has benefited more than 200,000 adolescents across the country through improved teaching and expanded learning opportunities. The third phase is planned to focus on pathways from school to further education and careers in STEAM; UNICEF Representative Samman Jung Thapa said that over the next three years it would expand school-based clubs and strengthen teachers.

Education Minister Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva linked the programme to the Altyn Kazyk education reform, saying the government is working with UNICEF to embed STEAM approaches across the system.