Kyrgyz Students Shine at International Economics Olympiad in Ancient Olympia, Greece

Five outstanding students from Kyrgyzstan proudly represented their country at the International Final Round of the Economics Olympiad, held in Ancient Olympia, Greece. The prestigious event gathered 130 of the world’s top-performing students from 28 countries, celebrating excellence in economics and fostering global dialogue among youth.

The Kyrgyz team, accompanied by a representative of the University of Central Asia (UCA), included national finalists:

• Kanatbekov Elmyrza – School #61
• Muktar Zhannat – United World International School
• Iusupzhanov Aga-Khan – School #61
• Astafeva Adelia – Bilimkana International School
• Rysbaeva Aiturgan – School #24

This year marked Kyrgyzstan’s third consecutive participation in the International Final Round, with the country achieving notable progress. With 4,832 students engaged in the Olympiad nationally, Kyrgyzstan now ranks third among countries supported by the Economics Fundamentals Initiative (EFI), behind only Ukraine (~20,000 students) and Azerbaijan (5,000 students).

UCA Leads the Way in Promoting Economic Literacy

The University of Central Asia has been instrumental in making the Olympiad accessible to Kyrgyz youth. UCA organises and hosts the first two rounds of the competition and is the only institution to offer all three rounds free of charge, ensuring inclusivity for students from both public and private schools.

This inclusive model has earned widespread appreciation from teachers, parents, and students alike, particularly for enabling talented students from under-resourced schools and financially challenged backgrounds to compete and excel. For many participants, qualifying for the final round is also their first opportunity to travel abroad and represent Kyrgyzstan on an international stage. Learn more about the Economic Literacy project. 

International Recognition of Kyrgyzstan’s Inclusive Approach

Professor Randall Filer, President of the Economics Fundamentals Initiative (EFI) and a leading figure in the Olympiad, praised Kyrgyzstan’s strategy of engaging both public and private schools throughout the country.

Transforming Futures Through Opportunity

Participation in the International Final Round has proven to be a life-changing experience for Kyrgyz students. Finalists consistently report heightened academic motivation and have a strong track record of gaining scholarships to study abroad following their involvement in the Olympiad. This growing pipeline of high-achieving students reflects the long-term impact of UCA’s commitment to education and opportunity.

Finalist Zhannat Muktar reflected:

“Participating in this Olympiad was a life-changing experience. It broadened my understanding of economics beyond what we learn in school and helped me identify the skills I need to improve. Meeting passionate, like-minded students from around the world was inspiring and motivating. Though our team didn’t win prizes this year, I’m determined to keep growing.”

As Kyrgyzstan strengthens its presence on the international academic stage, the Economics Olympiad stands as a powerful example of inclusive, high-quality education empowering the next generation of leaders.