Almaty's UN Regional SDG Center targets boosting regional resilience and fostering cooperation within the region.
UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals Launched in Kazakhstan
In a significant move towards strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development, the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan has been launched in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The center was officially unveiled during a visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on August 3 [1].
During his visit, Guterres commended Kazakhstan for its internal reforms and international contributions, referring to the country as a bridge between East and West, and North and South [1]. He also highlighted Kazakhstan's renunciation of nuclear weapons as a symbol of peace and disarmament [1].
The new center aims to serve as a regional hub to coordinate efforts toward sustainable development and complement existing initiatives without overlapping. Its core focus areas include gender equality, youth unemployment, climate change, water shortages, economic resilience, and regional cooperation [1].
President Tokayev emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration to address shared challenges, such as the environmental degradation of the Aral Sea and the shrinking of the Caspian Sea [2]. He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to supporting Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance, educational projects, trade, and food security initiatives [3].
The center intends to catalyze coordinated regional action to make economies more resilient and vibrant, fostering deeper cooperation within Central Asia and Afghanistan [2]. It will promote innovation, digitalization, and infrastructure development to enhance connectivity, trade, and economic self-reliance [2].
Moreover, the center seeks to support peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan to contribute to regional security and stability [2]. It will add value through a regional focus tailored to the needs of the broader population while complementing existing UN programs and regional institutions [2].
In a further boost to regional cooperation, Kazakhstan will host a Regional Environment Summit in Astana in April 2026 in partnership with UN agencies [4]. President Tokayev made this announcement during his visit to the UN Regional Center [4].
Tokayev also expressed a goal to build diversified transport infrastructure to make Kazakhstan a hub for international cargo trade [5]. He stated a focus on further digitalization and artificial intelligence for Kazakhstan [5].
Guterres praised Kazakhstan's growing role in global logistics and connectivity [1]. He also called Kazakhstan a symbol of wisdom and a bridge builder [1].
In conclusion, the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals is expected to facilitate greater regional coordination, enhance sustainable development outcomes, and bolster resilience and cooperation across Central Asia and Afghanistan while complementing and adding value to ongoing efforts in the region.
[1] UN News. (2022, August 3). UN chief, Kazakh President visit UN Regional Centre for SDGs in Almaty. [online] Available at: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/08/1110872
[2] UN Regional Centre for SDGs. (2022). About us. [online] Available at: https://unrcsdg.org/about-us
[3] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy. (2022). Kazakhstan's Foreign Policy. [online] Available at: https://kazakhstan2050strategy.kz/en/foreign-policy
[4] Astana Times. (2022, August 3). Kazakhstan to host Regional Environment Summit in 2026. [online] Available at: https://astanatimes.com/2022/08/kazakhstan-to-host-regional-environment-summit-in-2026/
[5] Trend News Agency. (2022, August 3). Kazakhstan's President Tokayev emphasizes importance of digitalization, AI. [online] Available at: https://en.trend.az/caspecial/3761378-kazakhstans-president-tokayev-emphasizes-importance-of-digitalization-ai.html
- The UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals, launched in Almaty, Kazakhstan, aims to foster deeper cooperation within Central Asia and Afghanistan by focusing on areas such as climate change, economic resilience, and environmental science.
- The center also intends to promote learning and personal growth through innovation, digitalization, and infrastructure development, with the goal of enhancing connectivity and economic self-reliance in the region.
- In the context of career development, the center seeks to support peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan, contributing to regional security and stability, while also complementing and adding value to ongoing efforts in the field of environmental science and education and self-development.
