Almaty's United Nations Regional SDG Hub Sets Goal to Increase Regional Resilience and Collaboration
A New Era of Regional Collaboration: The Launch of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals in Kazakhstan
The United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan has been launched in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This new United Nations hub, established to strengthen economic resilience and foster innovation across Central Asia and Afghanistan, was welcomed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres [1][2][3].
The center is designed to complement existing regional and international institutions, avoiding duplication and adding value through its focused regional perspective. It will serve as a platform to enhance cooperation among neighboring countries, deepen economic integration, and address shared challenges [2][3][4][5].
Kazakhstan, a country that has been a voice of reason in a world where reason itself is struggling to be heard, has been commended for its internal reforms and international contributions. Guterres referred to Kazakhstan as a bridge between East and West, North and South, and a symbol of wisdom, a bridge builder, and a messenger of peace [1][2][3].
President Kassym-Jomart 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. Tokayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to supporting Afghanistan through humanitarian assistance, educational projects, trade, and food security initiatives [1][2][3].
The center will focus on several urgent regional challenges, including gender equality, youth unemployment, climate change, water shortages, and environmental degradation. It will also prioritize support for Afghanistan’s sustainable development amid ongoing hardship, emphasizing respect for human rights, especially those of women and girls, economic self-reliance, and peace [1][2][3].
In addition to its regional focus, the center places priority on digitalization and artificial intelligence. Kazakhstan will host a Regional Environment Summit in Astana in April 2026 in partnership with UN agencies [1][2][3].
Guterres noted that Kazakhstan's decision to renounce nuclear weapons is more necessary today than ever. This decision, made by Kazakhstan years ago, has made it a symbol of peace and disarmament [1][2][3].
The center will not have overlapping functions or duties with other institutions in the region or beyond. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for coordinated action, enhancing regional innovation, and fostering deeper cooperation [1][2][3].
Moreover, Kazakhstan's growing role in global logistics and connectivity was praised by Guterres. The center aims to build diversified transport infrastructure to make Kazakhstan a hub of international cargo trade [1][2][3].
The establishment of this center was endorsed at the highest levels, with the agreement signed by Kazakh officials and the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in August 2025 [1][2][3][5]. This new center is a testament to the potential of regional collaboration, with the power to transform Central Asia's economic and social landscape while supporting long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
[1] United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan Launched in Almaty. (2025, August). United Nations. [2] Guterres Welcomes Launch of UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals in Kazakhstan. (2025, August). United Nations. [3] Kazakhstan and United Nations Launch Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals. (2025, August). Kazakhstan Government. [4] Tokayev Emphasizes Importance of Stronger Collaboration at Launch of UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals. (2025, August). Kazakhstan Government. [5] Guterres Commends Kazakhstan's Internal Reforms and International Contributions at Launch of UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals. (2025, August). United Nations.
- The United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kazakhstan focuses on several urgent regional challenges, including climate change and environmental degradation.
- As the center prioritizes digitalization and artificial intelligence, it is expected to foster regional innovation, particularly in the field of science and policy-and-legislation related to climate-change and environmental-science.
- With the launch of this UN hub, the general-news landscape is likely to witness increased discussions on Kazakhstan's role in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development, both in its local environment and in the broader Central Asian region.
