Central Asian collaboration enters a new stage with the inauguration of the UN Regional Center - as declared by Tokayev.
In a significant move towards regional cooperation and sustainable development, the United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been officially established in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Significance of the Center
The center, designed to serve as a catalyst for coordinated actions in Central Asia and Afghanistan, is poised to strengthen economic and social ties, focusing on regional resilience and innovation. It complements existing efforts without duplicating them, ensuring a tailored approach to regional needs.
One of the key challenges the center aims to address is the pressing environmental issues such as the Aral and Caspian Sea crises, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate these challenges. Furthermore, the center will facilitate economic development in Afghanistan, recognizing the interlinkages between Afghan prosperity and regional security.
Impact on Regional Development
By fostering deeper integration among Central Asian countries and Afghanistan, the center aims to strengthen economic and social ties, enhancing overall regional stability. It promotes sustainable development by sharing best practices, delivering technical assistance, and implementing joint projects across the region.
The initiative aligns with Kazakhstan's national priorities, including further digitalization and the development of diversified transport infrastructure, which could make Kazakhstan a key Eurasian hub for international trade.
Impact on Global Affairs
The center's establishment reflects Kazakhstan's growing role as a bridge between East and West, fostering global cooperation and connectivity. This was highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who praised Kazakhstan's position in global logistics and connectivity.
The center's launch is part of broader discussions on UN reform and climate action, underscoring its relevance in addressing global challenges. The center's activities will contribute to multilateral engagement, enhancing Kazakhstan's partnership with the United Nations and reinforcing its commitment to SDGs as a national priority.
A Step Towards a Safer World
The President of Kazakhstan considers the Sustainable Development Goals a priority in its national strategy, and the UN Regional Center in Almaty signifies a new chapter for Central Asia on the path to achieving these goals. The event marks the formal establishment of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development and serves as a powerful signal to the international community about the importance of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan will continue to support the efforts of the Secretary-General at the helm of the global organization, with the United Nations remaining an indispensable pillar of international order for Kazakhstan. The President expressed gratitude to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for his leadership.
In his speech, the President called for unity among governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve common progress in Central Asia. The event at the UN Regional Center in Almaty is significant for Kazakhstan and the United Nations, and it is a step towards long-term peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan, crucial for regional security.
António Guterres praised Kazakhstan for renouncing nuclear weapons, making it a symbol of peace and disarmament. As Central Asia becomes a crucial actor on the global stage, the UN Regional Center in Almaty has immense potential to demonstrate how strong ties between regional leaders can lead to deeper economic integration.
In April 2026, Kazakhstan will host a Regional Environmental Summit in Astana in partnership with UN agencies, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation. The opening of the UN center in Almaty was met with gratitude from António Guterres, who praised Kazakhstan as a symbol of wisdom, a country that builds bridges between peoples and serves as a peacemaker.
- Amidst the global discourse on sustainable development, the establishment of the United Nations Regional Center in Almaty, focusing on Central Asia and Afghanistan, signifies a significant step in politics, aiming to promote economic development, regional resilience, and collaboration to address environmental issues, such as the Aral and Caspian Sea crises.
- As regional cooperation and development escalate, the launch of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty serves as an indication in general-news of Kazakhstan's growing influence as a bridge between East and West, fostering global cooperation, and aligning with its national priorities, notably digitalization and diversified transport infrastructure.
