Discourse on Regional Security and Sustainable Development Held Between Kazakhstan and UN Regional Centre for Capacity Building in Central Asia
Layin' It Down in Astana
A bustling meeting occurred in the heart of Astana between Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Kaha Imnadze, the UN Special Representative, who touched down in Astana for the Interregional Dialogue on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones on April 29.
A picture tells a thousand words - snap a peek at the image that sums it up: Murat Nurtleu and Kaha Imnadze.
The Kazakh Foreign Ministry's press service reports that the discussion revolved around the cooperative partnership between Kazakhstan and the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), regional security issues, sustainable development, and readying joint initiatives.
Nurtleu highlighted the pivotal role of UNRCCA in fostering dialogue among Central Asian countries and reinforced Kazakhstan's commitment to spearheading a consistent, relevant, and regional agenda.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized the UN's essential role as the central, indispensable coordinating entity in tackling global challenges, especially amid the volatile geopolitical landscape.
In support of the UN's 80th anniversary, Nurtleu expressed Kazakhstan's backing for the UN80 project, aimed at reimagining the organization's role in the modern world. He also emphasized Kazakhstan's endeavors to revitalize multilateralism, intensify cooperation with the UN, and establish regional strategies for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this context, the parties agreed to intensify collaboration between the UNRCCA and the fresh UN Regional Centre for SDGs, situated in Almaty, which was backed by the UN General Assembly resolution on March 4.
Imnadze extended grateful acknowledgement for Kazakhstan's continuous support of UNRCCA and its contributions to intraregional dialogue. Both sides solemnly affirmed their readiness to advance shared goals under the UN mandate and conveyed hopes for fruitful cooperation ahead.
The skinny on the UN Regional Centre for SDGs in Almaty
The UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Almaty was recently endorsed by a UN General Assembly resolution passed on March 4, 2025. The mission of this center? Accelerating the achievement of SDGs in the region[1][2][3].
Kazakhstan's commitment to the Centre
Kazakhstan has played an active role in the establishment and backing of this center, aligning with the nation's dedication to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation under the UN framework. Scope out these key aspects of Kazakhstan's collaboration:
- Influence and Guidance: Kazakhstan held a decisive position in pushing forward the resolution for the center's creation, which garnered the support of 152 countries[5]. The country's strategic prowess in Central Asian affairs and dedication to regional development are evident.
- UNRCCA Collaboration: Kazakhstan aims to deepen cooperation between the new center and UNRCCA to address regional security issues alongside SDGs[1][4].
- New Cooperation Program (2026-2030): Kazakhstan has been preparing a new cooperation program with the UN that is centered on empowering individuals, strong governance, sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and social cohesion[5].
In essence, Kazakhstan is actively supporting and collaborating with the UN Regional Centre for SDGs in Almaty through leadership, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive programs that prioritize the twin objectives of regional security and sustainable development.
- The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, emphasized the indispensable role of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) in fostering dialogue among Central Asian countries, as discussed in the recent meeting in Astana.
- The United Nations Special Representative, Kaha Imnadze, extended grateful acknowledgement for Kazakhstan's continuous support of the UNRCCA and its contributions to intraregional dialogue, as stated during the Interregional Dialogue on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones.
- In an effort to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region, Kazakhstan has been actively supporting and collaborating with the UN Regional Centre for SDGs in Almaty, which was endorsed by a UN General Assembly resolution passed on March 4, 2025.
- Kazakhstan is intensifying collaboration between the UNRCCA and the UN Regional Centre for SDGs in Almaty, with a view to addressing regional security issues alongside SDGs, as part of a new cooperation program centered on empowering individuals, strong governance, sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and social cohesion for the years 2026-2030.
