Discussion on Regional Security and Sustainable Development Between Kazakhstan and UN Regional Centre for Central Asia
In the heart of Astana, a pivotal meeting 🗓️
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Murat Nurtleu, hosted a significant encounter with Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA). This meeting took place on April 29, with the focus on the Interregional Dialogue on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones.
As captured in the Kazakh Foreign Ministry's press service, the discussion centered around key areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA, regional security issues, sustainable development, and prepping for joint initiatives.
Nurtleu emphasized the imperative role of the UNRCCA in fostering dialogue among Central Asian nations and reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to advancing a consistent and meaningful regional agenda. He highlighted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's repeated assertions regarding the UN's indispensable and central coordinating role, especially with the escalating geopolitical chaos.
In light of the UN's 80th anniversary, Nurtleu voiced his support for the global UN80 initiative. This endeavor seeks to rethink the organization's role in today's world and align it more effectively with modern challenges. Additionally, Nurtleu stressed Kazakhstan's commitment to promoting renewed multilateralism, strengthening cooperation with the UN, and developing regional approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Linked to this commitment, both parties agreed to intensify collaboration between the UNRCCA and the new UN Regional Centre for the SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. This center's establishment was approved by the UN General Assembly resolution on March 4.
Imnadze extolled Kazakhstan's ongoing support for the UNRCCA and its contributions to intra-regional dialogue. Both sides pledged their readiness to advance shared goals under the UN mandate and wished each other fruitful cooperation.
Curious about the UN80 initiative and the UN Regional Centre for the SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan? Here's a lowdown:
UN80 Initiative
Launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 12, 2025, the UN80 initiative is part of broader efforts to reform and modernize the United Nations. It aims to improve the UN's effectiveness and cost-efficiency while evaluating current mandates and their implementation. Moreover, it explores deeper structural changes and program realignments to ensure the UN remains relevant in the 21st century.
UN Regional Centre for the SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan
This regional center, centered in Almaty, primarily focuses on supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by facilitating regional cooperation and providing technical assistance. While specific details about its activities or this meeting are scarce, it emphasizes the promotion of sustainable development to improve regional stability and economic growth.
- The Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister, Murat Nurtleu, stressed the UNRCCA's indispensable role in fostering dialogue among Central Asian nations, particularly during the turbulence of escalating geopolitical chaos.
- Nurtleu voiced his support for the UN80 initiative, aiming to rethink the United Nations' role in today's world and align it more effectively with modern challenges.
- Both Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA agreed to intensify collaboration between the new UN Regional Centre for the SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty and the UNRCCA.
- Imnadze praised Kazakhstan's contributions to the UNRCCA and its ongoing support for the UN's policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news agenda, specifically regarding sustainable development and regional security issues.
