Discussion on Regional Security and Sustainable Development Conducted Between Kazakhstan and UNRCCA
A lively chat in Astana: Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held talks 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). The meet-up took place on April 29, in anticipation of the Interregional Dialogue on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones.
According to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, the duo delved into the keystone areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA. Their conversation touched upon regional security, sustainable development, and joint preparations for upcoming initiatives.
Nurtleu highlighted the pivotal role of the UNRCCA in facilitating discourse among Central Asian nations and assured Kazakhstan’s steadfast dedication to embracing a unified regional agenda.
He referred to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's statements regarding the UN’s indispensable role in mitigating global challenges, especially within the context of mounting geopolitical volatility.
In the spirit of the UN's 80th birthday, Nurtleu reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s backing for the UN80 initiative, an endeavor aimed at revising the organization's role in the modern world. Furthermore, he emphasized Kazakhstan's initiatives to strengthen multilateral cooperation, fortify partnerships with the UN, and adopt regional strategies to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Both parties concurred to bolster collaboration between the UNRCCA and the new UN Regional Centre for the SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. The UN General Assembly validated the centre's establishment on March 4.
Imnadze expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s persistent backing of the UNRCCA, and commended the nation's efforts in fostering intra-regional dialogue. Both sides reiterated their determination to advance shared objectives under the auspices of the UN charter and wished each other prosperous cooperation.
A Look behind the Scenes
Current Collaboration Focus
The teamwork between Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA is geared towards tackling various areas of importance:
- Regional Security: Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA are working diligently to understand and address the regional security challenges, enhancing the success of their preventive diplomacy initiatives in guaranteeing peace and stability throughout Central Asia.
- UN80 Initiative: In celebration of the UN's 80th anniversary, Kazakhstan has pledged support to the UN80 initiative, which seeks to reassess the organization's role amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
- UN Regional Centre for the SDGs: Both parties have committed to enhancing collaboration between the UNRCCA and the freshly established UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Almaty. The center, endorsed by the UN General Assembly resolution on March 4, 2025, aims to speed up the realization of SDGs within the region.
- Recent Developments: Recently, Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA co-hosted a Cross-regional Dialogue on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (PRR) of Returnees from Conflict Zones. This event brought together over 100 officials and civic activists from Central and South-East Asia, Iraq, Morocco, and relevant UN entities to share experiences and fortify regional collaborations in the repatriation and reintegration processes.
Kazakhstan is steadfast in its pursuit of promoting multilateralism and advancing regional methods to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, mirroring its strong belief in the UN's role in fostering peace and development.
- In the meeting in Astana, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), discussed the indispensable role of the UN in addressing global challenges, especially in the context of mounting geopolitical turbulence.
- Nurtleu reaffirmed Kazakhstan's backing for the UN80 initiative, a policy-and-legislation-focused endeavor aimed at revising the organization's role in the modern world, as part of the ongoing collaboration between Kazakhstan and the UNRCCA.
- The duo also agreed to strengthen collaboration between the UNRCCA and the new UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, an important step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.
- The talks between Nurtleu and Imnadze also included a discussion on the general-news topic of regional security, emphasizing their joint preparations for upcoming initiatives to ensure peace and stability in Central Asia.
