State Leader Engages in Discussion with United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres
Kazakhstan Establishes United Nations Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals
In a significant milestone for Central Asia, the first Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been opened in the region, based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The center, known as the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, was formally established in 2025 [2][4][5].
The center aims to support sustainable development and regional cooperation between Central Asia and Afghanistan, addressing key challenges such as gender equality, youth unemployment, climate change, and water shortages.
Key goals and initiatives of the Center include coordinating regional development projects, acting as a hub for regional collaboration, and supporting Afghanistan’s path towards stability and growth. The center also seeks to strengthen regional economies and trade networks, facilitate regional dialogue and cooperation, and manage shared natural resources [1][2][3].
The center was inaugurated through a host country agreement signed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Guterres highlighted that the center represents the start of a new chapter in advancing sustainable development in the region and emphasized the importance of solidarity and shared responsibility [4][5].
During the visit, President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to the fundamental principles of multilateralism, diplomacy, and cooperation. He expressed gratitude for the Secretary-General's visit and appreciated the timely and forward-thinking UN80 initiative. Other relevant topics were discussed during the meeting, including the prospects of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan [1][3].
Kazakhstan, a symbol of peace, a bridge between peoples, and an honest mediator in many situations, is described as a center carrying a message of unity and rapprochement among people. At a time when talk of a clash of civilizations is heard, Kazakhstan demonstrates that dialogue and cooperation between representatives of different religions and cultures are possible [6].
The Secretary-General expressed gratitude for the warm welcome in Kazakhstan and noted Kazakhstan's historic decision to renounce nuclear weapons as a truly outstanding example for the world. Kazakhstan fully supports the UN's reform efforts and shares the priorities [7].
In conclusion, the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan seeks to become a coordinated platform for regional efforts to overcome socio-economic and environmental challenges while fostering peace, stability, and development in the region.
Policy-and-legislation discussions surrounding the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals may include the development of legislation to support regional cooperation and sustainable development in Central Asia and Afghanistan.
General-news outlets might cover the progress of the center in addressing key challenges such as gender equality, youth unemployment, climate change, and water shortages, and its role in fostering peace, stability, and development in the region.
