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17 October 2025
UN and Kazpost unveil a commemorative stamp for the UN’s 80th anniversary
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17 October 2025
Kazakhstan marks the UN’s 80th anniversary with symphonic gala and unveiling of UN80 commemorative stamp
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03 August 2025
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres pays working visit to Kazakhstan
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Kazakhstan
The UN system in Kazakhstan stands firmly in support of the country’s aspiration to join the ranks of the 30 most developed countries of the world by achieving the OECD standards. We remain convinced that the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs are an excellent instrument that can help Kazakhstan to effectively achieve its development aspirations as articulated in Strategy 2050 and the subsequent reform agenda.
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17 October 2025
Kazakhstan marks the UN’s 80th anniversary with symphonic gala and unveiling of UN80 commemorative stamp
On the occasion of the United Nations Day, Kazakhstan marked the Organization’s 80th anniversary with a festive gala that brought together over 600 attendees from the Government, diplomatic corps, civil society, business, media and youth at the Quanyshbayev Kazakh Drama Theater. Organized by the UN Country Team in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the evening paired a concert by the Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev Academic Symphony Orchestra led by Yernar Nurtazin with the unveiling of a UN80 commemorative postage stamp issued in partnership with Kazpost—honouring eight decades of multilateral cooperation and the UN-Kazakhstan partnership. Opening the ceremony, Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, welcomed guests and underscored the enduring value of collective action for peace, sustainable development and human dignity. “The United Nations remains a force for peace, a guardian of international law, a catalyst for sustainable development, a lifeline for those in crisis, and a lighthouse for human rights. Today’s challenges should not overshadow the tremendous progress the world has made with the UN’s support. The UN’s founding vision—peace and hope—remains as vital today as ever, but the Organization must continue to adapt and reform to stay fit for purpose”, - emphasized UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa. “United Nations remains today a symbol of hope for billions around the globe. As emphasized by the President of Kazakhstan the United Nations stands as an indispensable and irreplaceable pillar of a just and stable international order. Astana is proud to be an active contributor to global dialogue, whether in nuclear disarmament, climate resilience, or regional cooperation. For Kazakhstan, the United Nations is more than an institution. It is a strategic partner, a compass, and a platform where we work together to shape solutions for humanity’s most pressing challenges”, emphasized Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The concert, entitled “Music for Global Goals,” showcased how the universal language of music conveys the spirit of peace, unity and sustainable development. Each piece symbolically echoed the Sustainable Development Goals, inspiring the audience to feel the message of building a just, inclusive and sustainable world. Guests experienced a curated journey spanning Kazakh and global classics alongside orchestral covers of contemporary hits and iconic film scores, with works by Max Richter, John Williams, Adele, Coldplay, Hans Zimmer and Ludovico Einaudi, as well as Kazakh masterpieces by Nurgisa Tlendiyev, Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev and Gaziza Zhubanova. The UN80 commemorative stamp, presented with Kazpost, serves as a visual tribute to unity in diversity and shared progress. Its concept reflects communities—women and men, girls and boys, persons with disabilities and older people—gathered under the symbol of the Peace Dove, an image intended to capture the spirit of the UN and its commitment to harmony and sustainable development. Throughout the evening, brief interludes linked performance blocks to real-world impact across the UN’s pillars in Kazakhstan: Peace, People, Prosperity, Partnership and Planet, highlighting how the UN Country Team works with national partners. The 80th anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the UN’s historic role in advancing multilateral diplomacy while reaffirming its relevance in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.
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17 October 2025
UN and Kazpost unveil a commemorative stamp for the UN’s 80th anniversary
Today a commemorative postage stamp marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations was officially unveiled. The new issue, rich in symbolism and human warmth, is the result of collaboration between the UN and Kazakhstani artists and reflects the core values that guide the Organization’s work. The UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, underlined: “As we mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, we wanted this commemorative stamp to speak not only to institutions but to people’s hearts. Its design portrays a community—families of different ages, professions, and life paths: women and men, boys and girls, persons with disabilities and older people—all united under the gentle symbol of the peace dove. Through this warm image, we aimed to convey the spirit of the UN—unity in diversity and our shared aspiration for harmony and sustainable development.” The Managing Director on postal services of Kazpost JSC, Baglan Orazbai, noted: “This presentation is part of a series of events dedicated to the UN’s anniversary and highlights Kazakhstan’s role as a reliable partner in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. A postage stamp is a unique carrier of meaning—it can tell a story, inspire reflection, and bring people together. We are delighted that the UN’s 80th anniversary stamp was created by Kazakhstani artist Karlygash Ismagulova, with special attention to inclusion, family values, and cultural identity. Her work radiates warmth, accessibility, and humanity.”For many years, Kazpost has supported initiatives that strengthen national identity, advance culture, and foster international cooperation. The company is confident that today’s issue will become an important part of both national and global philatelic records.The anniversary stamp is more than a keepsake—it is an artistic symbol of peace, unity, and the pursuit of a better future. It will be available to collectors and to everyone who wishes to connect with the spirit of solidarity and humanism that has brought nations together under the UN flag for eight decades.Released on 17 October 2025, the UN80 stamp comes as a 9×11 cm sheet with a face value of 900 KZT and a print run of 5,000 copies. The illustration by renowned artist Karlygash Ismagulova pays tribute to UN values while weaving in family warmth and elements of national identity.
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03 August 2025
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres pays working visit to Kazakhstan
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Almaty this morning, marking the beginning of an important visit to Kazakhstan as part of his tour to Central Asia. The Secretary-General was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Mayor of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN Kairat Umarov and UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa. During the bilateral meeting the Secretary-General and the President discussed UN-Kazakhstan cooperation, including the operationalization of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, formalized per decision by the General Assembly. The Host Country Agreement between the United Nations and Kazakhstan, establishing the UN Regional Center for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan was signed by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua.In his remarks, the Secretary-General says that “the Centre represents the opening of a new chapter – for the region and for our collective journey toward the Sustainable Development Goals. It symbolizes a new era of cooperation in Central Asia – grounded in shared priorities and solutions. And it holds great potential for showing how the strong bonds among the region’s leaders can translate into deeper economic integration, for the benefit of all people. I commend President Tokayev for his vision and his leadership in helping to shape this new Central Asia that will become more and more a fundamental power in our world order.” The Secretary-General also met with the UN Country Team in Kazakhstan, composed of 27 UN agencies, funds, and programmes. In his remarks, Mr. Guterres noted: “We are guided by our principles, values, and the United Nations Charter. In Central Asia, there is a significant opportunity to foster regional prosperity and strengthen human capacities. The work being carried out on the ground by the UN Team is commendable. Let us continue advancing together.” In 2024, the country made important steps toward achieving the SDGs with nearly 40 percent of targets either reached or on track. Key reforms included the adoption of the Carbon Neutrality Strategy 2060, a new Social Code, improved digital public services, and stronger protection of vulnerable groups. The UN continues to promote international standards, strengthen evidence-based policymaking, and scale up in-country solutions to help Kazakhstan and the region realize the 2030 Agenda. This visit comes at a critical moment as the world looks ahead to the implementation of the Pact for the Future, adopted by the UN General Assembly at the Summit of the Future in September 2024. The Pact is a landmark agreement encompassing concrete commitments covering sustainable development, peace and security, digital cooperation, and youth inclusion. It sets the stage for a stronger, more inclusive multilateral system equipped to meet current and future challenges. With the United Nations celebrating its 80th anniversary, Kazakhstan’s active support for the Pact reflects its leadership in shaping a multilateral agenda grounded in sustainability, equity, and intergenerational responsibility.
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01 July 2025
UN Global Compact Expands Footprint in Central Asia
ALMATY, 18 June 2025 — The United Nations and key partners marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the UN Global Compact Multi-Country Office for Central Asia, hosted at the UN Plaza in Almaty. The event brought together senior government officials, business leaders, and international organizations to celebrate a new chapter for sustainable business in the region.Opening remarks were delivered by Stephen O’Malley, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Kazakhstan, who emphasized the private sector’s essential role in driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forward. He highlighted the exponential growth of the Global Compact network in Central Asia—from just 7 to over 100 members in two years—as a sign of rising momentum for responsible business and multilateral collaboration.The day featured two dynamic panel discussions:“Sustainable Development and the Role of Business in Advancing the SDGs”, with insights from leaders such as Umut Shayakhmetova (Halyk Bank), Zafar Khashimov (Anglesey Food), and Gauhar Buribayeva, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.“Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Growth”, where executives from Schneider Electric, EY Central Asia, Freedom Holding, and Eldik Bank discussed cross-border partnerships and regional economic integration.A symbolic "Ring the Bell" ceremony marked the formal opening of the office, underlining the commitment to align business practices with global principles on human rights, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance.This new Multi-Country Office reinforces Kazakhstan’s leadership in multilateral solutions and sets the stage for deeper private sector engagement across Central Asia in building a fairer, greener, and more inclusive future.
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29 May 2025
UN at AIF2025: Advancing Multilateralism for a Sustainable Future
ASTANA, 29 May 2025 — The Astana International Forum, one of the world’s leading platforms for multilateral dialogue, officially opened today in Kazakhstan’s capital. The Forum convenes prominent global leaders and experts to identify practical, effective solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges. The United Nations continues to serve as a strategic partner of the Forum, facilitating high-level discussions and coordinating the participation of senior UN officials.This year, UN-led sessions cover a broad range of critical global issues, including the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the modernization of the UN system to address contemporary challenges, the advancement of the Pact for the Future, water security, migration, preparations for COP30, responsible use of artificial intelligence, enhanced energy connectivity, and the strategic role of Central Asia in global problem-solving.The high-level UN delegation includes:• H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations
• H.E. Mr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO
• H.E. Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO
• H.E. Ms. Amy Pope, Director General of IOM
• H.E. Mr. Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General, UNDP Associate Administrator
• H.E. Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology
• H.E. Ms. Roza Otunbayeva, SRSG for Afghanistan, Head of UNAMA
• H.E. Mr. Kaha Imnadze, SRSG for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA
• H.E. Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Opening the Forum’s plenary session, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated:
"Today’s global challenges require collective leadership and a revival of trust among nations. We must act as a united front, strengthening multilateralism and giving it new momentum." FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu noted:
"This year also marks FAO’s 80th anniversary. Food is the foundation of life. We must learn from each other and promote better-coordinated cooperation." In a keynote speech, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized Central Asia’s growing role in shaping collective solutions:
"No country can solve global challenges alone. Today’s leaders are more divided than ever. We must reflect on our shared future. I’m encouraged to see growing momentum for regional cooperation in Central Asia."A special thematic session dedicated to the UN’s 80th anniversary explored next steps in optimizing UN reform and addressed key challenges within the context of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact. Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, stated:
"Rebuilding trust is a core challenge for the UN. The CICA platform, for example, brings together states with historical differences, showing the power of diplomacy. Yet double standards undermine trust: different conflicts are treated differently, weakening the legitimacy of global institutions." Amandeep Singh Gill, USG on Digitalisation, underscored the dual promise and risk of rapid technological advancement. He noted that only 17% of SDGs are currently on track, with 30% of the global population still offline—and even lower rates in Least Developed Countries.
"The Global Digital Compact strengthens commitments to closing the digital divide. This includes infrastructure development, SME support, and global cooperation. AI governance must be inclusive, fair, and transparent. We cannot allow AI to widen existing gaps—between North and South, or men and women." Stephen O’Malley, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Kazakhstan, emphasized:
"For 80 years, the UN has remained the only global platform where countries can come together to tackle shared challenges. But today, we live in an era of uncertainty, complexity, and instability. The Pact for the Future is our opportunity to renew multilateralism and restore global solidarity."The Pact for the Future, along with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, represents a transformative agenda for international cooperation. These initiatives aim to modernize global governance, ensure fair financial architecture, promote digital inclusion, and elevate the voices of future generations in policymaking. Panel discussions brought together leaders from the UN, business, tech, and civil society to explore how to implement these goals through inclusive and innovative solutions. As part of the Forum, the UN also launched an interactive SDG Media Zone—a space for knowledge exchange, visibility of sustainable development efforts, and presentation of the UN Country Team’s priorities in Kazakhstan and beyond. This year, the UN booth celebrates UN80 and the “UN and Me” campaign, showcasing 30 inspiring stories of Kazakhstani beneficiaries from across the country whose lives have been transformed through UN support.The Astana International Forum provides a timely platform for meaningful dialogue and joint action, reaffirming shared commitments to peace, sustainable development, and resilient societies in an interconnected world.
• H.E. Mr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO
• H.E. Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO
• H.E. Ms. Amy Pope, Director General of IOM
• H.E. Mr. Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General, UNDP Associate Administrator
• H.E. Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology
• H.E. Ms. Roza Otunbayeva, SRSG for Afghanistan, Head of UNAMA
• H.E. Mr. Kaha Imnadze, SRSG for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA
• H.E. Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Opening the Forum’s plenary session, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated:
"Today’s global challenges require collective leadership and a revival of trust among nations. We must act as a united front, strengthening multilateralism and giving it new momentum." FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu noted:
"This year also marks FAO’s 80th anniversary. Food is the foundation of life. We must learn from each other and promote better-coordinated cooperation." In a keynote speech, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized Central Asia’s growing role in shaping collective solutions:
"No country can solve global challenges alone. Today’s leaders are more divided than ever. We must reflect on our shared future. I’m encouraged to see growing momentum for regional cooperation in Central Asia."A special thematic session dedicated to the UN’s 80th anniversary explored next steps in optimizing UN reform and addressed key challenges within the context of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact. Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, stated:
"Rebuilding trust is a core challenge for the UN. The CICA platform, for example, brings together states with historical differences, showing the power of diplomacy. Yet double standards undermine trust: different conflicts are treated differently, weakening the legitimacy of global institutions." Amandeep Singh Gill, USG on Digitalisation, underscored the dual promise and risk of rapid technological advancement. He noted that only 17% of SDGs are currently on track, with 30% of the global population still offline—and even lower rates in Least Developed Countries.
"The Global Digital Compact strengthens commitments to closing the digital divide. This includes infrastructure development, SME support, and global cooperation. AI governance must be inclusive, fair, and transparent. We cannot allow AI to widen existing gaps—between North and South, or men and women." Stephen O’Malley, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Kazakhstan, emphasized:
"For 80 years, the UN has remained the only global platform where countries can come together to tackle shared challenges. But today, we live in an era of uncertainty, complexity, and instability. The Pact for the Future is our opportunity to renew multilateralism and restore global solidarity."The Pact for the Future, along with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, represents a transformative agenda for international cooperation. These initiatives aim to modernize global governance, ensure fair financial architecture, promote digital inclusion, and elevate the voices of future generations in policymaking. Panel discussions brought together leaders from the UN, business, tech, and civil society to explore how to implement these goals through inclusive and innovative solutions. As part of the Forum, the UN also launched an interactive SDG Media Zone—a space for knowledge exchange, visibility of sustainable development efforts, and presentation of the UN Country Team’s priorities in Kazakhstan and beyond. This year, the UN booth celebrates UN80 and the “UN and Me” campaign, showcasing 30 inspiring stories of Kazakhstani beneficiaries from across the country whose lives have been transformed through UN support.The Astana International Forum provides a timely platform for meaningful dialogue and joint action, reaffirming shared commitments to peace, sustainable development, and resilient societies in an interconnected world.
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26 March 2025
UN Kazakhstan presents Annual Report 2024
The report takes stock of the progress made in 2024 by the United Nations (UN), together with its many partners, in supporting Kazakhstan to achieve its national priorities and the goals set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development operationalised in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025 (UNSDCF). It further discusses key development trends, emerging issues and their implications for national SDG priorities and provides an overview of what our priorities and ambitions are for 2025.The partnership between Kazakhstan and the UN has continued to strengthen, reaffirming the country’s commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development. In 2024, the UN focused on enhancing policies and capacities for inclusive social services, including healthcare, education, and social protection, while also supporting economic diversification and environmental resilience. To empower people and ensure the realization of human rights, the UN worked closely with the Government, civil society, international partners, private sector, and other key stakeholders.
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Story
26 March 2025
“Now I have hope”
When Viktor* and his family came to Kazakhstan in the early nineties, they were just a few of the thousands of people on the move across the region after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. They settled in the newly independent State with their USSR passports as proof of identity. At just six years old, Viktor was enrolled in primary school in Kazakhstan using his USSR documents, and then he went to secondary school too, and looked ahead to a bright future. But in just one day, his future suddenly darkened when a devastating fire consumed his family’s home, reducing their belongings – including their identity documents – to ashes. While still a teenager at the time, Victor knew straight away that this was going to be a problem. Upon graduation from high school, and yet unsuccessful in restoring his identity documentation, it all became a haunting obstacle. He couldn’t secure formal employment, access healthcare, or even move freely within the country. Without proof of identity or nationality, Victor had no official existence. “You can’t find formal employment,” he said. “Or travel somewhere.” “You can’t find formal employment. Or travel somewhere.” Victor had become one of the hundreds of thousands of people across Central Asia without identity documents and at risk of statelessness. In 2014, nearly 20 years later, there were still over 255,000 people known to be stateless or at risk of statelessness in Central Asia. With no proof of having a nationality or any legal status, they often have difficulty accessing basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of movement. Statelessness strips individuals of basic rights, leaving them in legal limbo, unable to fully participate in society. A Decade of Struggles and Small Victories For years, Victor tried to navigate a world that felt designed to shut him out. Without identity documents, every step forward felt like an uphill climb. It wasn’t until he connected with the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (BHR) – a partner of the UNHCR – that he saw a glimmer of hope. As he was born in a town that is now part of the Russian Federation, the first step was to verify whether he was their citizen, or not. BHR lawyers assisted Victor in submitting his case to the embassy, which ultimately certified he was not considered as a Russian citizen. Armed with this confirmation, he applied to be recognized and documented as a stateless person in Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan, the Government issues “Stateless Person” certificates with which individuals gain limited rights, including the ability to work, access public services, and eventually apply for naturalization. But even with his new status, Victor faced challenges. “They [authorities] see unusual papers and they start to ask questions,” he explained. “Then I have to start explaining that I have an Individual Identification Number, I pay taxes.” Each encounter left him feeling scrutinized and on edge. Despite the difficulties, legislative improvements in Kazakhstan offered a foundation for hope. The country had introduced universal birth registration and Statelessness Determination Procedures, bringing its practices closer to international standards. These changes meant that when Victor’s daughter was born, her mother’s citizenship ensured she was immediately recognized as a citizen of Kazakhstan. A New Beginning: Hope for the Future In 2024, after years of perseverance, Victor’s journey reached a joyful conclusion: he was officially granted citizenship of Kazakhstan. “Now I have hope,” he said. “It was very difficult, a very long time for us to obtain documents. With [identity] papers… I can go anywhere, I can do anything.” “Now I have hope. It was very difficult, a very long time for us to obtain documents. With [identity] papers… I can go anywhere, I can do anything.” Victor’s story is emblematic of broader progress in Kazakhstan. At the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, the Government of Kazakhstan made five pledges, including to reduce the number of stateless persons through naturalization. In July 2024, the government launched a nationwide campaign to identify and assist stateless individuals across the country. As of July 2024, there are 8,019 stateless people in Kazakhstan. The Migration Service Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, together with UNHCR and partners like BHR and Sana Sezim, is helping thousands of people confirm their citizenship and regain their rights. In November 2024, Kazakhstan joined the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in adopting the Ashgabat Declaration on Ending Statelessness in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is ready to join many other UN Member States in acceding to the two UN Statelessness Conventions. The universal implementation of these two Conventions would end statelessness globally within a single generation. For Victor and others like him, the future looks brighter – a testament to the power of determination, legal advocacy, and international cooperation. * Name changed for the privacy of the individual
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26 February 2025
Astana Hosts High-Level Discussion on UN80 and the Future of Multilateralism
A high-level panel discussion dedicated to the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and Kazakhstan’s accession to the organization brought together over 70 representatives from government institutions, the diplomatic corps, the UN, and academia. Participants discussed Kazakhstan’s contributions to global peace, security, and sustainable development, as well as the evolving role of the UN in today’s geopolitical landscape. The event was organized by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Presidential Center of Kazakhstan. The discussion was particularly relevant in the context of implementing commitments outlined in the 2024 Summit of the Future outcome documents, including the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. These initiatives aim to strengthen global cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of the UN in addressing contemporary challenges. “As we mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, we must reaffirm our shared commitment to international cooperation and ensure that global governance structures remain effective and adaptable,” stated Stephen O’Malley, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Kazakhstan. “Kazakhstan has consistently demonstrated leadership in fostering peace and stability, and this discussion is an opportunity to shape a collective vision for the future. The United Nations embodies a fundamental truth: global problems require global solutions. As we move forward, the implementation of the Pact for the Future will be a central priority in 2025, accelerating transformative actions that recognize the diverse circumstances and capabilities of nations, while reinforcing the shared responsibility of all states to do more.” The dialogue underscored the urgent need for stronger international collaboration to tackle pressing global issues such as climate change, digital governance, and security threats. Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan’s engagement with the UN continues to exemplify its commitment to international diplomacy, nuclear disarmament, and sustainable development.Addressing the audience, Akan Rakhmetullin, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan emphasized: “The UN and its successful work in keeping the world out of another large-scale war since 1945 are the result of joint efforts of the nations and the UN’s dedicated service in the name of the international peace and security. Regardless of challenges multilateralism remains a strong leverage against a potential fraction within the international community.” “The multidimensional nature of today's problems compels the world community to search for new solutions that need to be adopted and implemented together to achieve sustainable development, increase universal security and justice in the world in the interests of the well-being of future generations. In these conditions, special hope is placed on multilateral efforts, first of all in the UN format, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary. Kazakhstan, for its part, fully supporting the UN activities, declares the importance of strengthening the role of the middle powers and all developing countries in the UN Security Council. This is a principle position of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev”, - said the Director of the Presidential Centre of Kazakhstan Bakhytzhan Temirbolat. The Pact for the Future includes a strong commitment to closing the financing gap for sustainable development through an SDG Stimulus, urging donors to meet official development assistance commitments and encouraging private sector investment. It also calls for robust social protection systems, fair taxation, and open trade to support global prosperity. The Declaration on Future Generations reinforces the participation of young people in decision-making at national and global levels, supported by the newly established UN Youth Office. Additionally, the Global Digital Compact promotes digital literacy and innovation, empowering young entrepreneurs and strengthening technological governance. To drive these initiatives forward, a new United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies will enhance coordination across the UN system and support member states in navigating the digital transition. Among other esteemed speakers were H.E. Marcel Fortuna Biato, Ambassador of Brazil to Kazakhstan; H.E. Mustafa Kapucu, Ambassador of Turkiye to Kazakhstan; Dr. Botagoz Rakisheva, Director of the Public Opinion Research Institute; and Mr. Dauren Aben, Head of the Department of International Security at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies. Panelists emphasized the importance of the Pact for the Future as a roadmap to enhance the effectiveness of international institutions and ensure that global governance structures remain inclusive, responsive, and capable of addressing the needs of future generations. With a strong support for multilateral diplomacy, Kazakhstan has been a steadfast advocate for nuclear non-proliferation, regional security, and sustainable development since its accession to the UN in 1992. This event served as a platform to reflect on these contributions while fostering dialogue on the future trajectory of the UN’s work in Kazakhstan and beyond.
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Press Release
14 June 2023
FAO conducts a series of trainings to address obsolete pesticides and contaminated soils in Kazakh agriculture
The trainings aimed to equip about 90 participants, including national and regional authorities, inventory teams, and relevant stakeholders, with the knowledge and tools to establish a national inventory of obsolete pesticides and develop effective management and disposal strategies based on the inventory data.
The workshops were organized as part of of the FAO project “Lifecycle Management of Pesticides and Disposal of POPs Pesticides in Central Asian countries and Türkiye” funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Kazakhstan, with its vast arable land covering over 21 million hectares, faces important challenges from the remnants of Soviet-era obsolete pesticides and soil contamination from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The improper management and disposal of these chemicals pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Today, data on the location, type and amount of obsolete pesticides at the country’s 727 pesticide stores is lacking. Also, it must be assumed that there are many additional sites, where pesticides have been buried without proper environmental safeguards.
To address this issue, FAO has developed two methodologies. The first method is appropriate for obsolete pesticides in the packaging in stores, while the second, known as Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA), evaluates potentially contaminated sites. Both methodologies provide the information to assess risks to the environment and health and prioritise risk management measures.
The 3-day training programs conducted by FAO aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of inventory teams and among national and regional governmental authorities. The training covered various topics such as planning the inventory process, risks from obsolete pesticides and health protection measures for the inventory teams, data collection, data processing and storage.
During the training, participants visited former pesticide stores, applying the two methodologies and collecting soil samples for chemical analysis. The participating agencies from four regions (Turkestan, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and Almaty regions) developed work plans and committed to providing administrative and technical support throughout the inventory process.
The training programs received positive responses from local executive state bodies, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and several NGOs. Their active participation ensured the success of the training programs and highlighted the collective commitment to addressing the pressing issues related to obsolete pesticides and contaminated soils in Kazakhstan.
FAO will conduct additional trainings in other regions of Kazakhstan, with inventory work scheduled for 2023. By the end of this year, data from the country as a whole will be gathered. Based on that, FAO anticipates a significant improvement in the understanding and management of obsolete pesticides and contaminated soils in Kazakhstan.
The establishment of a national inventory will provide a solid foundation for developing effective strategies and undertaking practical work to mitigate the risks associated with these hazardous substances. FAO remains dedicated to supporting Kazakhstan in its ensuring a safe and sustainable agricultural sector for the present and future generations.
About the project
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Press Release
14 June 2023
FRIENDS project team conduct successful mission in Kazakhstan
The “Forest Restoration Improvement for Environmental Development and Sustainability in Central Asia” project, also known as FRIENDS, is being executed in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, under the auspices of the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP).
According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, approximately 70 per cent of the country is classified as degraded. Most of the affected areas consist of arid zones composed of saxaul forests, steppes and agricultural land. Land degradation is driven primarily by overgrazing and salinization. In saxaul forests, the main causes of degradation include fuelwood removal, charcoal production and livestock grazing.
In support of the project’s activities, Project Manager Adem Bilgin and FAO Forestry Officer Peter Pechacek undertook a mission to Kazakhstan from 29 May to 1 June 2023, to assess needs for capacity-building initiatives and to visit potential pilot sites for the demonstration of restoration techniques. In addition, a meeting held with the National Project Coordinator (NPC) of the FRIENDS project in Kazakhstan provided an opportunity to update their counterpart on project progress.
Bilgin and Pechacek assessed potential pilot sites in the Akmola region located within the premises of the State Enterprise “Republican Forest Breeding and Seed Centre” nursery. They also inspected potential pilot sites in the Almaty region. Both regions and relevant sites were suggested by the Kazakhstan authorities.
As a result of their visit and assessment, Bilgin and Pechacek confirmed that the project is on course to achieve its objectives. Their mission also contributed to the planning of future activities.
About the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes
The objectives of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes are to provide support to ensure food security, rural poverty reduction and sustainable forest management; to combat desertification; and to preserve ecosystems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and other countries of mutual interest.
Established in 2007, the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP) has benefited from trust fund contributions totalling USD 10 million, financed by the Government of Türkiye and represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. During the first phase of the programme, 28 projects were implemented in 16 countries between 2009 and 2015.
In 2014, Türkiye and FAO commenced the second phase of the FTPP along with the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP), with additional funding of USD 20 million, bringing Türkiye’s total contribution to USD 30 million.
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FAO-Türkiye Forestry Programme gathers speed with Regional Inception Meeting for FRIENDS Project
FAO Forestry Programme
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Press Release
14 June 2023
Study tour showcases best practices for rural development and agricultural cooperatives
The tour took place from June 5 to 8 and included participation in the third Regional Workshop on Integrated Community Development, which was held from June 6 to 8 in Budapest, Hungary.
Several senior ministers and members of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and representatives from academia and think-tanks made up the Kazakhstan delegation.
The study tour showcased good practices in local rural development and agricultural cooperatives in Europe. Participants also had the opportunity to visit notable institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Parliament of Hungary, where they explored various topics such as rural development tools, enhancing cooperative processes, and improving access to public services, and infrastructure in rural areas.
Kazakhstan’s representatives shared valuable insights and gained practical knowledge on increasing competitiveness, promoting entrepreneurship, and developing new types of economic activity in rural areas. They also learned about successful experiences in rural cooperative processes and strategies to enhance access to public services and improve social and economic infrastructure in rural areas.
The highlight of the tour was the third Regional Workshop on integrated community development. This workshop provided a platform to discuss and present the main results of the FAO study on good practices in integrated community development and territorial approaches in Europe and Central Asia, currently in development. The workshop also facilitated the exchange of practical experiences, lessons learned, and different approaches to local rural development, including the EU LEADER approach for non-EU countries.
During the workshop, Nurbolat Kurmetuly, director of the Quality-of-life department of the Economic Research Institute, and Galiya Akimbekova, Associate Professor, Deputy Chair of the Board of the Kazakh Research Institute of Economy of Agro-Industrial Complex and Rural Development, presented their findings on the rural development approaches in Kazakhstan. Their research is especially relevant in light of the recently approved government plan, the “Concept of rural development of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2027,” which aims to develop institutional support, improve the effectiveness of approaches to the development of rural areas, improve the quality of life, and create a comfortable living environment in rural areas.
The study tour and workshop addressed the complex challenges faced by rural communities, smallholders, and family farmers in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The integrated and cross-sectoral approach emphasized during the tour aligns with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting coordinated and coherent solutions for rural transformation, poverty reduction, and inclusive development.
FAO remains committed to supporting local rural development and community development initiatives across the region. By strengthening partnerships with key regional and national actors, FAO continues to advance the concept of integrated community development.
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Press Release
16 March 2023
Kazakhstan shares innovative approaches to advancing gender equality through digitalisation at CSW67
Entitled "Kazakhstan’s experience in applying digitalisation and innovation to accelerate delivery on Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalitions commitments,” the event was hosted on March 9, and was organized by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan with support from UN Women Kazakhstan.
During the side event, government representatives from Kazakhstan presented national achievements in fulfilling the commitments made at the Generation Equality Forum (GEF). In 2021, within the framework of the GEF, Kazakhstan joined two Action Coalitions to address Gender-Based Violence and advance Economic Justice and Rights followed by taking five commitments to close the gaps on gender equality. Kazakhstan’s commitments in the context of the GEF are based on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s policy to end violence against women and girls and promote women’s economic empowerment. During the side event, Kazakhstan highlighted innovative digital approaches in designing and delivering on international promises on gender equality.
One of the approaches highlighted was the regional community and virtual knowledge repository “Act for Equal”, a platform launched to share best practices on gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls in Central Asia, supported by UN Women Kazakhstan. The community is for comprehensive discussions with the participation of representatives of various government agencies, parliamentarians, experts, and civil society from Central Asia and Afghanistan. Since 2021, the regional community of practice convened stakeholders, experts and activists to share their experience in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, as well as the women, peace and security and human rights and gender equality agendas in Central Asia. Thanks to the platform, around 1000 partners have strengthened cooperation and exchanged knowledge and skills.
In addition, Kazakhstan invested in the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme for Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Currently, Kazakhstan ranks 28th in the UN E-Government Development Index and 15th in the E-Participation Index among 193 countries.
“Today Kazakhstan is at the forefront in using technological solutions that improve the quality of life of people. We are creating an ecosystem to enable innovations. The Astana Hub – our flagship for IT startups- offers generous tax incentives, visa support and other benefits to attract young and talented IT specialists from all over the world. The services include access to free acceleration courses with the participation of global mentors, courses in innovative IT schools. The proportion of female staff at the Astana Hub Technopark is 61%, with 63% of women in managerial positions. More than 30% of IT-school students are women,” said Bagdat Mussin, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, in his opening speech.
In order to use innovative and technological approaches, the government of Kazakhstan launched the Digital Family Social Card, designed to facilitate social support to vulnerable groups. The Digital Family Social Card is a digital platform that accumulates data from 24 government agencies, 30 data resources and determines the level of social well-being of citizens to proactively ensure the provision of government services.
"This is a digital platform that presents a 'real picture' of those in need of assistance, and provides measures of state support, conducts constant monitoring of families in difficult situations. This allows us to see the family's problems and send them messages and push notifications with offers of support and services without bureaucracy," outlined Minister Mussin.
UN Women supported the development of the digital platform specifically targeting early prevention and detection of violence within the family and by widening access to special social services for survivors of domestic violence. The methodology for identifying social risks can potentially become the basis for the process of preventing the onset of social risk, including any act of violence against women and identifying people in a difficult life situation. The Digital Social Card will assess and predict the level of vulnerability of the individual through gender-sensitive indicators in 4 areas: health care, education, social services, law enforcement agencies.
Supporting women’s entrepreneurship
Last year, 17 Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Centers (WEDCs) were launched in Kazakhstan across the country, giving women the opportunity to start or expand their businesses. This project of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken” is supported by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of Kazakhstan, UN Women, UNDP, and the Asian Development Bank. The centers, among other types of consultations on access to knowledge, finances and networks, also provides women with the necessary tools and knowledge to digitalize their businesses and establish them on e-commerce platforms.
"The Women Entrepreneurship Development Centers provided a total of 26,386 different services to 9,000 women. A special feature of this project was the provision of services according to the needs of women themselves. Among the training programs, the courses on social media marketing and marketplace business were in particular high demand. Thus, women entrepreneurs and women with entrepreneurial initiative got an opportunity to digitalize their business," said Nurgul Musabekova, coordinator of the Women's Entrepreneurship Development Centers.
Perizat Inkarbayeva, founder of Dignatera, a digital technology center in Karaganda, won a grant from the city's mayor office after receiving training at one of the Women's Entrepreneurship Development Centers. Her project to teach robotics and neurotechnology was recognized as relevant and in demand.
"Thanks to the WEDC, I was trained in social entrepreneurship. Today there are more than 150 children studying at our center, and the income of my business has doubled. The most important is that children have the opportunity to learn digital technology. Our center has been operating for two years now. During these two years we prepared many winners of national and international competitions and created new workplaces for teachers. We are proud to contribute to the development of the city, as the national innovation center of Kazakhstan," said Inkarbayeva.
Also, as part of CSW67, the Kazakhstani digital art exhibition "Behind the door" was launched at the UN headquarters in New York. It is a social art project aimed at combatting domestic violence in Kazakhstan. The language of contemporary art tells five stories of women survivors of violence. The art pieces were created by Kazakhstani women artists, and they are also placed in blockchain format on the NFT platform. The proceeds from their sale will be sent to support centers for women survivors of violence. This project is a social initiative of CITIX, a Kazakhstani company that uses smart solutions and DOOH ecosystems to draw attention to topical social issues. The exhibition is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan with the support of UN Women Kazakhstan.
"At CSW67 the Kazakhstan delegation shared national best practices in using digital technologies for the public good and to support vulnerable groups. Kazakhstan's CSW67 side event showcased the country's key achievements, particularly the use of digital technologies in proactively fulfilling its commitments within the Generation Equality Forum Coalitions on Gender-Based Violence and Economic Justice and Rights. Brilliant works of Kazakhstani artists to raise awareness of the issue of gender-based violence are presented on the global platform and are available to delegates from all participating countries," commented Maria Dotsenko, UN Women Representative in Kazakhstan.
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Press Release
16 March 2023
UN experts agree that Kazakhstan's experience repatriating and reintegrating children and women returned from conflict zones serves as an example for many countries
The European Union, Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNICEF, UN Women Kazakhstan, and the Committee for Children Rights Protection of the Ministry of Education summarized the results of their joint work rehabilitating and reintegrating children, women, and families returned from conflict zones.
During two humanitarian operations, respectively called Zhusan and Rusafa, joint efforts saw 725 people, including 188 women and 522 children, returned to Kazakhstan from conflict zones. Most children were under 12 years old.
"Applying a multi-sectoral approach to the rehabilitation and reintegration of children and women has proven to be effective, which is evident from the results of the programme implemented jointly with international organisations. The individual approach to each child and the prioritisation of children's interests in the provision of state services has enabled positive results to be achieved. We hope that Kazakhstan's experience in general, as well as new approaches and recommendations developed jointly with international organizations, will be useful for professionals both inside and outside the country," said Talgat Kaliyev, the Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In 2021, the Kazakhstan Government, together with UNICEF and UN Women launched a program, co-financed by the European Union, aimed at reintegrating women and children from conflict zones as well as providing children and their families with protection and access to social services and education.
According to Arthur van Diesen, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan, "Kazakhstan is one of the few countries that have repatriated most of its women and children, both from Syria and Iraq. We are very pleased that, in addition to repatriation, the Government of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with international organizations, has done a lot to rehabilitate and reintegrate children and their families. Kazakhstan's experience is very valuable for other countries in the region facing similar challenges. Ensuring the rights and interests of children should be a priority for everyone. Therefore, now our joint task is to make the positive changes that occurred with children and their families within the framework of Kazakhstan’s program sustainable."
The parties first established the National Resource Centre at Eurasian National University to provide general and advanced training to specialists working with these children. This centre allowed experts to communicate and jointly work with regional universities in Atyrau, Karaganda, Pavlodar, Turkestan, Almaty, and Shymkent, where colleagues exchanged experiences on training professional psychologists. Next, the parties established resource groups on education, psychosocial support, and mental health care for children and families within this framework.
More than 250 specialists and practitioners throughout Kazakhstan studied provision of the psychosocial support, legal, and ethical issues arising from the reintegration process, thanks to which, more than 200 children received improved psychosocial and educational services.
Experts also developed and presented the ‘stories between generations’ method of reaching repatriated citizens, which aims to restore lost family and social ties as well as promote responsible citizenship and identity. Through storytelling, older generations share their experiences with children to help teach them the ethics, values, and cultural norms of society in Kazakhstan, including differences between learned and expected behaviours. To date, programme officials trained the first group of teachers and employees from local executive bodies in Shymkent, Karaganda, Zhezkazgan, and Uralsk in this storytelling method. Experts also prepared video lessons to increase the number of trainees and promote the method’s long-term sustainability.
Following the training, experts provided specialists with practical manual on working with children and families returned from conflict zones. The manual contains detailed information on helping repatriated families adapt to their new environment and cope with the psychological trauma, emotional difficulties, and stress associated with past traumatic experiences. Kazakhstani and international experts developed the manual in accordance with international standards and ethical norms, and they included practical case management and psychological first aid recommendations. If necessary, case managers can provide full-fledged consulting services and refer repatriated families for legal aid, medical services, and other assistance.
“Children returned from conflict zones are primarily children. They went through a very traumatic experience that no child should have to face. The European Union is pleased to cooperate with the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNICEF, UN Women, and the Committee for Children Rights Protection as well as with local executive bodies and non-governmental organizations. Our joint efforts not only strengthen the state system of psycho-social services, they improve the lives of children themselves, opening the door to a better future for them,” said Kestutis Jankauskas, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan.
The reintegration and subsequent acclimatisation of children into local society will help protect them from marginalization and discrimination. Meetings, conversations, and stories with returned children and their families using the ‘stories between generations’ framework will allow children to better understand not only their personal histories, traditions, and customs but also help them find their place in family, society and the country.
"The Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the first countries in the world to carry out the unprecedented Zhusan operation, during which more than 500 children were returned to the country. Today we are happy to receive information about their successes and achievements. 51% of children are A- and B-students. 30% of children became participants and winners of various academic competitions and creative contests. We sincerely believe that every child grows up as a proud citizen of the country,” said Nassymzhan Ospanova, Chairperson of the Committee for Children Rights Protection of the Ministry of Education.
“Women and children returned from Syria and Iraq experienced serious violations of fundamental human rights. Children and women among civilians suffer the most in armed conflicts. We, at UN Women, have worked extensively with civil society organizations to incorporate a gender approach into their work with the returnees and their families, as well as strengthened gender-sensitivity of media professionals in covering such conflicts and their consequences”, said Maria Dotsenko, UN Women Representative to Kazakhstan.
Conference participants also presented the main conclusions and recommendations developed using Kazakhstan’s best practice for repatriating and reintegrating children and women returned from conflict zones.
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