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28 November 2023
Driving change: UN and Kazakhstan business join forces towards sustainable development
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23 September 2023
UNICEF and NINETY ONE urge Kazakhstanis to listen to youth
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12 September 2023
UN Mobilizes Diplomatic Corps Ahead of the SDG Summit
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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.
Publication
28 September 2023
Six Transitions: Investment Pathways to Deliver the SDGs
Bold, sweeping and ambitious, the17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all world leaders as essential facets of the sustainable future we want; of a world transformed for the benefit of all humanity. These goals are deeply intertwined – any action taken to achieve one can advance some others. This means an integrated policy approach is needed to achieve the SDGs – one that navigates the synergies and trade-offs in taking a certain line of action. Too much is at stake and transformation is a matter of utmost urgency.
Rooted in the 17 Goals, there are transformative entry points or - key transitions that can have catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs. This includes (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
This brief from the UN Development Coordination Office outlines this integrated approach and the investment pathways to fulfill the 2030 Agenda.
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06 September 2023
UN calls to turbocharge action at landmark 2023 SDG Summit
In the run-up to the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit scheduled during the United Nations General Assembly high-level week on 18-19 September 2023 in New York, the United Nations Office in Kazakhstan hosted the media briefing, bringing together leading media representatives and influencers in Kazakhstan to discuss the imperative issues surrounding sustainable development.
At the mid-way point to 2030, the SDGs are in deep trouble. Only 15% of the targets are on track and some 37% have either seen no movement or regressed below the 2015 baseline. The number of people living in extreme poverty is higher than it was four years ago, and hunger is now back at 2005 levels. It will take 286 years to close gender gaps in legal protection and remove discriminatory laws. For example, in Kazakhstan 10% of the population owns 66% of national wealth, 21.3% of the land is degraded and life expectancy gap between men and women is 8 years. At the same time Kazakhstan is the most urbanised country in Central Asia with almost 62% of the population living in urban areas, has 73% decrease in maternal mortality rate since 1993 and 100% access to electricity.
The SDG Summit will unite Heads of State and Government at the United Nations Headquarters to assess the progress made in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs. The world leaders are expected to make bold global commitments as well as national commitments to SDG transformation. The outcome of the Summit will be a negotiated political declaration.
Addressing the audience, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Michaela Friberg-Storey noted: "Halfway towards the 2030 deadline, the promise of the SDGs is in danger. In Kazakhstan, as in many parts of the world, we stand at a critical juncture. As we gather for the 2023 SDG Summit, we acknowledge the unique challenges we face. We are tasked with not only reigniting our momentum but also forging a resilient path forward. Together, we can turn adversity into opportunity, and through concerted efforts, we can build a future that leaves no one behind”.
Government, media, civil society, the private sector, youth and other stakeholders, all have a key role in the implementation of the SDGs. Their participation will be essential to the success of the SDG Summit and its follow-up. The event participants highlighted the global impact of the SDGs and how achieving these goals can lead to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.
Background information
2023 SDG Summit
The 2023 SDG Summit will be convened on 18-19 September 2023, during the United Nations General Assembly high-level week. Heads of State and Government will gather at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to follow-up and review the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG Summit will be chaired by the President of the General Assembly. The outcome of the Summit will be a negotiated political declaration. This will be the second SDG Summit since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in September 2015. It will build on other major events in 2023, including international conferences on the least developed countries, water, disaster risk reduction and food systems. It will also be a step towards the Summit of the Future to be convened at the United Nations in 2024.
SDG Summit: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/SDGSummit2023
UNGA High-level week: https://www.un.org/en/high-level-week-2023
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15 June 2023
UN at the Astana International Forum: Amplifying Global Dialogue and Cooperation
Last week, the vibrant city of Astana in Kazakhstan hosted the highly anticipated two-day Astana International Forum. This highly anticipated Forum has brought together over 1000 participants from 70 countries: global leaders, policymakers, and influential individuals from diverse disciplines. The United Nations was the strategic partner of the Forum and supported the event by providing high-level speakers and coordinating the participation of several UN agencies.
The participants included notable figures, such as Ms Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General; Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary; Mr Miroslav Jenča, UN Assistant Secretary-General; Ms Ivana Živković, UN Assistant Secretary-General UNDP Assistant Administrator; Mr David Chikvaidze, Chef de Cabinet, UN Office in Geneva and Mr Dmitry Mariyasin, UNECE Deputy Executive Secretary.
The primary objective of the event was to facilitate an inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue, fostering collaboration and shaping the trajectory of humanity's future. Under the overarching theme of "Tackling Challenges Through Dialogue: Towards Cooperation, Development and Progress", the Forum served as a dynamic platform for exchanging insights, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and deliberating on effective strategies to address urgent global concerns. During the two-day event, the Forum participants discussed the UN’s role in ensuring peace and security, advancing women’s leadership, financing the green transition, and issues regarding the 2030 Agenda.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the Forum participants via video message:
“Global leaders must act now to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals, reform an unfair financial architecture and address common threats at a series of important summits starting with the SDG Summit in September. Building on these, the Summit of the Future next year will consider how to take forward many of the proposals of our Common Agenda, and the Astana International Forum provides a new opportunity to discuss these issues and try to collaborative, sustainable and innovative solutions for all”.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, opening the Forum, proposed to the global community to hold a Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under the UN auspices and other international organizations to facilitate dialogue and find adequate solutions to climate change. He also emphasized the UN’s exceptional role in strengthening peace and ensuring security. The President stressed the need to carry out a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, noting the importance of its expansion.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General continued to focus on climate issues, stressing the importance of safeguarding water resources and glaciers in Central Asia. In this region, glaciers have shrunk by 30% over the past 50 years, due to climate disruption. Azoulay called for greater scientific cooperation, risk assessment and early warning systems enhancement.
Shaping a Better World: the UN's Role Amidst Global Challenges
Specific panel sessions of the Forum focused on the UN’s Role in ensuring peace and security, as well as whether the Organization needs to be reformed.
“The UN was created after the Second World War. The situation at that time was completely different. But the structures today are the same. So, definitely, reform is not only needed, it’s long overdue”, said ASG Miroslav Jenča.
The participants proposed that greater interaction between the UN Secretariat and member states is crucial. All the experts agreed that global challenges require global solutions.
Another dimension of discussions highlighted women empowerment issues. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, supported the idea that women should be more active in and around peace negotiations and the security field, as they can bring a tangible impact on peacekeeping environments, helping to protect women’s rights and support the role of women in building peace.
Speakers highlighted the importance of joint initiatives to combat sexual and gender-based violence, which is the key to unlocking many other issues related to women’s and girls’ empowerment. In this regard, activities of the EU-UN joint Spotlight Initiative Regional Program for Central Asia and Afghanistan were highlighted, which is spearheading efforts to combat gender-based violence.
SDG Media Zone - Where Communication Meets Sustainable Development
Moreover, the UN organized The SDG Media Zone on the sidelines of the event, designed to share information and knowledge on sustainable development, global and local activities of the UN entities and priorities of the UN Country Team’s work in Kazakhstan. Over 40 Forum participants have joined the conversation in the SDG Media Zone on the transformation and solutions needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda and hear how the global community are accelerating progress towards this goal.
UN high-level officials visited the SDG Media Zone and shared their views on accelerating the 2030 Agenda: H.E. Armida Alisjahbana, USG and ESCAP Executive Secretary, David Chikvaidze, Chef de Cabinet UNOG, Dmitry Mariyasin, UNECE Deputy Executive Secretary.
H.E. Armida Alisjahbana noted that Kazakhstan should prioritize SDGs with multiplier effects in its implementation: “I would say that the SDG goal of quality education will have the greatest impact, with a multiplier effect on other SDGs such as health, gender, and hunger. SDGs should involve everyone, not just the government. Media is vital in promoting SDG ideas because they allow direct engagement with the audience”.
Among the honorary guests were also President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Margareta Cederfelt, prominent journalists Richard Quest (CNN), Ali Aslan (ex-CNN), Ambassador Barlybay Sadykov, etc.
“SDGs represent the way forward, acting as a window to the future. It is crucial for all of us to strive towards implementing them in our daily lives, making conscious choices regarding the transport we use, the food we consume, and various other aspects”, concluded Margareta Cederfelt.
There has also been a significant response from stakeholders, including international organizations, business, civil society, academia, youth and others, who, through a wide range of actions and initiatives, have identified entry points to advance SDGs implementation. The United Nations system has also been undergoing the deepest reform in decades to better respond to the paradigm shift at the heart of the 2030 Agenda.
Beyond the stage, the Astana International Forum unfolded as a captivating marketplace of ideas. The Forum served as a significant platform for global leaders, policymakers, and experts to come together and engage in constructive dialogue on the eve of the SDG Summit, which will take place on 18-19 September at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Through robust discussions, the Forum aimed to foster international cooperation, development, and progress in tackling the pressing challenges facing our world.
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30 November 2023
Driving change: UN and Kazakhstan business join forces towards sustainable development
On 28 November the panel discussion "Kazakhstan Business for Sustainable Development" organised by the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan aimed to enlighten the business community about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kazakhstan's strides in reaching them, and to enhance the UN's collaboration with the business sector in championing the sustainable development. Notable attendees included Vice-Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Abzal Abdikarimov and Hepsiburada Group's General Manager Emin Imer, alongside over 60 representatives from Kazakh government agencies, the business community, UN partners, and Global Compact members such as Samruk-Kazyna, Baiterek JSC, NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC, Kazpost JSC, NC KazakhExport, Halyk Bank, CenterCredit Bank, Jusan Bank, Freedom Finance, and others.
The insufficient role of business in achieving the SDGs is one of the reasons why the gap between what humanity planned to achieve by 2030 and the current level of achievements is still quite large. Already now, many experts argue that without acceleration of efforts, many of the Goals will not be achieved. According to the SDG Index, Kazakhstan ranks 66th out of 166 countries in achieving the SDGs.
During the event, Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, emphasized: "Our collaboration with UN Global Compact in Kazakhstan has been exceptional, and today's gathering is another testament to that. We are fortunate to have a diverse array of individuals and organizations who grasp that sustainable development is not merely a moral obligation but a strategic advantage. Sustainable business practices are no longer a choice, they are a necessity, a path towards resilience, competitiveness, and long-term success".
The UN has moved away from donation-based partnerships to building more strategic business relationships. Business plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, stimulating innovation to address social challenges and actively participating in the fight against climate change. Today 52 companies from Kazakhstan are members of the UN Global Compact.
Government, media, civil society, the private sector, youth and other stakeholders, all have a key role in the implementation of the SDGs. The event participants highlighted the global impact of the SDGs and how achieving these goals can lead to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. Participants acknowledged that the private sector has a critical role to play in achieving the SDGs.
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26 September 2023
UNICEF and NINETY ONE urge Kazakhstanis to listen to youth
ASTANA, September 23, 2023 - Today, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) held the UNICEF Talks Youth Conference in the Kazakh capital city in public talk format. The slogan for the annual event dedicated to youth and organized for young people was “Jastar Üni,” Voice of Youth. It aimed to provide children and young people with an open platform where they could freely express their opinions on all issues concerning their rights and interests.
"At UNICEF, we believe in the voice of young people and strive to make that voice heard. For nearly thirty years, UNICEF has been working in Kazakhstan to ensure that all children’s rights are fulfilled. In addition to the fundamental rights to education, health care, and life in a loving family, there is a lesser-known right – the right to freely express one’s own opinion on all issues concerning children. Here, at UNICEF Talks, this right becomes a reality,” Laetitia Bazzi-Veil, OIC Representative of UNICEF in Kazakhstan, said in her speech.
National UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors in Kazakhstan, members of the band NINETY ONE, headlined the event. They shared their personal stories and experiences dealing with bullying and discussed how youth can successfully overcome this challenge.
“We know from our own experience how difficult and painful it is to face and deal with bullying. Dealing with bullying at a young age without support can be extremely difficult. That’s why it was important for us to participate in UNICEF Talks and support all the young speakers. Many of them spoke publicly for the first time and were not afraid to share their concerns. I am sure that their stories and experiences will help other young people overcome similar challenges. I also believe that their words will be heard by adults who have the power to change the situation for the better so that every child in Kazakhstan has a happy future and equal opportunities,” said Zaq, NINETY ONE’s lead singer.
Together with NINETY ONE, the conference featured 16 speakers, ranging in age from 11 to 23, representing schools and universities from different regions of Kazakhstan. Their inspiring stories and experiences in overcoming current challenges were valuable motivational sources for everyone present.
More than 200 people attended the event, including representatives from Kazakhstan’s central government agencies, diplomats, the media, and the general public.
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14 September 2023
UN Mobilizes Diplomatic Corps Ahead of the SDG Summit
In anticipation of the landmark 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, scheduled to take place on 18-19 September 2023 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the United Nations Office in Kazakhstan convened a high-profile briefing attended by over 50 representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Kazakhstan. This event conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan and the Economic Research Institute, gathered participants to delve into critical issues pertaining to sustainable development. The event stressed the critical need for bold and transformative action at the local level.
As we reach the halfway point towards the 2030 deadline, the SDGs find themselves at a crossroads. Recent assessments indicate that a mere 15% of the targets are on track, while approximately 37% have either made no progress or have regressed below the 2015 baseline. Under current trends, 575 million people will still be living in extreme poverty in 2030, closing gender gaps is projected to take almost 300 years. For instance, in Kazakhstan, wealth distribution remains skewed, with 10% of the population holding 66% of the national wealth. Furthermore, 21.3% of the land is suffering from degradation, and a considerable 8-year life expectancy gap persists between men and women. However, it is worth noting that Kazakhstan boasts a 73% decrease in maternal mortality rate since 1993 and is the most urbanized country in Central Asia with 62% urban population.
The upcoming SDG Summit is poised to unite Heads of State and Government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the progress made in realizing the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs. The world leaders are expected to unveil ambitious global commitments alongside national pledges towards SDG transformation. The culmination of the Summit will be a negotiated political declaration.
In her address to the distinguished audience, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Michaela Friberg-Storey, emphasized: "Progress toward the SDGs is slow everywhere, but it's obvious that the world's most vulnerable are suffering the most because we haven't succeeded together. But despite setbacks, change remains possible. At the Summit, in addition to the political declaration, we'll also encourage countries to make voluntary commitments for actions that will speed up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Kazakhstan, like many other places, is at a crucial point. We need countries to more actively engage the SDGs in their plans, policies, and strategies for development. This is how we'll create a unified and effective approach to sustainable development”.
Government, media, civil society, the private sector, youth and other stakeholders, all have a key role in the implementation of the SDGs. Their participation will be essential to the success of the SDG Summit and its follow-up. The event participants highlighted the global impact of the SDGs and how achieving these goals can lead to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.
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03 July 2023
Uniting for Progress: EU and UN Support the Launch of the Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence
The Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence was officially launched on 27 June in Almaty as part of the United Nations Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme for Central Asia and Afghanistan generously supported by the European Union. This groundbreaking initiative aims to combat gender-based violence while advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) on gender equality. The Alliance seeks to advocate for gender equality, strengthen civil society, and create a platform for knowledge-sharing and expertise to prevent and address gender-based violence in the region. More than 70 representatives from the EU, UN, Central Asian countries, diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, media and youth associations came together for the launch event.
Gender-based violence is a threat to the well-being and human rights of women and girls globally. According to the UN data, 1 in 3 women and girls in Central Asia have experienced violence at some point in their lives. The Alliance's ultimate goal is to create an environment of zero tolerance for gender-based violence, benefiting an estimated 35 million women and girls in the five Central Asian countries.
Addressing the audience, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Mr. Kestutis Jankauskas noted: “People in Central Asia are proud of their traditions, and violence against women was never part of it. Building on that, European Union, Central Asian countries and the UN partners work together to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. We unite forces under the Spotlight Initiative, and we are launching Central Asian Alliance to end Sexual and Gender-based Violence which will help us all to move towards more modern and fair societies”.
During the event, participants shared insights into their work and discussed the challenges they face in addressing violence against women and girls. The establishment of the Alliance marks a significant milestone and is one of the key achievements of the Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme. Since its launch in 2020, the Programme has made remarkable progress, including conducting regional studies that focus on the involvement of the health, social and police sectors in the Multi-Sectoral Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Among other successful achievements, it has also produced five country reports on architecture of response to gender-based violence, raised awareness on gender equality and healthy masculinity among 7 million people in Central Asia, provided gender-sensitive writing training to 130 journalists from 6 countries, and facilitated the formation of a regional network comprising over 500 civil society actors.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey emphasized: “Today marks an important milestone in our collective efforts with the EU towards ending violence against women and girls in Central Asia. The Alliance will be linked with other regional and national initiatives and coalitions, which already exist. We encourage all partners in the region to join this significant effort to end gender-based violence. By working together, we can harness our collective strength to challenge harmful norms, enhance protection mechanisms, and ensure access to justice and support services for survivors”.
The launch of the Central Asian Alliance as part of the Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme signifies a strong commitment to upholding the principles of human rights, equality, and justice. It exemplifies the EU and UN's shared dedication to achieving the transformative vision outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Together, the EU and UN, along with their regional partners, are paving the way towards a future where women and girls in Central Asia can live free from violence and discrimination. The Central Asian Alliance will serve as an inspiring beacon of hope, encouraging other regions to emulate its model and contribute to the global movement towards gender equality.
The Spotlight Initiative Regional Program for Central Asia and Afghanistan is part of a global initiative funded by the European Union in over 25 countries and 6 regions addressing different forms of violence against women and girls as well as harmful practices. The Initiative is coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan and is implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women.
Background
The Spotlight Initiative is the world’s largest dedicated effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030. Since 2016, it has been implemented as a global multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations. Today the Spotlight Initiative is 25 country and 6 regional programmes across the globe. In Central Asia and Afghanistan the Spotlight Initiative focuses on employing innovative approaches to understand, prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices. The EU financed Programme (US$ 5.3 million) operates within 5 pillars: legal, institutional, social norms, data and civil society. Find out more on www.spotlightinitiative.org
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02 June 2023
"Reuse. Recycle. Reduce": UN and Halyk join forces to protect the environment
Today Almaty hosted the sustainable fashion and art event "Reuse. Recycle. Reduce" on the eve of World Environment Day. The event was organized by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan, attracting a wide audience and inspiring participants to join the global fight against plastic pollution.
During the event, which took place at the Halyk square, guests enjoyed unique exhibition of art installations by Moldakul Narymbetov and Said Atabekov created from recycled materials. These works of art have vividly demonstrated the various problems associated with the use of plastic and its impact on the environment. One of the highlights of the event was the show of a collection of clothes created by young designers on the principle of upcycling. These creative outfits embodied the idea of reusing and recycling materials, illustrating the potential of sustainable fashion to help save the environment.
Addressing the guests of the event, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Michaela Friberg-Storey noted: “We are convinced that art and fashion have great potential to create change and raise awareness. The art installation exhibition and fashion shows allowed us to see how creativity and innovation can lead to the sustainable use of resources and the reduction of waste. The scourge of plastic pollution is a visible threat that affects every community around the world. We invite all sectors, from governments and businesses to civil society, to come together to find and support solutions. Together we can achieve positive change and create a sustainable and green future for us and for future generations.”
The importance of personal responsibility and joint efforts to preserve the environment was emphasized by Umut Shayakhmetova, Chair of the Board of the Halyk Bank:
“Halyk conducts its business, not only focusing on high financial performance, but also strives to be a socially and environmentally responsible Bank. We have become the first Kazakh bank to publish an ESG report in accordance with international GRI standards and join the UN Global Compact. We were the first to provide financing under the Green Lending Agreement. Feeling proud of the successes already achieved, we continue to work in this direction and call on our clients, colleagues and partners to join forces to build a more environmentally friendly and conscious society. We are inspired by the confidence in the correctness of the chosen goals and the desire to achieve the best results. Today, we are pleased to welcome all the guests of the event and talented designers who bring a fresh look to the topic of sustainability and reuse.”
Another important element was the performances of young Kazakh artists (Adel Bilyalova, Aruzhan Zhumabek, Daria Nurtaza, Zainap Balagudinova, Medina Bazargali), who performed for the first time as a Jip-Jinamé club.
“World Environment Day 2023 is an opportunity to once again call on governments, the private sector and industry to invest more and implement solutions to stop plastic pollution. Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to the health of both humanity and the planet. It contributes to a triple planetary crisis - climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and waste. The theme of this World Environment Day will show possible ways to stop plastic pollution and move towards a circular economic model,” concluded Aidai Kurmanova, Head of UNEP in Central Asia.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of World Environment Day by the UN General Assembly in 1972. More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually in the world, half of which is intended for single use. Of these, less than 10 percent is recycled. An estimated 19-23 million tons end up in lakes, rivers and seas every year. Discarded or incinerated single-use plastic harms human health and biodiversity and pollutes all ecosystems from mountain tops to the ocean floor.
"Reuse. Recycle. Reduce" provided an opportunity for Kazakhstanis to be inspired and make their contribution in confronting the problem of plastic pollution. The event reaffirmed the importance of the #BeatPlasticPollution international call and highlighted the need to make sustainable and responsible decisions in everyone's daily lives.
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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.
LINKS:
Introductory Project Flyer
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
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
17 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
27 April 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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