When these materials break down, they release pollutants that harm our health and speed up climate change.A UNEP report says that by 2050, solid household waste will reach 3.8 billion tonnes. Waste is the third-largest human-made source of methane, making up about 11 percent of global methane emissions.Sources: 1) Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2) Methane emissions (European comission: Energy, Climate change, Environment), 3) What a Waste: A Global Review of Solid Waste Management (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2012-03) Hoornweg, Daniel; Bhada-Tata, PerinazKazakhstan currently ranks near the bottom in global waste recycling statistics, placing 175th out of 179 countries assessed, with a recycling rate of only 3.8 percent. To ameliorate this situation and address the negative consequences of ineffective waste management, the country has begun to use GPS tracking for garbage trucks, increased penalties for illegal dumping, offered special loans for recycling equipment, launched the ‘EcoQoldau’ program for certain businesses, and begun projects to utilize landfill gas.Illegal dumping remains a major environmental problem in both cities and rural areas. This happens when there is no organized system for managing waste, if local authorities do not have sufficient capacity to monitor, and when people are insufficiently aware of the environmental issues that result from improper waste management. The trouble with illegal dumping is larger than solely greenhouse gasses. Waste also pollutes soil and groundwater, which harms plants and animals and can contribute to disease transmission. Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Madina KakimzhanovaDespite these challenges, solutions are possible. In the village of Aksu in southern Kazakhstan’s Sairam district, one illegal dump became the start point for real change. A local resident, Vladislav Golyarko, built a functioning local waste management system. He is not an environmentalist by profession, but he cares deeply about the issue. Vladislav turned a problem into a resource, engaged the community, and created a model that could work across the country.“We lived on the first floor of an apartment building, and our windows faced an illegal dump. The stench was awful, and animals roamed constantly. Residents of our building and neighbouring ones kept adding to it, and the pile grew larger and larger. I started looking for ways to clean up the dump, organize it, and ultimately change the approach to waste disposal,” Vladislav recalls.Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Samat MyrzaliyevHe has experienced hardship himself. In the early 1990s, a very difficult time in Kazakhstan, his mother lost her job and could not support him. To make sure he survived, she had to send him to an orphanage, where he stayed for two years.“My mother raised me alone. At that time, there was no work, no money, no food. It was so hard to survive that she made the difficult decision to send me to an orphanage. There, I studied in grades 4 and 5. Later, I returned to my school, graduated, and joined the army. That experience deeply influenced my life,”Vladislav says.Today, he is an environmental activist, entrepreneur, and founder of the public association ‘Istoki Dobra’ (‘Sources of Good’). Over time, he has made his idea a reality and helped numerous members of his community.It all started when he joined the youth NGO ’Alpamys’ which, with international grant support, organized community events.“After the army, I came back home. My mother, who worked as a journalist for a local newspaper, told me about an NGO recruiting volunteers, including former residents of an orphanage. I signed up and began helping organize sports events. At the same time, I worked as a security guard. Gradually, I got involved in community work, attended many trainings on how to distinguish goals from tasks, defend projects, write grant applications, and present ideas,”Vladislav explains.In 2017, he registered his own public association. Its mission was to collect and recycle waste, thereby making life better in the village. That’s when Vladislav thought of turning the dump into a marketplace for recyclables, like a hub for secondary raw materials. First, he had to set up collection points and put up fences and containers. Vladislav applied for a grant from the Small Grants Programme of the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme. Upon receiving funding, his team started working.“You can’t solve this problem alone, you need to involve residents. But few will sort waste just for the sake of it, so I proposed a system where people benefit, for example, financially. After installing special containers, people began separating plastic, glass, and paper. We collected everything for recycling. The money from recyclables went to the building’s account and was used for repairs, landscaping, and cleaning,” he says.At first, the villagers were unsure, but when they saw actual payments begin flowing, they got involved. Next, Vladislav suggested making apartment buildings more energy efficient. They used the money earned to install LED lights in the hallways, which fixed the lighting problem.After the project succeeded in one village, Vladislav wanted to expand it to the whole Sairam district. This led to the creation of a mobile app.Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Samat Myrzaliyev“We launched the app last year. It works like a taxi service: businesses that accept waste and residents who have accumulated waste find each other. A resident uploads a photo and a request, and the company then collects it. The price ranges from 25 to 30 tenge per kilogram (≈US$0.04-0.05). Later, companies clean the waste and sell it to factories for about 100 tenge (≈$0.20),” he explains.Now, in addition to apartment buildings, about 1,000 people and more than 170 businesses in the district take part, including 11 schools. The largest initiative is at a local school named after M. Gorky, which has 2,300 students. Each week, Vladislav collects cans, glass, notebooks, and paper. The school has used the money earned to install LED lights everywhere.“We need to change behaviour and attitudes toward waste. Patriotic slogans alone don’t work. You have to lead by example, create conditions and infrastructure that make sorting the norm. Only then does culture change.”With his partners, Vladislav expanded the project. Now paper, metal, plastic, and glass are all sorted and sent to recycling plants. Today, 12 people work in the production site, where they clean, press, and prepare the waste for shipping.“We prepare waste carefully for recycling. Dry, clean paper costs more, so we remove tape, staples, and strings from boxes. We plan to collect and send for recycling over 320 tonnes of wastes this year,” Vladislav shares.He wants to turn the project into a ‘green’ budget, where recycling generates revenue to help cover waste collection costs. Vladislav’s idea is that one company would collect recyclables from homes or sorting points, and another would collect non-recyclables. The sorted materials are then sold to factories, made into new products, and the profits are shared among recyclers, local authorities, and residents.“I hope such a system will be implemented at the state level. This transformation will reduce landfill pressure and local budget strain, while increasing separate waste collection. People will be able to live sustainably—if they meet sorting norms, they won’t have to pay for waste removal. Local authorities can direct part of the proceeds to waste collection companies and part to the local budget,”Vladislav says.For Vladislav, this is more than just a recycling project. It’s a way of life. “The system we built in the district works: residents are engaged, waste is sorted, resources return to the economy. I want these models included in state programs, especially in rural areas. They don’t require billions but deliver real results.” Local Action = Global Impact           SGP has been providing financial and technical support to civil society and community-based organizations at the local level to drive initiatives that address global environmental issues while improving livelihoods for over 30 years. Since 1997, it has supported 374 projects throughout Kazakhstan in the areas of biodiversity, land degradation, climate change, chemicals and waste, and international waters.For more details on SGP’s work in the country, visit the SGP Kazakhstan page.For information on SGP’s global portfolio, visit the global SGP website.

The United Nations Country Team and the Government of Kazakhstan convened today for the Joint Steering Committee meeting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Assan Darbayev, Vice Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan. The session brought together the United Nations Country Team, representatives of national ministries and government institutions, civil society organizations and academia. The Steering Committee reviewed the results of the 2021–2025 Cooperation Framework cycle and presented key achievements for 2025, marking the conclusion of the five-year implementation period. Over 2021–2025, the United Nations delivered nearly USD 172.5 million in programmatic support in Kazakhstan. The Government of Kazakhstan remains the largest contributor to UN programming in the country, providing nearly one-third of total funding — a testament to strong national ownership and partnership. In her remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa emphasized the strength of the partnership and national leadership: “Kazakhstan has made remarkable progress towards achieving the SDGs with nearly 40% SDG targets achieved or on track, well above 18% global average. These results are, in fact, the Government’s results, where the United Nations provided support. This demonstrates strong national ownership and close alignment of our work with national priorities. The Cooperation Framework remains a vital tool to guide our joint action, ensure policy coherence, and mobilize resources where they are most needed.” Significant progress was highlighted across social, economic, environmental and governance areas. In social protection, the UN provided policy support to the development of the Social Code, contributed to the adoption of a new poverty measurement methodology based on median income, and supported the integration of multidimensional child poverty indicators into the Digital Family Card. These reforms strengthened the targeting and effectiveness of social assistance systems. In health, the UN supported the adoption of an immunization plan covering 5.6 million children, expanded the rollout of HPV vaccination, and facilitated the procurement of medicines, including treatments for rare and orphan diseases, benefiting over 11,000 people and generating approximately USD 10 million in savings. Vaccines and HIV-related supplies worth USD 5.6 million were also procured. Digital transformation remained a cross-cutting priority. The UN supported digitalization in social services, health, migration governance, agriculture, and education, including online safety initiatives reaching more than 900,000 children. Institutional strengthening efforts included support for justice sector reform, crime prevention, anti-money laundering, cybercrime response, and measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. In the environmental and economic sectors, the UN supported the development of the Carbon Neutrality Strategy and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), piloted innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds and auction systems that mobilized over USD 1 billion in external financing, and contributed to expanding protected areas to 9.65% of Kazakhstan’s territory. The meeting also presented the structure and priorities of the new Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030, signed last year. The new cycle is structured around four strategic pillars: Empowered People and Strong Institutions; Resilient and Inclusive Economy; Sustainable Environment; and Strengthened Social Cohesion. Under the new Cooperation Framework the UN and Kazakhstan will prioritize several flagship initiatives. These include improving digital public services and the responsible use of AI, promoting green and inclusive economic growth with expanded livelihood opportunities for vulnerable groups, turning national climate commitments into practical regional action, and empowering women and youth to strengthen social cohesion and access to justice. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to deliver practical, people-centered results in line with national priorities. The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to advancing shared priorities under the new Cooperation Framework cycle. The United Nations Country Team remains firmly committed to supporting the people and the Government of Kazakhstan in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future. 

The eyes of Aishagul Duganova, a 48-year-old mother of three, light up as she talks about her new greenhouse, which is bringing with it a new stability amidst her family's health problems and money troubles.In the village of Koram, around 150 kilometers east of Almaty in Kazakhstan, Aishagul's life has been marked by her husband’s debilitating injury and the severe illnesses of her elderly parents-in-law.With her family completely reliant on her, Aishagul was caught between the demanding care they required and the necessity to earn money; yet she was unable to take advantage of work opportunities too far from home.Before her husband's accident, Aishagul worked with him in the field, and they sold their produce in local markets. But as his condition worsened, she could no longer leave him alone, pushing the family into a cycle of debt to cover medical expenses and sustain their children."Every day, I had to make a choice— care for my sick family or leave them behind to work. It was a choice no one should have to make," Aishagul shares, her voice tinged with the fatigue of years of caregiving.A turning point came when Aishagul's sister-in-law, aware of her dire situation, introduced her to a greenhouse harvesting training programme. This initiative was part of the broader Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) project, known as CACILM-2, and funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).Among its objectives, the project equips rural women in Kazakhstan with the skills and resources to adopt sustainable farming practices and make a living from agriculture. Thanks to the training course provided by FAO’s partner, the Local Community Foundation of Enbekshikazakh District, Aishagul has improved her vegetables and produce-growing skills, allowing her to independently cultivate food. Pavel Kavunov, an agronomist working at the Foundation, explained the training offered by the project: "We focused on practical, climate-smart agriculture techniques that ensure these women can produce quickly and sustainably.”He imparted information on the characteristics of seedlings, their root systems and important aspects to consider during planting. “It’s about giving them the tools and the knowledge to succeed on their own terms," he added.This local expert presence ensures that the women farmers are not only trained but also have continual access to advice and problem-solving techniques, which is vital for the sustainability of their agricultural activities.FAO also worked with Aishagul and nine other women to install 100 square metre, tunnel greenhouses on their lands. This collaboration has empowered them to cultivate vegetables all year-round in their backyards, opening the door to economic independence and lasting stability.As the women learn to manage their micro-farms, they are supported by a network of agronomists and coordinators, such as Bakytgul Yelchibayeva, who assist them in connecting with local markets and buyers. "Our goal is to go beyond providing initial support by creating a lasting infrastructure that enables these women to thrive independently,” she explains.Aishagul is now making the most of her new greenhouse, growing cucumbers and other vegetables to support her family. "This greenhouse has changed everything. It allows me to be with my family when they need me and still provide for them," she explains. Encouraged by her success, Aishagul hopes to build a sustainable farm that also helps other women in her community learn and grow together. In addition to the greenhouse, the project supported women farmers with tillage materials and cucumber seeds. Together, the women sold 3 992 kilograms of produce, earning roughly double what they would typically make. The boost in income from this extra produce helped improve the lives of 64 people, strengthening their community's farming efforts.The CACILM-2 project is providing targeted training, resources and coaching to rural communities in Central Asia, addressing several critical barriers such as inadequate job opportunities and lack of information. Moreover, through partnerships with local foundations and experts, participants forge connections with local markets and introduce their products to potential buyers, ensuring a reliable outlet for their produce.By empowering rural women with the tools and knowledge to undertake agricultural ventures, FAO is promoting equality of opportunity, enhancing their economic stability and independence.

At 73 years old, Tynyshbay Dossymbekov is not a typical retiree. Instead of spending his days in quiet solitude, he made a choice to volunteer with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Tynyshbay joined a team of experts working on the development of the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve, a project under the UN’s environmental protection initiative. To him, age is no barrier, and what truly matters is compassion and commitment. That's precisely what he's doing as a UN Volunteer.Intergenerational volunteering is a unique opportunity for people of different ages and experiences to come together and lift their communities. Despite his age, what Tynyshbay brings to the table is unique—a wealth of experience and a deep passion for conserving nature.Tynyshbay was born in the village of Bakbakty, located in Almaty’s Balkhash District, which is named after Lake Balkhash, one of the largest lakes in Asia. His professional journey began as a driver, but soon he enrolled at the Veterinary University and specialized in zoo-engineering. After graduation, Tynyshbay was assigned to the Bakanas Sheep Breeding State Farm in the Balkhash District. His innovative approach quickly led to his appointment as team leader of a youth livestock brigade."At that time, livestock farming was considered a core industry. We formed youth teams and raised a young generation under new conditions."At 34, he became the director of the local State Farm, transforming it into a profitable operation within three years by introducing efficient leasing and subcontracting systems. In 1991, he was appointed Head of the District Department of Agriculture and Food, and a year later, he became Akim (Governor) of Balkhash District. Over the next 16 years, he held various senior management positions, including Akim of Kerbulak and Koksu Districts in the Almaty Region.On his birthday in 2015, Tynyshbay decided to retire. "People asked me to stay, but I knew it was time to make space for the younger generation," he recalls. However, retirement didn't mean stepping away from the public sphere. Former residents of the districts he once governed often came to his home seeking guidance and support, something he never turned away from. His innate sense of duty, combined with Kazakh values, made volunteering but a natural choice.Tynyshbay became involved in various initiatives to restore the natural ecosystems in Kazakhstan, especially in Balkhash—the region where he was born and spent most of his life. By the 2010s, Tynyshbay observed a sharp decline in livestock farming and environmental degradation in the region.“My colleagues and I realized we could not just stand by. Kazakhstan once ranked third in the former Soviet Union in livestock production, an achievement built on a century of hard work by scientists. That legacy could not be lost.” Once driving through the Balkhash District, he noticed something rather drastic. During the 200-kilometre journey to the village of Kuygan, he encountered just one pheasant. He was surprised beyond comprehension, “There were no deer, no rabbits, no fish—nothing.”  The growing concern shared by Tynyshbay and others was the starting point of the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve, part of the UNDP’s project to improve the sustainability of protected areas in desert ecosystems. This vital ecological complex, encompassing the Ili River delta and the shores of Lake Balkhash, is the only remaining intact river delta ecosystem in Central Asia. However, scientists warn of an impending ecological crisis similar to the Aral Sea disaster, as Lake Balkhash is shrinking due to unsustainable irrigation and the construction of the Kapshagay Reservoir. Once a biodiversity haven, including the now-extinct Turan tiger last seen in the 1950s, the lake's ecosystem is increasingly under threat. In a conversation with Kazakhstan's youngest UN Volunteer, Mariya Romanova, Tynyshbay reminisces about the early days when UN experts brainstormed a project to ensure a stable food supply for the Turan tiger. "The initial plan was to kickstart this project in Kyzylorda, the former habitat of the now-extinct Amur tiger." After thorough evaluation, Balkhash district emerged as the top choice for the project, boasting 35 percent of Almaty region's agricultural land. Recognizing Tynyshbay's foresight, he was brought onboard as a UN Volunteer Project Coordinator."When we started, our first step was to raise awareness. It became one of the first challenges and obstacles we encountered at the very beginning. People were afraid, they thought that when we release tigers into the Reserve, they would eat everyone in the area, including livestock and people. Some believed we were going to bring in 200 tigers, which is simply impossible—how would you even capture that many?Tynyshbay shared the challenges at the onset of the project. Lack of awareness being the top challenge, and this is where a real effort was needed. How did he manage to overcome this? "I personally spoke to concerned people, and explained that the tiger is not a threat, but a symbol of ecological restoration. We agreed to start with four animals to gradually rebuild the population. I believe that by explaining things clearly and thoughtfully, we gain more trust. People will never be opposed to what they understand.”Alongside fellow UN Volunteers with UNDP, Tynyshbay spoke to local communities and authorities, emphasizing the tiger's crucial ecological role. He also pointed out the eight species now listed in the Red Book—biodiversity loss affects all.“If we do not do something now, we risk losing everything. People now rely on livestock for their livelihoods, but that is not sustainable either. Without water and biodiversity, the land itself begins to die. The Reserve can provide stable employment for locals and help boost eco-tourism in the region.”Financial gain does not hold importance for Tynyshbay—on the contrary, it's the environment. He works on water-related initiatives to help restore the ecosystem. “We drilled wells and conducted water surveys," he shares."We want to build a dam to preserve up to 30,000 hectares of irrigated land. Previously, 16,000 hectares of rice were sown, but today the number has lowered to only six. It is a catastrophe. If this continues, in three to four years there will be nothing left."Volunteering is deeply rooted in Central Asian culture with traditions like Asar and Zhylu zhinau compelling Kazakhs to support anyone in distress, whether they had lost their livestock, homes, or breadwinners. This sense of community and care has been passed down through generations and is evident in modern volunteering organizations throughout the region.“Volunteering made me realize that I want to leave a legacy after I pass away. I want my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to say: ‘My grandfather did this.’ You cannot take the material things of this world with you, but you can work for the benefit of society so that people remember you with kind words." Tynyshbay Dossymbekov is 73. He wants to make a difference in biodiversity and for the betterment of his region, and for that he volunteers. His message to all, especially the ones aspiring to be volunteers, is—look at the bigger picture and contribute through actions, not only words.“Respect for others, spiritual values, and contributions to society—that is what truly matters. I always said to myself, if you can do something, do it. And I did.”