Astana Hosts Central Asia Forum on the New Silk Way to Sustainability

The Central Asia Forum “New Silk Way to Sustainability” was held in Astana, bringing together business leaders, government representatives, UN officials, development partners to advance regional cooperation and accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The high-level event was jointly organized by the UN Global Compact Network Central Asia and the United Nations in Kazakhstan. 

The Forum gathered over 100 representatives of UN Global Compact member companies and partners from Kazakhstan and across Central Asia, underscoring the growing role of the private sector in driving innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable transformation in the region. Participants discussed priority issues including decarbonization, ESG leadership, energy transition, digitalization and AI, women’s entrepreneurship, youth engagement, and public–private partnerships for sustainable development. 

Opening the Forum, Ms. Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, emphasized the critical role of responsible business at a time when the window to deliver on the SDGs is narrowing:

“The private sector is a critical driver of innovation, job creation, sustainable supply chains, and climate-resilient growth — and must align its strategies and investments with the 2030 Agenda, because the window to deliver is narrowing.” 

She noted that the Forum builds on strong momentum, including the opening of the UN Global Compact Multi-Country Office in Almaty and the continued expansion of the Network across Central Asia, now engaging more than 100 member companies in Kazakhstan alone. 

Referring to the newly signed UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030, Ms. Radnaaragchaa stressed that the private sector is indispensable across all four priority areas — empowered people and strong institutions, a resilient and inclusive economy, a sustainable environment, and strengthened social cohesion.

The Forum also featured the SDG Innovation Accelerator Award Ceremony, recognizing innovative ESG solutions and the growing engagement of young professionals in advancing sustainability across the region. 

Concluding the discussions, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, responsible business practices, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, positioning the “New Silk Way to Sustainability” as a shared pathway toward inclusive and resilient development in Central Asia.