UN and Kazakhstan Set Priorities for the Next Five Years of Cooperation

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.