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.