Kazakhstan to Host 1st UN SDG Regional Center Focused on Central Asia, Afghanistan

DID Press: The establishment of a UN regional center for sustainable development focused on Central Asia and Afghanistan has been formally approved following the signing of legislation by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the presidential press office of Kazakhstan, the law ratifies a memorandum of understanding between Kazakhstan and the United Nations regarding the creation of the new regional center in the city of Almaty.

The agreement had previously been signed in August 2025 between President Tokayev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

A member of Kazakhstan’s Senate, Bibigul Zhexenbay, said during parliamentary discussions that the center holds strategic importance for the country and will strengthen Almaty’s position as a hub for multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation.

She added that the initiative would enhance Kazakhstan’s engagement within the United Nations system, expand opportunities for national experts in international organizations, and improve professional capacity development.

Kazakhstan has committed to voluntarily contribute $3 million annually from 2025 to 2029 to support the center’s operations, including infrastructure, modern technology systems, and operational costs.

The new facility will be the first UN regional center dedicated specifically to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on regional cooperation involving Central Asia and Afghanistan.