Enhancing Quality of Life Through Participatory Budgeting
UNDP Initiates Sustainable Development Program in Kazakhstan’s Abai and Ulytau Regions
In 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), backed by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Economy, launched the regional initiative "Sustainable Development: Overcoming Local Disparities" tailored for the Abai and Ulytau regions. This effort aims to mitigate regional developmental inequalities, enhance the quality of life for residents, and facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a regional scale.
Participatory Budgeting: A New Approach
A cornerstone of this initiative is the introduction of pilot participatory budgeting projects within local districts and villages. This marks the first application of such a mechanism at the local level, promoting transparency and inclusivity in budget allocation processes.
The recently passed Budget Code legitimizes this participatory budgeting approach, enhancing not only the transparency of municipal budgets but also ensuring they address community needs more effectively. By transforming participatory budgeting from a voluntary practice to a mandatory aspect of the budgeting system, the initiative underscores its significance as a tool for local impact.
Scaling Up and Focusing on Local Needs
Since 2014, participatory budgeting has been gradually rolled out in urban centers like Astana and Almaty, governed by the Minister of Finance’s order. This framework has enabled its expansion to cities with populations exceeding 10,000. Yet, its introduction in rural and district areas—where it could yield significant socio-economic benefits—remains limited.
In sparsely populated regions, participatory budgeting can empower communities by involving residents directly in identifying priorities and improving living conditions. Recognizing this potential, the UNDP is making strides to support local government entities in implementing participatory budgeting effectively.
Building Capacity and Raising Awareness
To ensure the success of the participatory budgeting mechanism, UNDP is providing training sessions for local government officials and non-governmental organizations ahead of project kickoff. These sessions aim to deepen understanding and foster public engagement in sustainable regional development.
Moreover, raising awareness about the function and benefits of participating in the budget process is critical. This not only encourages citizen involvement but also cultivates a responsible approach to public resource management and strengthens the collaboration between citizens and government bodies.
Future Directions for Participatory Budgeting
For participatory budgeting to be effective, it is essential that citizens grasp the importance of their involvement and the need for constructive dialogue and oversight. Future legislative developments must ensure comprehensive integration of participatory budgeting across all levels of financial planning.
Key areas of focus include:
Digital Accessibility: Expanding digital platforms for participatory budgeting to encompass rural districts, enhancing transparency and simplifying citizen participation.
Public Consultations: Organizing community consultations to establish budget priorities aligned with actual community needs.
- Local Budget Allocations: Increasing budget shares directed towards initiatives like green energy, social inclusion, and climate resilience to meet SDGs.
A Path Forward
The UNDP’s pilot projects in Abai and Ulytau regions offer a template for systematically implementing participatory budgeting at the local level. They can serve as a foundation for scaling successful practices and developing cohesive regulatory frameworks. For the government, this renewed focus on participatory budgeting represents a powerful tool for localized solutions aimed at enhancing living standards and achieving the SDGs by 2030.
The author is Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Astana Times.
