UN Establishes SDG Regional Hub in Almaty
The United Nations General Assembly unanimously approved the creation of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan during a session in New York on March 4. The resolution was supported by 152 UN member states, highlighting the widespread recognition of the importance of sustainable development in the region.
This initiative was originally put forward by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. He proposed establishing the hub in Almaty, specifically at the International Organizations building which currently houses 18 UN agencies. Kazakhstan, as the largest economy in Central Asia, is committed to fostering regional cooperation and advancing sustainable development goals. The country also emphasizes the significance of Afghanistan’s economic growth, acknowledging the interconnectedness of stability and prosperity in the region.
The Regional Center will serve as a vital platform for coordinating international and regional efforts, sharing best practices, offering technical support, and implementing collaborative projects. It will engage with governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to drive tangible progress towards sustainable development.
Furthermore, the center will play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of the UN system at the regional level. Its activities will concentrate on improving coordination among UN agencies, tailoring global initiatives to fit regional requirements, and advocating for inclusive multilateral cooperation.
The establishment of the UN Regional Center for SDGs in Central Asia and Afghanistan signifies a significant step towards fostering sustainable development in the region and strengthening cooperation among all stakeholders involved in achieving the SDGs.
