UNDP’s Inclusive Digital Transformation Initiative to Benefit Central Asia
UNDP, Ministry of Digital Development, and KazAID Sign Statement of Intent to Promote Digital Transformation in Central Asia
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, and the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID), signed a statement of intent on October 13th. The aim of this agreement is to advance inclusive digital transformation in Central Asia.
According to the UNDP Kazakhstan press office, this partnership will focus on bolstering innovation and facilitating knowledge exchange, with a commitment to leaving no one behind. The primary objective of this trilateral cooperation is to expand Kazakhstan’s successful government technology (govtech) solutions on a regional scale.
Asset Turyssov, the vice minister of digital development, innovations, and aerospace industry, emphasized the strong partnership between the ministry and UNDP in utilizing digital solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the successful Digital Family Card initiative as a notable contribution to Kazakhstan’s digital journey and expressed the country’s commitment to sharing it with other nations through the support of UNDP and KazAID.
The UNDP Kazakhstan, with its extensive network and support from the Chief Digital Office, is well-prepared to enhance regional collaboration and promote peer-to-peer learning in the area of digital transformation.
Arken Arystanov, Chairman of KazAID, stated that their agency aims to provide technical assistance as well as coordinate efforts to address specific regional challenges in Central Asia. This mission aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state-of-the-nation address.
As stated in UNDP’s strategic plan for 2022-2025, digital technology plays a crucial role in achieving the SDGs. Sukhrob Khojimatov, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, emphasized the organization’s commitment to using technology as an inclusive force for human and institutional development. He believes that Kazakhstan can act as a regional catalyst for leveraging government digital solutions to drive change.
In addition to embracing technological advancements, the parties involved in this collaboration are dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation extend to all individuals. UNDP is implementing a range of initiatives in Kazakhstan, such as the Digital Family Card and IT staff upgrading, to expedite digital transformation in the public sector. The organization is also utilizing satellite telemetry for wildlife monitoring and working to close the digital gender gap in Kazakhstan’s monotowns.
With this partnership between UNDP, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, and KazAID, Central Asia is set to experience a significant boost in inclusive digital transformation.
