Multifaceted Cooperation with UN Development Programme Discussed at Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry

Astana, 9 June 2023 – First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Kairat Umarov met with UN Assistant Secretary-General, Regional Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Europe and the CIS, Ivana Živković.

During the meeting, the interlocutors noted the importance of cooperation between Kazakhstan and UNDP. “Interaction with UNDP is one of the priority areas of our cooperation within the UN system in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we appreciate the contribution of UNDP to the development of our state,” said Umarov.

The parties discussed in detail the outcomes of the 30^th anniversary of UNDP presence in Kazakhstan as well as the implementation of projects aimed at combating poverty, eliminating social vulnerability and inequality, climate resilience, low-carbon development, effective and accountable institutions and diversified economic growth.

Kazakh diplomat noted that our country pays special attention to the achievement of the SDGs. In this regard, as well as within the framework of reforming the UN development system, he underscored the importance of Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish the UN Regional Center on SDGs in Almaty for Central Asia and Afghanistan.

Živković positively assessing the long-term partnership and trust that has developed over the years between Kazakhstan and UNDP expressed her gratitude for the support of UNDP activities in its priority areas. “I am confident in the further strengthening of multifaceted cooperation with UNDP to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” noted Živković.

In the context of the development of the next stage of cooperation, the parties discussed plans to support the newly formed regions of Kazakhstan and the implementation of joint projects within the framework of the UNDP mandate.

For reference: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was established in 1965 and plays a central role in coordinating development efforts of all UN agencies. The Programme is headquartered in New York and has branches in 166 countries.

UNDP is the largest UN agency operating on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It provides operational services to other UN agencies to optimize their costs, and administers funds for other organizations within/outside the UN system.

The main goal of UNDP is to ensure sustainable human development, i.e. in eradicating poverty, increasing employment and raising the standard of living of the population, improving the education system, protecting and restoring the environment.