Central Asia – A New Global Actor: President of Kazakhstan and UN Secretary-General inaugurate UN Regional Center in Almaty

On August 3, 2025, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres inaugurated the UN Regional Center in Almaty.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua formally signed the Agreement on the establishment of the UN Regional Center for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan.

President Tokayev emphasized that the opening of this Center in Almaty sends a strong signal to the global community about the growing role of Central Asia in the international agenda.

“The creation of the regional center reflects the unprecedented unity and commitment of the countries in the region to the principles of good neighborliness and shared progress,” Tokayev noted in his remarks.

He further stated that, amid escalating geopolitical turbulence, conflicts, and climate challenges, the United Nations remains a key institution in supporting the international order. The President expressed confidence that the new Center would contribute to economic resilience, the development of innovative approaches, and the deepening of regional cooperation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in turn, noted that the opening of the Center marks a new and important chapter for the region in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted that this achievement became possible thanks to the efforts of President Tokayev and his visionary policy in shaping a new role for Central Asia in the global order.

Guterres also emphasized that, thanks to its growing transport infrastructure, Kazakhstan has become a key hub of global trade, logistics, and telecommunications – acting as a bridge between East and West, North and South.

The ceremonial opening of the Center marked a significant step toward building a more stable, prosperous, and inclusive future for Central Asia and neighboring countries, including Afghanistan.