Kazakhstan Showcases Sustainable Progress at UN Forum

Kazakhstan has presented its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, reaffirming its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The report was delivered by Assan Darbayev, Vice Minister of National Economy, and was met with strong support from international partners, who praised the document for its comprehensive analysis, inclusive preparation process, and transparency, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

Delegates particularly commended Kazakhstan’s efforts to involve a broad range of stakeholders in shaping its national sustainable development agenda.

The VNR process, a voluntary, country-led mechanism, allows UN Member States to evaluate and share their progress in achieving the 17 SDGs. Kazakhstan’s review offered a full account of national efforts across all goals, with an in-depth focus on eight key areas:

No Poverty

Good Health and Well-being

Gender Equality

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Responsible Consumption and Production

Life Below Water

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Partnerships for the Goals

While five of these goals were selected based on UN recommendations, the other three reflected public feedback gathered through national surveys and consultations.

One of the report’s standout features was the “SDG Generation” section, which captured the views and initiatives of Kazakhstan’s youth. Developed jointly with non-governmental organizations and youth activists, the section underscores the vital role of young people in driving sustainable development.

Since its previous VNR, Kazakhstan has taken several significant steps to embed the SDGs into its institutional framework. Key national strategies-including the National Development Plan through 2029 and the Carbon Neutrality Strategy through 2060-have been aligned with the 2030 Agenda. In addition, new legislation, such as the Social Code and the Water Code, has been enacted to support SDG implementation.

To further strengthen oversight, Kazakhstan in 2023 established a Parliamentary Commission on SDG Implementation, which is responsible for identifying key challenges and recommending policy actions to government bodies.

The presentation reaffirms Kazakhstan’s role as a proactive member of the global sustainable development community and its readiness to cooperate with international partners in addressing global challenges.