Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development Goals: The Draft of the Third Voluntary National Review Is Presented

20.05.2025

Under the chairmanship of Serik Zhumangarin, the Deputy Prime Minister / Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the meeting of the Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development was held to discuss the draft of the third Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting was attended by representatives of the Government and United Nations agencies.

Serik Zhumangarin, the Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that the implementation of the SDG principles is primarily aimed at improving the life quality of the people and the introduction of the best international standards, which generally contributes to the formation of sustainable global responsibility of the country.

Speaking at the meeting, Stephen O'Malley, interim UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, noted the country's consistent commitment to the 2030 Agenda. He stressed that the opening of the UN Regional SDG Center in Almaty, as well as active participation in the preparation of the review, demonstrate the leadership of Kazakhstan in advancing global goals. According to him, Kazakhstan has already reached 42.6% of the SDG targets, which is significantly higher than the global average (16%). He assured of continued support from the UN system.

Katarzyna Wawiernia, the Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan, expressed appreciation for the contribution of all participants to the preparation of the document. She invited to participate in the SDG session within the framework of the Astana International Forum, and also called for participation in the Regional Climate Summit in 2026. This initiative will become an important platform for strengthening regional cooperation and mobilizing international expertise.

Assan Darbayev, Vice Minister of National Economy, presented the main results of the work on the preparation of the Review. Special attention is paid to the localization of the SDGs at the regional level, strengthening interagency coordination, as well as the participation of representatives of civil society and the expert community. Among the key achievements, he noted the creation of a Parliamentary Commission for monitoring the SDGs, the adoption of a Strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, and the updating of national indicators, the number of which has been reduced to 200.

Assel Sarsenbayeva, the Chairman of the Management Board of Economic Research Institute JSC, pointed out that the Review has been prepared based on the principle "Leaving No One Behind, and it reflects the perspectives of both governmental institutions and general public. The document covers eight priority goals, identified on the basis of UN recommendations and survey results, for which key achievements were presented.

In the framework of SDG 1 "No poverty", digital targeted support mechanisms have been implemented, the National Fund for Children program has been introduced, and the Social Code has been adopted.

In the framework of SDG 3 "Good health and well-being", a steady decrease in maternal mortality and an expansion of the compulsory social health insurance system have been recorded.

In the framework of SDG 5 "Gender equality", measures to protect against domestic violence have been strengthened and women's participation in the economy and management is increasing.

In the framework of SDG 8 "Decent work and economic growth", GDP grew by 4.8% in 2024, the share of SMEs in the economy increased to 39.3% and the unemployment rate decreased to 4.7%.

SDG 12 "Responsible consumption and production" reflects progress in the regulatory framework – a new Environmental Code has been adopted and the law on public procurement has been updated.

In the framework of SDG 14 "Life below water", Kazakhstan has adopted the WTO international agreement aimed at sustainable management of fisheries resources.

SDG 16 "Peace, justice and strong institutions" demonstrates achievements in the digitalization of the judicial system and the improvement of anti-corruption mechanisms.

In the framework of SDG 17 "Partnership for the Goals", active international cooperation continues, digital monitoring tools are being introduced and green technologies are being promoted.

The draft of the third Voluntary National Review was unanimously approved by the meeting participants. Its official presentation will take place in July 2025 at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York.



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