#Kazakhstan #Astana #UN Global Compact #Central Asia #Sustainable Development Goals

Launch of UN Global Compact Country Network for Central Asia

On June 19, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan, the UN Global Compact has marked a significant milestone by launching its new Country Network specifically tailored for Central Asia. This new initiative integrates a multi-country office that will actively engage with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. With over 140 companies from these nations joining forces, the network aims to drive sustainable business practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, emphasized the strategic importance of Central Asia. "This region stands at a critical crossroads among Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and is currently undergoing rapid economic and political changes," she stated. The establishment of the Country Network will anchor responsible investment and sustainability within this dynamic corridor, tapping into the potential for green growth within the private sector.

Central Asia has faced challenges where sustainability efforts, corporate governance, and implementation of the SDGs often functioned independently across borders. The new Country Network aims not just to connect these efforts but to form a collaborative platform that supports the modernization agenda of Kazakhstan's President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This includes promoting the transition toward a green economy, enhancing business transparency, and ensuring accountable foreign investments to make a tangible impact from private sector initiatives.

With a young population, where over 60% are under the age of 30, this network also serves as a critical link between global sustainability standards and the ambitions of local entrepreneurs and next-generation leaders. Dinara Seijaparova, the Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Central Asia Network, stressed the importance of immediate action. "Businesses in Central Asia are in a unique position to establish their own sustainability agenda and should seize this first-mover advantage," she notes.

By fostering collaboration between government, business, and civil society, the UN Global Compact aims to build trust across the region and stimulate cross-border partnerships. The network is poised to unlock billions in investments dedicated to achieving the SDGs, ensuring that economic advancement and societal inclusion go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

This launch aligns with the UN Global Compact's broader mission of empowering regional initiatives while localizing global agendas. It represents the ongoing reform efforts within the UN, creating a more responsive and impactful framework for sustainability initiatives worldwide. With this initiative, the number of Country Networks around the globe has now risen to 64, further establishing the UN Global Compact as the largest corporate sustainability movement worldwide.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Central Asia Country Network offers a renewed opportunity for collaboration and innovation within the region. By aligning efforts towards sustainable development, businesses can contribute to a better future while advancing their own corporate sustainability agendas. This marks a pivotal moment not only for Central Asia but for the global sustainability movement as a whole, illustrating how local actions can lead to global change.