Locations
Extended meeting of the Council for Cooperation with Local Representative Bodies (Maslikhats).
An extended meeting of the Council for Cooperation with Local Representative Bodies (Maslikhats) took place today in Astana. The event brought together members of the Senate and the Government, as well as representatives of maslikhats and international organizations, including the UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, Katarzyna Wawiernia.
Opening the session, Speaker of the Senate, Maulen Ashimbayev, emphasized the importance of constructive collaboration between the Senate and maslikhats to ensure the effective implementation of public policy at the local level:
“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly underscored that accountable local governance is a key pillar of the country’s foundational governance principle — Strong President – Influential Parliament – Accountable Government. Maslikhats play a crucial role in this structure. As part of the 2022 constitutional reform, systemic measures were taken to strengthen the autonomy of maslikhats and expand their powers. Today, they are full participants in public policy and are significantly contributing to the country’s development.”
Maulen Ashimbayev, Chair of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In this context, Maulen Ashimbayev outlined several priority areas for joint action to support the quality implementation of ongoing reforms. These include encouraging maslikhats to actively foster an enabling investment environment, building a socially inclusive society, ensuring transparent and effective use of public budgets, and promoting openness and accountability in government institutions.
UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia, in her address, highlighted the unique position of maslikhats as local representative bodies that serve as a vital bridge between citizens and the state, ensuring that sustainable development priorities reflect the real needs of the population.
“Maslikhats are at the forefront of Kazakhstan’s sustainable regional transformation. Their legislative, oversight, and policy-making functions give them a unique capacity to shape development in ways that are equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. By strengthening their role and enhancing their capacity, we can build more resilient and sustainable regions,”stated Katarzyna Wawiernia.
Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.
The Resident Representative also presented UNDP’s new Regional Development Programme, developed in partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan. Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to reduce regional disparities, improve quality of life, and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Piloted in the Abay and Ulytau regions, the programme will expand to Zhetysu, Kyzylorda, and other areas. The initiative emphasizes participatory budgeting, local infrastructure development, access to green technologies, and support for community-led solutions.
The extended meeting served as an active platform for discussing ways to strengthen the competencies of maslikhat members, expand their economic and financial mandates, and ensure their effective engagement in shaping and implementing regional policy — as well as contributing meaningfully to national development goals.
Participants concluded by reaffirming the importance of coordinated efforts between the Senate, maslikhats, and international partners such as UNDP to advance the 2030 Agenda and improve people's lives across Kazakhstan.
