LocationsUnited Nations Development Programme Regional Director visits Kazakhstan
June 9, 2023
Ivana Živković, the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Regional Director for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), visited Kazakhstan from June 8 to 9 to participate in the Astana International Forum.
A cornerstone of the visit was the meeting of Ivana Živković, as part of the UN delegation, with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Participants discussed prospects for the development of multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and UN agencies, including UNDP, and also exchanged views on current issues of international and regional agendas. President Tokayev expressed his gratitude to the UN officials for their active participation in the Astana International Forum, noting that their proposals, through the prism of the UN's activities, have contributed to the substantive content of this important dialogue platform. Furthermore, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to join efforts with the UN to strengthen the role of the Organization.
During the meetings with representatives of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ivana Živković emphasized the importance of changing the approach to financing the UNDP’s Country Programme which has expanded UNDP's capabilities in supporting national priorities and reforms.
The Regional Director highlighted that the agreement signed between UNDP and the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in December 2022, in support of the Country Programme, became a crucial milestone in the partnership.
The outcomes of the 30th anniversary of UNDP presence in Kazakhstan, as well as the implementation of projects aimed at combating poverty, eliminating social vulnerability and inequality, climate resilience, low-carbon development, effective and accountable institutions, and diversified economic growth were at the top of discussions during the meetings.
Following the meetings, the parties agreed to continue active collaboration in implementing joint projects on sub-national development, including the development of monotowns, infrastructure, capacity building, and reducing regional disparities. These collaborative regional initiatives are expected to start in the latter half of 2023 in the newly established regions.
At the end of the visit, a meeting was held with Terhi Hakala, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia. During the conversation, Ivana Živković stressed the importance of cooperation between the European Union and UNDP in the Central Asian region. She also highlighted the potential for expanding this cooperation in areas such as water, energy, food security, climate, digitalization and financing of the SDGs.
During her participation in the Astana International Forum session on the UN Agenda 2030, Ms. Živković underscored that UNDP is making every effort to achieve sustainable future in which no one is left behind.
“2023 marks the halfway point in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The global pandemic, armed conflicts, and climate-related natural disasters have set back SDG progress and reversed human development globally for the first time in decades. Along with the rest of the UN family, UNDP is committed to getting the world back on track towards ending poverty, defending human rights, and protecting the ecosystems on which humanity’s survival depends”,stated Ivana Živković.
The visit of Ivana Živković to Kazakhstan underlines the strong partnership between the UNDP and the Government of the country and highlights a shared objective of mutual commitment to a future that is sustainable, equitable, and prosperous for all.
Explore more
