29 March 2022, Kyzylorda – Today, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Stockholm+50 National dialogue was launched. It aims to engage communities in discussions on the environmental aspects of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultations took place in parallel with discussions on Kazakhstan's Voluntary National Review on progress on the SDGs, which will be presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum on 13-15 July in New York.

The event was attended by the representatives of local governments, non-governmental organizations, youth initiatives, universities and other stakeholders. Participants made suggestions for actions needed to accelerate progress toward achieving the “green” SDGs, including recommendations for improving Kazakhstan’s Nationally Determined Contributions, the “Green Kazakhstan” national project and other national-level policies and actions to promote sustainable development. In addition, participants played the game “Mission 2030 for the localization of the SDGs” to share opinions. During the game, participants divided into groups and developed recommendations for facilitating the SDGs in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, including strategies for action to achieve a healthy planet for sustainable development. National consultations will be held in all regional centers across Kazakhstan.

“The Stockholm+50 meeting provides an opportunity for broad discussion and integration of the efforts of all stakeholders to accelerate the achievement of results in areas that are fundamental to a sustainable future. First of all, we are talking about mitigating the human impact on the planet, more efficient use and distribution of resources for green development. UNDP remains committed to continuing effective cooperation with the Government of Kazakhstan and all other partners to achieve sustainable development for all” - noted Yakup Beris, UNDP Kazakhstan Resident Representative.

The results of the discussions will be presented this June at the international meeting “Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity” in Stockholm, Sweden. The results of the discussion will also be included in Kazakhstan’s Voluntary National Review.

The UN General Assembly has agreed to hold an international meeting “Stockholm+50” supported by the Swedish government to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs during the Decade of Action (2020-2030), including through a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The high-level event will take place in Stockholm on 2-3 June 2022 ahead of the World Environment Day. The meeting will be devoted to the 50th anniversary of the convening the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, the first global conference to make the environment its main topic.