LocationsChallenges and opportunities: UNDP and the Senate of the Parliament discussed the implementation of SDGs in Kazakhstan
September 22, 2023
On 21 September 2023, the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a seminar on the topic, "Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kazakhstan". The target audience – members of the Parliamentary Commission on monitoring the implementation of national goals and objectives in sustainable development.
The training seminar was held with the technical support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms and the Institute of Economic Research JSC.
During her speech, Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, noted that since 2018, UNDP and the Government of Kazakhstan have been working closely to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A significant result was the creation of a Government Architecture for the SDGs aimed at improving the effectiveness of coordinating measures and initiatives. The government has identified specific priorities for the medium-term, including localization of the SDGs, increasing the statistical capacity and further harmonizing the country's strategic and budgetary planning.
The Coordination Council for the SDGs has been functioning since 2018 and is tasked with implementing the 2030 Agenda in Kazakhstan. Under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, the Council makes strategic decisions to promote the SDGs in Kazakhstan.
Ms. Wawiernia pointed out that parliamentarians play a vital role in supporting the SDGs by ensuring the integration of the SDG principles into legislation and by implementing budgetary oversight. An online Information Panel on SDG Financing was created to implement effective planning and monitoring of budgetary allocations, which will contribute to effective budget decision-making. The tool will soon be available on the official website of the Institute of Economic Research JSC.
Another topic of discussion was the launch of the regional UNDP initiative, the "SDG Platform in Central Asia," funded by the European Union. The platform provides a comprehensive overview of trends, policies, finances and other factors contributing to strengthening cooperation among Central Asian countries to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.
In conclusion, Ms. Wawiernia stressed the value of the Parliament’s commitment to implementing the SDGs since the United Nations and Kazakhstan share a common goal – to build a more sustainable, equitable and just state.
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