Kazakhstan Delivers Third Voluntary Assessment at United Nations Gathering
Kazakhstan presented its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, held in New York, USA, on July 24, 2023. The review highlighted the country's significant strides towards achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on eight key areas: no poverty, good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, life below water, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.
The presentation was made by Vice Minister of National Economy Assan Darbayev. In his address, he emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to building a sustainable development policy based on transparency.
Key achievements and initiatives detailed in the review include institutional consolidation of the SDGs. Kazakhstan integrated the SDG framework into major national strategic documents, such as the National Development Plan until 2029 and the Carbon Neutrality Strategy until 2060, aligning these with the UN 2030 Agenda.
The adoption of new legislative initiatives, including the Social and Water Codes, also featured prominently in the review. These legislative frameworks aim to address social welfare and sustainable resource management, supporting targets across multiple SDGs.
Governance and oversight mechanisms were another focus area. In 2023, Kazakhstan established a Parliamentary Commission for Monitoring the Implementation of the SDGs. This body develops recommendations for government agencies and oversees SDG progress, enhancing transparency and institutional accountability.
The VNR preparation was open and inclusive, involving broad stakeholder engagement. Public surveys were conducted to select three of the eight priority SDGs for focus. This participatory approach was praised by international partners for its transparency and inclusiveness.
A distinctive feature of the report is the SDG Generation section, co-prepared with NGOs and youth activists. This section captures young people’s views and initiatives in sustainable development, underscoring the critical role of youth in advancing the SDGs.
The review was positively received by partners, who noted its analytical completeness. The event was reported by the Kazakh Ministry of National Economy's press service.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s third VNR demonstrates a multi-faceted approach combining strategic planning, legal reform, stakeholder inclusivity, and youth empowerment to drive sustainable development. The review showcases Kazakhstan's commitment and progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
Science and environmental-science are integral parts of Kazakhstan's strategy for sustainable development, demonstrated through the inclusion of the SDG framework in major national strategic documents like the National Development Plan until 2029 and the Carbon Neutrality Strategy until 2060. Furthermore, the distinctive SDG Generation section of the Voluntary National Review, co-prepared with NGOs and youth activists, underlines the importance of education-and-self-development in advancing sustainable development and achieving the 2030 Agenda.
