The Senate of Kazakhstan's Parliament has approved the law "On the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations on the Establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan," an agency correspondent reports.
The document provides the legal framework for the establishment and operation of the Regional Centre in Kazakhstan, which is intended to coordinate efforts by countries across the region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The centre will focus on expanding technical assistance, facilitating the exchange of expertise and analytical support, and strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan, the United Nations, and the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan.
The agreement defines the legal status of the future centre, the procedures governing its establishment and activities in Kazakhstan, and mechanisms for cooperation with national authorities. It also sets out provisions regarding the status of personnel and the financial and organisational foundations of cooperation between the Kazakh government and the United Nations.
The centre is expected to implement joint programmes in areas including sustainable development, climate resilience, inclusive economic growth, social policy, and humanitarian cooperation.
Senators also approved the ratification of a memorandum of understanding concerning the operation of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.
The Centre will develop and implement an annual work programme. Subject to its applicable laws, regulations, and annual budget procedures, the Government will provide the United Nations with $3 million annually from 2025 through 2029 for the implementation of the Centre’s annual work programme," the Senate said.
According to the Senate, two governing bodies will be established within the Centre: an Advisory Council and an International Advisory Committee. The Advisory Council will provide recommendations on the Centre’s annual work programme and operational budget, while the International Advisory Committee will offer strategic guidance on regional programme priorities.
In addition, senators approved a bill withdrawing Kazakhstan’s reservation and declaration to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies of the United Nations.
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