UN Secretary-General Visits Kazakhstan, Inaugurates Regional SDG Center in Almaty

On August 3, Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Almaty ahead of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, Orda.kz reports.

Toqayev thanked Guterres for the visit, emphasizing its importance for Kazakhstan and the broader region.

The arrival of such a distinguished guest, despite a busy schedule, is especially meaningful for our country and demonstrates the UN’s commitment to the sustainable development agenda, Toqayev said.

He expressed gratitude for the decision to establish the UN Regional Center in Almaty and voiced full support for the reforms initiated by Guterres

On behalf of myself and the people of Kazakhstan, I extend sincere thanks to you and your team for supporting this initiative... I reaffirm our country's unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles of multilateralism, diplomacy, and cooperation, Toqayev said.

In response, Guterres praised Kazakhstan’s contribution to peacebuilding:

The two sides also discussed the work of the UN Regional Center on SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan, the progress of UN reform, and broader regional and international issues.

Later, the official opening ceremony for the UN Regional Center on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held in Almaty.

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended the event.

Toqayev thanked Guterres for his visit and emphasized that the establishment of the center in Almaty marks a major milestone for the region.

According to the President, the center will not duplicate the work of other organizations, instead focusing on the region’s real needs — including environmental challenges like the Aral and Caspian Sea disasters.

Kazakhstan also plans to host a regional environmental summit in 2026.

Toqayev also highlighted the importance of supporting Afghanistan and pledged continued humanitarian and educational assistance. He reiterated that Kazakhstan views the SDGs as a national priority and will remain committed to reforms, digitalization, and infrastructure development.

In his speech, Guterres called Kazakhstan “a symbol of wisdom” and “a country that builds bridges.”

He said the center’s launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for the region.

Kazakhstan has become a hub for global trade, transport, and telecommunications. Your country truly serves as a bridge between East and West, Guterres noted.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov, second article