Ivana Živković, the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Regional Director for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and UN Assistant Secretary-General, has visited Kazakhstan to participate in the Astana International Forum (AIF) and met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In an interview with The Astana Times, Živković discussed the UNDP's priorities, initiatives, and impressions of the AIF.
Regarding achieving Kazakhstan's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UNDP promotes new ideas and integrated solutions to overcome challenges. They support digital reforms in public administration and civil service and strive to ensure that vital public services reach everyone.
The UNDP also emphasizes women's empowerment and aims to promote gender equality in various fields. In 2023, they plan to support the government in promoting the regional development agenda in newly established regions, aligning the SDGs into local planning programs.
Regarding climate resilience, the UNDP assists Kazakhstan in integrating climate change adaptation priorities into national plans and supports efforts to become carbon neutral by 2060. They offer non-grant instruments to improve the accessibility and affordability of green finance for businesses. The UNDP's efforts extend to biodiversity and ecosystem protection, sustainable land management, and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas.
The "Leave No One Behind" principle is a priority for the UNDP, and they collaborate with Kazakhstan on initiatives such as the Digital Family Card (DFC) to identify and support at-risk groups. They also promote women's empowerment and gender equality through platforms like the Central Asian Women Leaders' Caucus.
Attending the Astana International Forum, Živković observed its expanded scope, now covering a more comprehensive range of issues beyond economics. She praised the forum as a platform for multilateralism, bringing together leaders and stakeholders for meaningful exchanges and collaboration.
Živković believes the AIF has the potential to foster partnerships and innovative solutions and shape the global agenda.
#UNDP #CIS #Kazakhstan #AstanaInternationalForum #CentralAsia
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