Almaty, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with heads of United Nations agencies on February 14 in Almaty, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the UN Charter and outlining ambitious constitutional reforms. The discussions centered on strengthening international peace, sustainable development, and regional cooperation, as Kazakhstan prepares for a nationwide referendum on proposed amendments to its constitution on March 15.
Kosherbayev’s meetings with UN representatives underscored Kazakhstan’s dedication to multilateralism and its role as a key partner in addressing global challenges. The ongoing constitutional reform, described by the minister as “systemic and long-term,” aims to bolster the rule of law, enhance political stability, and expand the rights and freedoms of citizens, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry’s press service.
The meeting also served as a review of the five-year Cooperation Framework between Kazakhstan and the UN, with a focus on the UN Country Team’s plans for the coming period. A key element of this collaboration is the recently established UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, formally inaugurated in August 2025 with the participation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, following approval by the UN General Assembly.
Strengthening UN Presence in Central Asia
The establishment of the Almaty-based regional center represents a significant investment by Kazakhstan in strengthening the UN’s field presence and fostering multilateral cooperation throughout the region. Kosherbayev emphasized that the center is a “practical contribution” to these efforts, providing a platform for collaborative initiatives and knowledge sharing.
The center’s mandate encompasses a broad range of sustainable development goals, addressing critical issues such as poverty reduction, environmental protection, and social inclusion. It will serve as a hub for research, training, and technical assistance, supporting countries in Central Asia and Afghanistan as they work to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Constitutional Reform and Upcoming Referendum
A central topic of discussion was Kazakhstan’s ongoing constitutional reform. Kosherbayev detailed key provisions of the reform, emphasizing its focus on institutional transformation and the strengthening of democratic principles. The proposed amendments will be position to a nationwide referendum on March 15, allowing citizens to directly participate in shaping the future of their country’s governance.
The minister explained that the reform is designed to increase political stability and expand the rights and freedoms of citizens. While specific details of the proposed amendments were not immediately available, the government has indicated that they will address issues such as the balance of power between the branches of government, the protection of human rights, and the promotion of civic engagement.
Regional Initiatives and International Cooperation
Beyond constitutional reform and sustainable development, the meeting also addressed several other key regional initiatives. Kosherbayev thanked UN agencies for their support in preparing for the Regional Ecological Summit, scheduled to take place in Kazakhstan from April 22-24. The summit will serve as a platform for international consultations on President Tokayev’s initiative to establish a new international water organization within the UN system, addressing a critical issue for the region.
Kazakhstan is also actively pursuing the establishment of a UN ESCAP-supported Asia-Pacific Center for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development in Almaty, an initiative that received unanimous support at a UN regional commission meeting in 2023. This center aims to leverage digital technologies to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting Kazakhstan’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
As Kazakhstan continues its path of reform and development, its partnership with the United Nations remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy. The upcoming referendum on constitutional amendments and the ongoing initiatives to promote sustainable development and digital innovation demonstrate the country’s commitment to building a more prosperous and equitable future for its citizens. The next key date to watch is March 15, when Kazakhstan will hold the nationwide referendum on the proposed constitutional amendments.
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