Youth Forum in Almaty: Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development in Central Asia
The "Youth for a Sustainable Future in Central Asia Forum" took place on October 28 at the UN Plaza building in Almaty, bringing together delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The forum, organized under the UN Development Program initiative, focused on preventing extremism and fostering sustainable development in the region.
Ambassador Zhanibek Abdrashov, the Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan in Almaty, delivered the welcoming address, highlighting the critical role of youth in global initiatives and Kazakhstan’s support for volunteer movements. He also advocated for the establishment of a UN Regional Hub in Almaty to enhance coordination in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Other notable attendees included UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, Katarzyna Wawiernia, and Kanata Tomohiro, Deputy Head of the Japanese Diplomatic Mission. During the panel session, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Svetlana Zhakupova, spoke about youth employment as a vital component for ensuring a sustainable future in Central Asian nations. Participants engaged in discussions on various strategies to promote youth engagement and employment across the region.
