Kazakhstan: UN Expert Commends Economic Development And Digitalisation

Urges Decisive Action For Sustainable Participatory Economy

ASTANA (15 May 2026) – Kazakhstan’s advances in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development deserve recognition; the country should accelerate a just transition to a green economy and ensure the participation of people in all development-related decision making, a UN expert said today.

“Being the largest economy in Central Asia with significant progress in digital transformation, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to lead in practising inclusive, sustainable and participatory development,” the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development Surya Deva, said in a statement at the end of a visit to the country.

“At a time when many countries are spending excessively on militarisation, I applaud Kazakhstan for spending a substantial part of the budget on social issues to achieve a fair distribution of the benefits of development and, in turn, reduce inequalities,” Deva said.

He highlighted the significant progress made by the Government of Kazakhstan in achieving economic growth, developing clean cities, building resilient infrastructure, promoting digitalisation and fostering innovation.

“Implementing the principle of ‘leave no one behind’ requires the Government to pay greater attention to the development of rural and remote areas to improve the enjoyment of equal and quality access to public services,” the expert said.

He also called on the Government to accelerate the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law and do more to eliminate gender-based violence.

The Special Rapporteur expressed concern about limited civic space, which is not conductive for active, free and meaningful participation of people in decision-making. Groups placed in marginalised or vulnerable situations such as children, women, migrants, persons with disabilities and rural dwellers face additional barriers to participation. “I would encourage the Government to provide more space to voices that are not aligned with its positions,” Deva said.

He stressed the need for the Government, UN entities, development partners, businesses and NGOs to join forces in accelerating just transitions to a green economy in terms of energy, food, agriculture and construction, given Kazakhstan’s vulnerability regarding access to water resources and environmental pollution.

“The Government should show more ambition to embrace renewable energy faster. It should also harness the private sector’s potential to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by internalising respect for human rights and the environment as part of doing business,” the expert said.

“I am looking forward to supporting Kazakhstan’s journey in implementing further the right to development within and beyond borders,” Deva concluded.

The Special Rapporteur’s report about this visit will be presented to the Human Rights Council in September 2027.

Surya Deva is the Special Rapporteur on the right to development.

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