An extended session of the Parliamentary Commission for Monitoring the Implementation of Kazakhstan’s National Sustainable Development Goals and Objectives was held today under the chairmanship of Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev. The session included representatives from the Parliaments of Central Asian countries, who discussed the role of parliaments and local representative bodies in ensuring sustainable development across the region and exchanged experiences in this area.
Dr. Aigul Kosherbayeva, Senior Research Fellow at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS), participated as a speaker during the second session titled “Inclusive Economic Development Through Interparliamentary Cooperation.” Dr. Kosherbayeva presented the findings of the research publication “Kazakhstan on the Path to Sustainable Development,” prepared by KazISS staff and available in both Russian and English.
Dr. Kosherbayeva highlighted that at this stage of its development, Kazakhstan faces the crucial task of revitalizing the economy with a focus on inclusivity. Key challenges include managing demographic processes, ensuring equal access to the labor market, and improving the quality of human capital.
“Transitioning to a path of inclusive and sustainable growth is a critical policy goal for Kazakhstan and part of the country’s commitments under the 2030 Agenda. Kazakhstan strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to ensure the well-being of all citizens,” Dr. Kosherbayeva noted.
She also touched on important aspects such as the transformation of Kazakhstan’s population age and gender structure and positive trends in the country’s labor market.
“Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has made significant progress in developing human capital. As of 2022, the country ranks among nations with a very high level of human development (HDI), placing 67th out of 193 countries,” she added.
Dr. Kosherbayeva emphasized that Kazakhstan, adhering to a policy of inclusive growth, actively develops renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. These efforts align with international environmental standards, contributing to sustainable economic growth, attracting investments, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing the nation’s global reputation as part of its transition to a green economy.
In his remarks, Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized that the expanded format of the session aims to strengthen the strategic dialogue among regional parliaments, fostering cooperation and joint solutions to achieve the Global Sustainable Development Goals.
“The role of the region in the Global Sustainable Development Agenda was thoroughly covered by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his conceptual article ‘The Renaissance of Central Asia: Towards Sustainable Development and Prosperity.’ The Sustainable Development Agenda addresses common global and regional challenges of the modern world. Key issues for the region include climate change, desertification, and water scarcity. Another shared task for our countries is to further improve the quality of life for our populations,” the Senate Speaker stated, stressing that the region’s shared development goals align with the priorities set by the heads of state.
The Parliamentary Commission members, experts, and invited participants analyzed Kazakhstan’s interim results in achieving the SDGs over the past decade. They also identified bottlenecks slowing sustainable development across the region.
At the conclusion of the session, representatives of Central Asian parliaments, government bodies, and experts shared their visions for improving the Commission’s activities. They also proposed recommendations and initiatives to integrate SDGs and adopt best practices into national legislation.
