On March 4, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution establishing a U.N. Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This initiative, first proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the 74th session of the U.N. General Assembly in 2019, can lead to a significant shift in how regional and global actors approach the challenges of development and stability in Central Asia, with a focus on Afghanistan.
The hub plans to serve as a central platform for coordinating international and regional efforts, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing technical assistance, and overseeing joint projects. By working with governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society, it aims to drive progress in achieving the SDGs. However, beyond its technical role, the hub carries important geopolitical implications, prioritizing economic growth and cooperation over security-driven approaches.
From Military Interventions to Economic Development in Afghanistan
For decades, international engagement in Afghanistan has been largely defined by security concerns, military interventions, and counterterrorism efforts. These strategies have failed to establish long-term stability, as they often overlooked the underlying economic and social factors driving instability. The establishment of the U.N. SDG hub in Almaty suggests that a new approach will be tried – one that focuses on economic development, infrastructure investment, and social resilience as the foundation for lasting peace.
Afghanistan’s long-lasting instability is deeply linked to economic deprivation. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of basic services create fertile ground for extremism, organized crime, and internal conflicts. By addressing these root causes, regional economic initiatives can provide alternative pathways for Afghan society, reducing the appeal of illicit activities and strengthening the country’s long-term prospects for peace. Unlike previous externally driven aid programs, which were often detached from Afghanistan’s regional economic environment, the U.N. SDG hub will aim to ensure that Afghanistan’s future is tied to Central Asia’s economic networks, making development a shared regional goal rather than a donor-driven project.
One of the key areas where economic integration can make an impact is trade and infrastructure. Afghanistan has long been dependent on illicit economies, such as narcotics production, due to the lack of viable economic alternatives. Investing in regional infrastructure projects, such as railways, energy grids, and trade corridors, can help diversify its economy, provide employment opportunities, and attract long-term investments.
Kazakhstan, as Central Asia’s largest economy, has a vested interest in ensuring that Afghanistan is integrated into regional economic frameworks rather than remaining an isolated and fragile state.
Kazakhstan’s Role in Afghanistan’s Reintegration
Kazakhstan has emerged as one of the most active regional players in supporting Afghanistan’s reintegration into Central Asia. Unlike some other regional actors, which have largely viewed Afghanistan through the lens of security concerns, Kazakhstan has adopted an approach centered on economic engagement rather than isolation. Last year, Tokayev announced the removal of the Taliban from Kazakhstan’s list of terrorist groups, a status they had held since 2005. Tokayev emphasized the importance of trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan. Essentially, Astana’s broader belief is that Afghanistan’s stability is not only beneficial for the Afghan people but also important for the security and economic well-being of the entire Central Asian region.
Kazakhstan has been a consistent provider of humanitarian assistance and food aid to Afghanistan, particularly in times of crisis. It is a leading wheat exporter in the region and has already supplied thousands of tons of grain as part of its humanitarian outreach. Beyond food aid, Kazakhstan has sought to expand trade relations with Afghanistan, maintaining exports of food products, construction materials, and industrial goods. The country has also engaged in capacity-building efforts, providing scholarships for Afghan students, particularly women, and offering vocational training programs.
Despite the complexities, Kazakhstan has chosen engagement over isolation, recognizing that Afghanistan’s economic reintegration is crucial for both the region and Afghanistan itself. This pragmatic approach aligns with Kazakhstan’s long-standing strategy of regional diplomacy and economic connectivity. By working with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan is hoping that Afghanistan has a stake in regional stability rather than remaining a destabilizing force on the periphery.
The aim of the U.N. SDG hub is to play a key role in coordinating these efforts. It will facilitate initiatives in food security and agriculture cooperation. Similarly, energy and water security initiatives will be a focus, as Central Asia’s energy surplus can help address Afghanistan’s chronic electricity shortages, creating interdependencies that foster stability. The hub can also align trade and transit agreements to support Afghanistan’s integration into the region’s economic infrastructure, such as the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) energy project and the Trans-Afghan Railway.
Why the U.N. Chose Almaty
As the largest and most economically developed country in Central Asia, Kazakhstan provides the institutional capacity, diplomatic credibility, and economic stability necessary for hosting the U.N. SDG hub and for such an initiative to succeed.
Almaty, in particular, was a logical choice given its existing role as a regional hub for international organizations. The city already hosts 18 U.N. agencies, providing an established multilateral presence that ensures institutional continuity. Furthermore, Kazakhstan has a proven track record of engagement with the U.N., having supported peacekeeping, nuclear disarmament, and sustainable development initiatives over the years.
Geographically, Almaty is strategically positioned along key regional trade routes, making it a natural coordination point for regional SDG projects. The city is already a center for multilateral discussions, economic cooperation, and academic exchanges in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan hopes that hosting the U.N. SDG hub will solidify the country’s role as a regional leader in multilateral diplomacy. Historically, Central Asian states have largely pursued bilateral relations with global powers such as Russia, China, the U.S., and the EU. However, the hub may signal a shift toward a regional multilateral framework, reducing overreliance on external powers and facilitating greater intra-regional cooperation. Additionally, Kazakhstan benefits from being seen as a bridge between Central Asia and the global development agenda. The hub can ensure that sustainable development remains an independent regional priority, rather than one dictated by the competing geopolitical ambitions of external actors.
Potential Challenges
Despite its potential, the U.N. SDG hub in Almaty will have to consider several potential challenges. One of the key risks is ensuring long-term funding and operational sustainability. While the U.N. has backed the initiative, securing consistent financial commitments from regional and international partners will be essential.
Another challenge is navigating the complexities of Afghanistan’s political situation. Engaging with the Taliban government will require careful diplomacy to avoid legitimizing policies that contradict the U.N.’s principles on human rights and governance.
Finally, regional coordination will be crucial. Central Asian states have historically pursued nationalized economic strategies, and aligning their interests under a unified SDG framework will require consistent diplomatic engagement.
Ultimately, the establishment of the U.N. SDG hub in Almaty is an important development for both Afghanistan and Central Asia. It represents a shift from security-driven approaches to development-led stability, prioritizing economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
For Kazakhstan, hosting the hub is a strategic win — it reinforces its role as a regional diplomatic leader, strengthens its influence in Afghanistan’s future, and positions itself as the main interlocutor between the U.N. and Central Asia. If successful, the hub could prove that economic stability is the most sustainable form of security in fragile regions like Afghanistan.
