European Union, UNDP, and the Government of Kazakhstan launch €4 million initiative to strengthen local governance

July 29, 2026

Photo: Group of diplomats lined up in front of the UN emblem and flags. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Saltanat Boteu

On 29 July 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, the European Union (EU), and the Government of Kazakhstan officially launched the project "Advancing Local Governance Reform in Kazakhstan" at the first meeting of the Project Steering Committee in Astana.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan and UNDP to discuss the strategic priorities, planned activities and next steps for implementation.

Two men in suits sign papers at a conference table; blue flag with a yellow emblem nearby.

Photograph of a woman speaking into a microphone at a conference table with attendees.

Photograph of a man in a navy suit and red tie speaking at a conference table with a laptop.

Businesswoman in a black blazer speaks into a microphone at a conference table.

Photograph of a man in a dark suit speaking into a microphone at a conference table.

Group of attendees seated in a conference room, listening; some glance at devices.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Saltanat Boteu

The initiative aims to support Kazakhstan's ongoing local governance reform by strengthening the capacities of local institutions, promoting participatory decision-making, and improving the quality and inclusiveness of local public services. Through close cooperation with national and local partners, the initiative will contribute to more responsive, accountable and citizen-centred governance.

Photo of two women at a conference table with flags, one speaking into a microphone. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Saltanat Boteu

"Reforming local governance is ultimately about improving people's everyday experience of public services and strengthening trust between citizens and institutions. This project will help translate Kazakhstan's local governance reforms into tangible improvements for communities by strengthening local institutions, supporting more participatory decision-making and promoting evidence-based policymaking," said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan.

She added: "We highly value our partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan and the European Union and look forward to working together to deliver tangible results for communities across the country.”

Three officials at a conference table in a UN briefing room; center man speaks into a microphone. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Saltanat Boteu

The new initiative builds on these achievements and will further support Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen local governance systems, encourage meaningful citizen participation and promote sustainable regional development.

“In the EU, we strongly believe in local governance and decision making. Regions with strong local involvement and good governance are able to attract more investors and increase economic and social benefits for the local population. We are proud to support ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan and are happy to support local administrations and elected Akims with this project. Supported by a total EU contribution of EUR 4 million, the initiative will help make local governance more inclusive, transparent and responsive to the needs of citizens,” noted Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperations, EU Delegation to Kazakhstan.

Group of professionals in suits posing for a photo in front of the United Nations emblem and flags. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/Saltanat Boteu

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