UNDP held a workshop on strengthening waste management systems and implementing EPR in the regions of Abai and Ulytau

March 11, 2026

Group photo of diverse professionals in a formal conference room, flags along the wall. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan held a working seminar to support Abai and Ulytau regions in strengthening municipal solid waste management systems and advancing the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) instruments.

The event brought together representatives of regional akimats and maslikhats, as along with JSC Zhasyl Damu, the national EPR Operator of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to discuss practical solutions for improving waste management infrastructure, increasing recycling rates, and enhancing inter-institutional cooperation at the regional level

Opening the event, Botagoz Yussupova, UNDP Programme Analyst in Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and region-specific approach to waste management. infrastructure and highlighted EPR mechanisms as a key instrument for enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the system.

“Strengthening waste management systems at the regional level is essential for environmental sustainability and local economic development. By supporting the practical application of EPR mechanisms, UNDP aims to help regions move from fragmented solutions toward more efficient and circular waste management models,”

she noted.

Speaker at podium giving a talk; blue and yellow banners and flags in the background. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan

Representatives of JSC Zhasyl Damu shared information on available support measures and implementation practices applied across different regions of Kazakhstan.

“Developing a modern waste management system is impossible without close cooperation between the state, business, and regional authorities. Zhasyl Damu JSC consistently implements extended producer responsibility instruments aimed at stimulating recycling and developing environmental infrastructure. Platforms such as today’s seminar allow us to develop practical solutions for the sustainable development of regions,”

noted Nurzhan Kabdoldanov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC Zhasyl Damu.

Man in a blue suit speaks into a microphone at a conference, projector screen in background. — Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan

The seminar was organized within the framework of the UNDP project “Sustainable development: bridging local disparities for newly created regions” implemented since October 2024 with financial support from the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of local executive authorities, promote citizen engagement mechanisms, and support the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the seminar, participants were presented with the results of analytical work and field missions conducted by UNDP experts in the Abai and Ulytau regions. Through group work, participants identified priority actions to improve waste collection and processing infrastructure, increase recycling rates, and strengthen collaboration between public authorities and the private sector.

The seminar concluded with a shared commitment to continue collaboration toward building a more efficient, environmentally responsible, and sustainable waste management system in the Abai and Ulytau regions.