LocationsUNDP launched a seminar series in the Ulytau region to boost local governance
May 16, 2025
A seminar participant from Satbayev.
With funding from the Government of Kazakhstan, UNDP started a seminar series to advance sustainable local development and reduce inequalities in the Ulytau region. Titled “Sustainable socio-economic development of regions: engaging all stakeholders,” the initiative focuses on strengthening the role of local authorities and communities in shaping inclusive, transparent development processes.
Held from May 13 to 23 in Karazhal and Satpayev cities as well as the Zhanaarka and Ulytau districts, the seminars aim to build the capacity of local executive bodies, maslikhat deputies, public council members, NGOs, and rural akims to shape local development initiatives jointly.
Seminar participants from Satbayev.
The seminars focus on strengthening collaboration between local governments and communities, improving public administration, and promoting greater citizen involvement in decision-making. Participants are introduced to practical governance reform tools, including the new Budget Code, regional planning standards, and participatory budgeting mechanisms. A central theme is citizen engagement throughout the budget cycle and in the co-development of community-driven projects with clear mechanisms for public oversight.
The agenda also includes key competencies such as project management, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes, and strategies for building trust through open communication with local communities.
A seminar participant from Satbayev.
These seminars are part of the UNDP’s local development programme, which started in 2024 to support the Abay and Ulytau regions — Kazakhstan’s newest administrative units. The initiative targets local disparities in access to essential services, employment opportunities, and infrastructure, while helping communities unlock their development potential in alignment with the SDGs. Needs assessments conducted in both regions ensure that policy support and training are tailored to local realities.
While the programme’s core focus is grassroots capacity-building, it also plays a key role in Kazakhstan’s upcoming 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) — a national stocktake of progress toward the SDGs. Through regional consultations and planning, the initiative ensures that local perspectives inform national strategies, particularly on gender equality (SDG 5), service delivery, and community resilience.
In a complementary effort to strengthen local leadership, the “Akim School” project was recently held in Ulytau with support from the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, the Academy of Public Administration, and UNDP. The programme trained rural district leaders in digital governance and cyber hygiene. It used tools such as the “Digital Workplace of the Akim” and eGov services to equip local officials for more effective administration in a digital era.
Seminar participants from Satbayev.
UNDP believes that sustainable development begins at the local level. Thus, this pilot initiative aims to serve as a foundation for scaling these efforts, which blend institutional capacity-building, citizen engagement, and digital innovation to accelerate sustainable progress across all regions. The next step is the commencement of the seminar series in the Abay region, covering Ayagoz, Zhanasemey, Kokpekty, and Makanshy districts.
Seminar participants from Satbayev.
