LocationsUNDP reaffirms shared vision for sustainable development in high-level visit
May 29, 2025
Haoliang Xu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), concluded a high-level official visit to Kazakhstan from 28 to 30 May, reaffirming UNDP’s strong partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan and highlighting shared commitments to sustainable development, regional cooperation and climate action.
Haoliang Xu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“Kazakhstan is not just a key partner for UNDP in Central Asia—it’s a country setting bold benchmarks in development and climate leadership, and stepping up as a contributor to global solutions,” Haoliang Xu said. “Our partnership is rooted in shared purpose and a forward-looking vision: one of inclusive growth, climate resilience, and sustainable progress. Together with Kazakhstan and our international partners, we are turning policy into impact in Kazakhstan and beyond.”
Meeting with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
A central highlight of the visit was Xu’s meeting with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Xu commended Kazakhstan’s leadership on regional and global development priorities, particularly the UN General Assembly resolution establishing the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia and Afghanistan, to be hosted in Almaty. He reaffirmed UNDP’s support to ensure the Centre becomes a hub for SDG acceleration and multilateral cooperation across the region.
In discussions with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Xu welcomed the opportunity to strengthen collaboration under the upcoming UNDP Country Programme for 2026–2030, aligned with the National Development Plan 2029. He highlighted UNDP’s growing support for regional development, including a government-funded project in Abai and Ulytau regions that channels investments into infrastructure, green growth and social priorities. He also reviewed post-disaster cooperation following the 2024 floods, emphasizing the need to strengthen climate and water resilience.
Haoliang Xu's meeting with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
Climate ambition was central throughout the visit. Xu welcomed Kazakhstan’s leadership in the lead-up to the submission of its enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and reaffirmed UNDP’s support to ensure the NDC is both transformative and actionable. At the Astana International Forum, he participated in a high-level panel session titled “COP30 and the Future of Global Climate Action,” where he called for collective efforts to scale up climate finance and translate political commitments into concrete implementation.
Haoliang Xu at a high-level panel session titled “COP30 and the Future of Global Climate Action.”
In a meeting with Chair of the Senate Maulen Ashimbayev, Xu commended Kazakhstan’s leadership in advancing the SDGs. He highlighted the Parliamentary Commission on SDG Monitoring – established with UNDP support under the Chair’s leadership – as a model for parliamentary oversight and regional best practice.
Haoliang Xu's meeting with Chair of the Senate Maulen Ashimbayev.
Xu also met with the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Svetlana Zhakupova, and the Minister of Health, Akmaral Alnazarova. Discussions centered around strengthened social protection systems, improved employment access for vulnerable groups, and digital innovation in public services. In the health sector, key themes included pandemic preparedness, digital transformation and modernization of procurement, and supply chains.
Haoliang Xu's meetings with the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Svetlana Zhakupova, and the Minister of Health, Akmaral Alnazarova.
As part of the official programme, Xu joined a working lunch with the Ambassadors of the European Union, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Switzerland – several UNDP donor partners in Kazakhstan. The meeting highlighted the strategic value of these partnerships in an increasingly constrained global development finance environment. Xu thanked the donors for their vital support in advancing high-impact programming in Kazakhstan.
Meeting with UNDP donor partners
Xu’s visit reflects the deepening cooperation between UNDP and the Republic of Kazakhstan. It underscores a shared commitment to inclusive resilient and sustainable development — in Kazakhstan, across Central Asia and globally.
