Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the State of Kuwait

Expanding Cooperation among Central Asian Countries within the Framework of the Sustainable Development Goals

Regional platforms and the exchange of best practices are becoming a crucial tool for joint advancement. The idea of creating and developing a Regional Center for Sustainable Development (SDGs)—a platform where countries in the region, rather than competing with each other, can pool resources and expertise—is increasingly being discussed. The recently established Regional SDG Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty has become precisely such a center. This initiative by the UN and the Government of Kazakhstan offers an opportunity to pool knowledge, coordinate actions, and attract investment in sustainable development. The center provides technical support to countries, collects and analyzes data, shares experiences, and promotes the region internationally. It effectively serves as a bridge between countries, businesses, and global institutions, as well as a symbol of Central Asia's readiness to act together.

Today, each country in the region is taking steps forward. According to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network's 2025 report, Uzbekistan ranked 62nd out of 167 countries with a Sustainability Index score of 73.1—one of the best in the region. The country is actively implementing new approaches in digitalization, education, social protection, and the environment. Kazakhstan ranks 70th (71.52 points) and continues to strengthen its position through the development of national strategies and the modernization of its planning system. Kyrgyzstan ranks 47th (74.5 points) and demonstrates strong results in social areas. Tajikistan ranks 88th (68.3 points), with the environment and energy remaining its primary challenges. Turkmenistan publishes less data but is also implementing programs on water efficiency and green energy.

At the same time, the region faces serious environmental challenges. The UN ESCAP 2025 report notes that Central Asia is lagging behind on a number of natural resource-related goals, with land degradation and clean water shortages remaining systemic problems. According to ESCAP, the region is experiencing regression on a number of environmental indicators, including land degradation, requiring accelerated action to achieve Goals 6 and 15 of the UN Agenda. According to UNESCO and the Atlantic Council, water stress affects over 80 million people in the region. Most of the runoff is generated outside the consuming countries: an estimated 86% is in the upstream regions (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan), while the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins provide up to 90% of the region's river water. This creates interdependence: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan provide for the upstream regions, while Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan rely on runoff for irrigation and industry. Due to deteriorating canals and drainage systems, irrigation water losses amount to 30–40% (in some areas, up to 50%). Climate change and recent droughts are exacerbating the situation, increasing pressure on agriculture and food security.

However, water issues can become an incentive for cooperation rather than a source of conflict. Mechanisms such as the Interstate Commission for Water Resources Coordination, regional SPECA projects, and the ESCAP program for integrating water, energy, and climate data are already in place. The creation of a common regional water platform and the introduction of digital analytical tools will help countries develop joint decisions and plan resource allocation. In this area, the Regional SDG Center in Almaty can play a key role by ensuring data exchange, developing geographic information systems, and implementing innovations in water and land resource management.

Beyond water, digitalization is also crucial. Central Asia remains one of the youngest regions in the world: the median age is approximately 26–27 years, and children under 15 account for approximately a third of the population. Overall, more than half of the region's population is under 30 years old. This human potential can be harnessed to develop innovation, distance education, telemedicine, and smart cities. Joint ICT initiatives and startup hubs in Tashkent, Astana, Bishkek, and Dushanbe can strengthen the economy and increase resilience to external shocks. The transition to green technologies and renewable energy is increasingly being discussed. Central Asia is actively investing in solar and wind power plants and developing energy efficiency. and circular economy projects. All of this is directly linked to the region's water and climate resilience.

Business is also gradually becoming integrated into the sustainable development agenda. In 2025, the UN Global Compact Central Asia network was launched in Kazakhstan, uniting over 140 companies. This demonstrates the private sector's growing interest in responsible investment and ESG approaches. Joint government-business initiatives in the areas of ecology, digitalization, and green energy are increasingly being implemented. The social dimension—the participation of youth and women—is also becoming an important part of the transformation. Leadership schools, mentoring programs, grant competitions, and regional forums are operating in countries across the region, where topics such as digital skills, entrepreneurship, and climate solutions are discussed. These initiatives are creating a new generation of specialists capable of advancing sustainable development not just in words but in action.

Despite these positive developments, significant barriers remain. Differences in statistics and institutional approaches hinder the development of a unified monitoring system. Funding remains limited, and climate risks are intensifying. Geopolitical tensions also persist: countries in the region are often forced to balance domestic interests with the need for collective action. However, the main challenge lies not in a lack of resources, but in a lack of coordination and trust.

Prospects through 2030 remain optimistic. If Central Asian countries continue to strengthen cooperation, modernize infrastructure, and embrace innovation, the region could become a model of sustainable development for other parts of the world. In the coming years, it is possible to create a common SDG data platform, including water and climate modules. Water losses could be reduced by a third, and the number of joint projects in the green economy and digitalization will increase significantly. The participation of youth and women in governance will ensure social sustainability, while cooperation with businesses will enhance financial stability.

Central Asia has the opportunity to transform itself from a climate-risk zone into a region of opportunity. Expanding cooperation within the SDG framework not only aligns with the global agenda but also reflects the strategic interests of the countries themselves: economic growth, social stability, and environmental security. The establishment of the Regional SDG Center in Almaty is an important step on this path. If the region succeeds in uniting its efforts and realizing the potential for cooperation, it can become an example of how, in challenging climate conditions, a sustainable future can be built—with our own efforts, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Sources:

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Sustainable Development Report 2025.