UN Expert Praises Kazakhstan’s Development Progress but Urges Faster Green Transition and Stronger Civic Participation

The UN expert highlighted Kazakhstan’s position as the largest economy in Central Asia and praised the country for making important progress in several development areas.

A United Nations human rights expert has praised Kazakhstan for its significant progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while urging the country to accelerate its transition to a green economy, strengthen civic participation, and improve protections for vulnerable groups.

The comments were made by UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development Surya Deva following an official visit to Kazakhstan, during which he assessed the country's efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Deva acknowledged Kazakhstan's economic and technological achievements but stressed that long-term sustainable development must also include broader public participation, stronger human rights protections, and a more ambitious environmental strategy.

Kazakhstan Recognized for Economic and Digital Progress

The UN expert highlighted Kazakhstan's position as the largest economy in Central Asia and praised the country for making important progress in several development areas.

According to Deva, Kazakhstan has achieved notable advances in:

• Economic growth

• Digital transformation

• Infrastructure development

• Innovation and technology

• Urban modernization

• Development of cleaner cities

"Being the largest economy in Central Asia with significant progress in digital transformation, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to lead in practising inclusive, sustainable and participatory development," Deva said.

He also commended Kazakhstan for prioritizing social spending during a period when many countries are increasing military expenditures.

"At a time when many countries are spending excessively on militarisation, I applaud Kazakhstan for spending a substantial part of the budget on social issues to achieve a fair distribution of the benefits of development and, in turn, reduce inequalities," he said.

Call for Greater Attention to Rural and Remote Areas

Despite the progress, the UN expert emphasized that more effort is needed to ensure equal development opportunities across the country.

He stressed that implementing the Sustainable Development Goal principle of "leave no one behind" requires greater focus on rural and remote communities, where access to services and economic opportunities may remain limited.

According to Deva, the government should improve equal access to:

• Public services

• Education

• Healthcare

• Infrastructure

• Economic opportunities

• Digital connectivity

He warned that uneven development could widen inequalities if rural populations are left behind during periods of rapid modernization and economic transformation.

Concerns Raised Over Civic Space and Public Participation

The Special Rapporteur also expressed concern about restrictions on civic space and public participation in Kazakhstan.

He said meaningful participation by citizens is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

According to Deva, current conditions are not fully conducive to "active, free and meaningful participation" in decision-making processes.

He noted that several groups face additional barriers to participation, including:

• Women

• Children

• Persons with disabilities

• Migrants

• Rural communities

• Other marginalized groups

"I would encourage the Government to provide more space to voices that are not aligned with its positions," he said.

The expert emphasized that inclusive governance and open civic dialogue are important foundations for sustainable development and social trust.

Need for Stronger Anti-Discrimination and Gender Protections

The UN expert also called on Kazakhstan to strengthen its legal framework for protecting human rights and equality.

Specifically, he urged the government to accelerate the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law and intensify efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.

Human rights organizations have increasingly highlighted concerns related to discrimination, domestic violence, and protections for vulnerable populations in several Central Asian countries.

Deva stressed that sustainable development cannot be fully achieved without stronger protections for equality, participation, and human dignity.

Urgent Need for a Faster Green Transition

A major focus of the Special Rapporteur's remarks was the need for Kazakhstan to accelerate its transition toward a greener and more sustainable economy.

He warned that the country faces significant environmental and climate-related vulnerabilities, including:

• Water scarcity

• Environmental pollution

• Climate change pressures

• Resource management challenges

The expert called on the government, businesses, international organizations, and civil society to work together to support "just transitions" in key sectors including:

• Energy

• Agriculture

• Food systems

• Construction

• Industry

Kazakhstan remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive industries, making the transition to renewable energy particularly important for long-term sustainability goals.

Push for More Renewable Energy Ambition

Deva encouraged Kazakhstan to adopt a more ambitious renewable energy strategy and accelerate efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

"The Government should show more ambition to embrace renewable energy faster," he said.

He also emphasized the important role the private sector must play in supporting sustainable development.

According to the expert, businesses should internalize respect for:

• Human rights

• Environmental sustainability

• Responsible business conduct

He stressed that the private sector has significant potential to contribute to climate goals and inclusive development if sustainability becomes integrated into business operations and investment strategies.

Kazakhstan's Role in Regional Sustainable Development

As Central Asia's largest economy, Kazakhstan is increasingly viewed as an important regional player in sustainable development, digital innovation, and economic modernization.

The country has invested heavily in infrastructure, energy, digital transformation, and urban development over the past decade.

Kazakhstan has also pledged to pursue carbon neutrality goals and expand renewable energy development as part of its broader climate commitments.

However, experts note that balancing economic growth, fossil fuel dependence, environmental protection, and social inclusion remains a major challenge.

UN Expert Offers Continued Support

Deva concluded his visit by expressing support for Kazakhstan's ongoing development efforts and willingness to continue working with the country on advancing the right to development.

"I am looking forward to supporting Kazakhstan's journey in implementing further the right to development within and beyond borders," he said.

The Special Rapporteur's full report on his visit to Kazakhstan will be formally presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in September 2027.

Sustainable Development and Human Rights Closely Linked

The visit reflects broader international efforts to connect sustainable development goals with human rights, participation, and environmental sustainability.

The UN increasingly emphasizes that development should not only focus on economic growth but also ensure:

• Equality

• Inclusion

• Environmental protection

• Public participation

• Social justice

• Human rights protections

Kazakhstan's progress in modernization and economic reform has drawn international attention, but the UN expert stressed that long-term success will depend on ensuring that growth remains inclusive, participatory, and environmentally sustainable.