Expanding cooperation between Central Asian countries within the framework of the Sustainable Development

Expanding cooperation between Central Asian countries within the framework of the Sustainable Development

 Goals In today's world, the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda and the achievement of 17 global Sustainable Development Goals is no longer just a matter for one country. More and more experts agree that success depends on coordination, sustainable partnerships and regional cooperation. This approach is particularly important for the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Everyone has similar problems: land degradation, water scarcity, climate risks, digital inequality, youth employment. It is impossible to solve them individually — only joint actions can have a lasting effect and create synergy of efforts. Regional platforms and the exchange of practices are becoming the most important tool for joint promotion. The idea of creating and developing a Regional SDG Sustainable Development Center is increasingly being discussed, a platform where the countries of the region do not compete with each other, but combine resources and experience. The Regional SDG Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan, recently established in Almaty, has become such a center. This initiative by the United Nations and the Government of Kazakhstan opens up 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 in the international arena. In fact, it is becoming a bridge between countries, businesses and global institutions, as well as a symbol that Central Asia is ready to work together. Today, each of the countries in the region is making strides forward. According to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network report for 2025, Uzbekistan ranked 62nd out of 167 countries with a sustainability index of 73.1 points, one of the best indicators 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 modernization of the planning system. Kyrgyzstan ranks 47th (74.5 points) and shows good results in social areas. Tajikistan ranks 88th (68.3 points), where the main challenge remains in the environment and energy sector. Turkmenistan publishes less data, but also implements programs on efficient water use and green energy. At the same time, the region is facing serious environmental challenges. The UN ESCAP report for 2025 notes that Central Asia is lagging behind in a number of goals related to natural resources: land degradation and lack of clean water remain a systemic problem. According to ESCAP, the region is experiencing regression in a number of environmental indicators, including land degradation, which requires accelerated measures to achieve Goals 6 and 15 of the UN Agenda, and 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 consumer countries: it is estimated that about 86% is in the upper reaches (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan), and the basins of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya provide up to 90% of the river water in the region. This creates interdependence: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan provide river headwaters, while Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan depend on runoff for irrigation and industry. Due to the deterioration of canals and drainage systems, water losses during irrigation transport amount to 30-40% (in some areas — up to 50%). Climate change and droughts in recent years have exacerbated the situation, increasing pressure on agriculture and food security. However, the water issue may not be a source of conflict, but an incentive for cooperation. Mechanisms such as the Interstate Commission for the Coordination of Water Resources, SPECA regional projects, and the ESCAP program for combining data on water, energy, and climate are already in place. The creation of a common regional water platform and the introduction of digital analysis tools will help countries develop joint solutions and plan resource allocation. In this direction, the SDG Regional Center in Almaty can play a key role by ensuring data exchange, the development of geographic information systems and the introduction of innovations in water and land management. In addition to the water theme, digitalization is important. Central Asia remains one of the youngest regions in the world: the median age is about 26-27 years, and the proportion of children under 15 is about a third of the population. In general, more than half of the region's population are young people under the age of 30. This human potential can be used to develop innovation, distance education, telemedicine, and smart cities. Joint ICT initiatives and startup hubs in Tashkent, Astana, Bishkek or 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 farms, developing energy conservation and circular economy projects. All this is directly related to the water and climate stability of the region. Business is also gradually being included in the sustainable development agenda. In 2025, the UN Global Compact Central Asia network was launched in Kazakhstan, bringing together more than 140 companies. This demonstrates the growing interest of the private sector in responsible investments and ESG approaches. More and more joint initiatives of the government and business in the field of ecology, digitalization and green energy are being implemented. The social dimension of youth and women's participation is also becoming an important part of the transformation. There are leadership schools, mentoring programs, grant competitions, and regional forums in the region where topics of digital skills, entrepreneurship, and climate solutions are discussed. These initiatives create a new generation of professionals who are able to promote sustainable development not in words, but in deeds. Despite the positive developments, serious barriers remain. Differences in statistics and institutional approaches make it difficult to form a unified monitoring system. Financing is still limited, and climate risks are increasing. Geopolitical contradictions also persist: the countries of the region are often forced to balance between internal interests and the need for collective action. But the main difficulty lies not in the lack of resources, but in the lack of coordination and trust. The prospects until 2030 remain optimistic. If the Central Asian countries continue to strengthen cooperation, modernize infrastructure and introduce innovations, the region can become an example 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 will be reduced by a third, and the number of joint projects in the field of green economy and digitalization will increase significantly. The participation of young people and women in management will ensure social sustainability, and cooperation with business will ensure financial stability. Central Asia has a chance to transform from a climate risk zone into a region of opportunity. The expansion of cooperation within the SDGs not only meets the global agenda, but also reflects the strategic interests of the countries themselves: economic growth, social stability and environmental security. The establishment of the SDG Regional Center in Almaty has become an important step along this path. If the region manages to join forces and realize the potential for cooperation, it can become an example of how to build a sustainable future in difficult climatic conditions — on its own, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Used sources Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Sustainable Development Report 2025. UN ESCAP, Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2025. UNESCO, World Water Development Report 2023. UNECE/SPECA, Regional Water-Energy-Environment Nexus Reports 2023–2025. Atlantic Council, Water Insecurity in Central Asia, 2025. UN Global Compact, Central Asia Network Launch Press Release, 2025.