A high-level meeting took place between First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Y. Ashikbayev and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Kazakhstan Rashed Sarwar.
But beyond diplomatic protocol, the talks reflected a broader shift: Kazakhstan is positioning children’s wellbeing at the center of its sustainable development strategy, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussion covered a wide range of pressing issues — from safeguarding children’s health to strengthening digital safety in an era where childhood increasingly unfolds online. The conversation also addressed inclusive education, violence prevention, mental health challenges, and the development of stronger social protection systems.
Why This Meeting Matters
Children today are growing up in a world shaped by rapid technological change, global uncertainty, and shifting social dynamics. For Kazakhstan, this means policies must go beyond traditional frameworks and adopt innovative, data-driven approaches.
“We highly appreciate the efforts of UNICEF in introducing advanced international best practices, improving methodologies and monitoring mechanisms for the protection of children’s rights, as well as implementing innovative solutions and working methods,” Ashikbayev said during the meeting.
The emphasis on monitoring and methodology may sound technical, but it signals something important: protecting children’s rights is no longer just about declarations — it is about measurable impact.
A National Priority: “Children of Kazakhstan”
A key topic was the development of the national programme “Children of Kazakhstan,” a comprehensive initiative designed to modernize child protection policies across the country. UNICEF has played an expert role in shaping the framework of the programme, ensuring it aligns with international standards while addressing Kazakhstan’s specific needs.
Another milestone highlighted during the talks was Kazakhstan’s accession in November 2025 to the Global Alliance to End Violence Against Children — a significant step that connects the country to a worldwide network of governments committed to eliminating violence against minors.
This move places Kazakhstan among nations actively strengthening their preventive systems, improving reporting mechanisms, and developing child-friendly services.
Looking Ahead: 2026–2030 Cooperation Programme
Rashed Sarwar noted that the new Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and UNICEF for 2026–2030 is fully aligned with the country’s strategic priorities and reflects the concluding observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
In practical terms, this means future cooperation will focus on:
- Expanding inclusive education so that every child — regardless of ability — can access quality learning.
- Strengthening mental health support systems for adolescents.
- Enhancing digital safety frameworks.
- Modernizing social services to better support vulnerable families.
These are not isolated reforms. Together, they form a long-term investment in human capital — something Kazakhstan has repeatedly identified as key to its economic and social progress.
Marking 80 Years of UNICEF
The meeting concluded with an agreement to deepen partnership and hold joint events this year marking the 80th anniversary of UNICEF.
Founded in 1946, UNICEF has evolved from a post-war emergency relief organization into a global leader in child protection, education, and health. For Kazakhstan, its expertise represents not only international experience but also access to tested solutions adaptable to local realities.
A Broader Message
The conversation at the Foreign Ministry sends a clear message: children’s rights are not a secondary social issue — they are a strategic priority linked to national development, international cooperation, and long-term stability.
As Kazakhstan advances toward its sustainable development goals, the focus on safeguarding children today may well define the country’s success tomorrow.
