Members of the UN ESCAP Working Group on the establishment of the Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development visited Kazakhstan to evaluate the country’s readiness to host the new regional initiative, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussions took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a meeting between First Deputy Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev and representatives of the international working group.
The visit focused on examining Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, digital ecosystem, and institutional capacity to support the future centre in Almaty.
Evaluating Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure
The primary objective of the mission was to assess whether Kazakhstan is prepared to host the Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development.
The evaluation covered several key areas:
- the country’s digital infrastructure capabilities
- the level of digital technology development
- institutional readiness to manage the centre
- potential cooperation mechanisms with regional partners
Officials noted that the centre is expected to serve as a platform for promoting digital innovation and supporting sustainable development initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.
Presentation of the centre’s strategic vision
During the meeting, Ashikbayev presented the conceptual foundations of the project and outlined the key objectives of the future centre.
The proposed institution would focus on:
- promoting digital solutions for sustainable development
- supporting regional technological cooperation
- strengthening digital capacity among participating countries
- facilitating knowledge exchange and innovation
Participants also discussed financing mechanisms and the institutional framework required to operate the centre effectively.
International experts highlight Kazakhstan’s digital progress
Members of the working group shared the results of independent assessments of the project, including analysis of the centre’s institutional structure, financial model, and functional role.
Chair of the Working Group Francisco Tilman Cepeda and UN ESCAP official Kiyoung Ko highlighted Kazakhstan’s progress in digital transformation.
They noted that the country has achieved a high level of digital development and has demonstrated significant potential to support regional technology initiatives.
Strengthening the regional digital agenda
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss Kazakhstan’s broader digital agenda in foreign policy and its role in advancing regional cooperation within the UN ESCAP framework.
Officials reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to contribute to regional digital initiatives and support projects aimed at promoting innovation, sustainable development, and technological connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts say the potential establishment of the centre in Almaty could further strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional hub for digital solutions and international cooperation.
