The United Nations Global Compact has officially launched its Central Asia Country Network, a new multi-country office based in Kazakhstan that will coordinate corporate sustainability efforts across five nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
The initiative connects more than 140 companies in the region to the world’s largest corporate sustainability platform, providing access to tools, frameworks, and partnerships aimed at accelerating alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Central Asia sits at a strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and is entering a period of rapid economic and political transformation,” said Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “By launching a Country Network here, we are anchoring responsible investment and sustainability into this dynamic corridor, and harnessing the region’s untapped private-sector potential to drive green growth, improve transparency and foster social cohesion.”
Until now, sustainability efforts across the five nations have largely operated in isolation.
The new regional hub will serve as a unified platform to drive forward shared goals such as the green economy transition, improved business accountability, and broader access to ethical capital flows.
It also aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s modernization agenda for Kazakhstan and the wider region.
“With over 60 percent of the population under 30, the Network will be a bridge between global standards and local entrepreneurial aspirations,” said Dinara Seijaparova, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Central Asia Network. “We aim to convene government, business, and civil society across borders to unlock billions in SDG-focused investment, ensuring inclusive economic growth and environmental resilience.”
The Central Asia office becomes the 64th Country Network in the UN Global Compact’s growing footprint, following two additional launches in 2024.
It marks a key milestone in the UN’s broader push for regional empowerment and localized implementation of global sustainability goals.
With over 20,000 participating companies across 85 countries, the UN Global Compact continues to serve as the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, promoting responsible business conduct through the Ten Principles and SDG delivery.
Business News Asia