UN Global Compact Launches Central Asia Network to Accelerate SDG-Aligned Business Growth

June 24, 2025

11:58 am

Key Impact Points:

New multi-country office will serve Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan
Connects 140+ companies to the world’s largest corporate sustainability platform
Aims to unlock billions in SDG-aligned investment through cross-border partnerships

UN Launches Regional Hub to Drive Private-Sector Sustainability

The UN Global Compact has officially launched its Country Network for Central Asia, a new regional hub based in Kazakhstan that will serve five countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This milestone aims to integrate over 140 companies into the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative and advance the region’s alignment with the 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.”

Aligning Business with Green Growth and Governance

Until now, sustainability and corporate governance efforts have largely operated independently within each Central Asian country. The new Network will act as a unifying platform to modernize regional economies, support the green transition, and strengthen foreign investment accountability.

It also directly supports the modernization agenda of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with a focus on business transparency, economic reform, and inclusive development.

Engaging the Region’s Youth and Entrepreneurs

With more than 60% of the region’s population under the age of 30, the Central Asia Network also targets youth and women-led enterprises. It will help local entrepreneurs engage with global ESG standards and sustainable business practices.

“At this pivotal moment, businesses in Central Asia must seize the first-mover advantage to set their own sustainability agenda,” said Dinara Seijaparova, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Central Asia Network. “The UN Global Compact will convene government, business and civil society across Central Asia to build trust, foster cross-border partnerships and unlock billions in investment for the SDGs — ensuring that economic growth goes hand-in-hand with social inclusion and environmental resilience.”

A Growing Global Footprint

The launch brings the total number of UN Global Compact Country Networks to 64. It follows the opening of two new Networks in 2024 and reflects the UN’s continued focus on localized implementation of the 2030 Agenda.