Expansion of Central Asian Cooperation within the Framework of the Sustainable Development Goals

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In today’s world, the implementation of the UN Agenda for 2030 and the achievement of the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is no longer solely the responsibility of individual countries. Increasingly, experts agree that success depends on coordination, sustainable partnerships, and regional collaboration.

For the countries of Central Asia — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan — this approach is particularly important. They face similar challenges: land degradation, water scarcity, climate risks, digital inequality, and youth employment. Addressing these issues individually is insufficient; only joint action can produce sustainable results and create synergy.

Regional platforms and the exchange of best practices have become crucial tools for collective progress. There is growing discussion around the creation and development of a Regional SDG Center — a platform where countries do not compete but pool resources and experience. This vision has materialized with the recently established Regional SDG Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.

The initiative, supported by the UN and the Government of Kazakhstan, provides opportunities to consolidate knowledge, coordinate actions, and attract investment for sustainable development. The Center provides technical support to countries, collects and analyzes data, facilitates experience-sharing, and promotes the region internationally.

In practice, it acts as a bridge between countries, the private sector, and global institutions, symbolizing Central Asia’s readiness to act collectively.

Progress Across the Region

Each country in the region is taking steps forward. According to the 2025 Sustainable Development Solutions Network report, Uzbekistan ranked 62nd out of 167 countries with a Sustainable Development Index of 73.1 points — one of the strongest results in the region. The country actively implements innovative approaches in digitalization, education, social protection, and environmental management. Kazakhstan ranks 70th (71.52 points), continuing to strengthen its position through national strategy development and modernization of planning systems. Kyrgyzstan is 47th (74.5 points) and shows strong social development performance. Tajikistan ranks 88th (68.3 points), where ecological and energy challenges remain the main obstacles. Turkmenistan publishes fewer data but is also implementing programs on efficient water use and green energy.

However, the region faces serious environmental challenges. The UN ESCAP 2025 report notes that Central Asia lags in several natural resource-related goals: land degradation and clean water scarcity remain systemic problems. ESCAP data highlight regression in several environmental indicators, including land degradation, which calls for accelerated action to achieve SDGs 6 and 15. According to UNESCO and the Atlantic Council, water stress affects more than 80 million people in the region. Most water inflow originates outside the consuming countries: approximately 86% in the upstream areas (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan), with the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins supplying up to 90% of regional river water. This creates interdependence: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan provide upstream river flow, while Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan rely on it for irrigation and industry. Due to worn canals and drainage systems, water losses during irrigation reach 30–40% (up to 50% in some areas).

Climate change and recent droughts exacerbate the situation, increasing pressure on agriculture and food security. Nevertheless, water issues can become a driver of cooperation rather than conflict. Mechanisms such as the Interstate Commission on Water Coordination, the SPECA regional projects, and ESCAP’s program on integrating water, energy, and climate data are already in place. Establishing a shared regional water platform and implementing digital analysis tools can help countries develop joint solutions and plan resource allocation. The Almaty Regional SDG Center can play a key role in this effort, providing data exchange, GIS development, and innovative management of water and land resources.

Digitalization is another crucial area. Central Asia remains one of the youngest regions globally, with a median age of 26–27 years and roughly one-third of the population under 15. Over half the population is under 30, representing a human capital pool that can drive innovation, remote education, telemedicine, and smart city development. Collaborative ICT initiatives and startup hubs in Tashkent, Astana, Bishkek, or Dushanbe can strengthen economies and enhance resilience to external shocks.

Green technology and renewable energy are increasingly discussed. Central Asia is investing in solar and wind power, energy efficiency, and circular economy projects, directly linking to water and climate resilience. The private sector is gradually engaging in the SDG agenda; in 2025, the UN Global Compact Central Asia network launched in Kazakhstan, uniting over 140 companies, reflecting growing interest in responsible investments and ESG practices.

State-private partnerships are expanding in ecology, digitalization, and green energy. Social dimensions, including youth and women’s participation, are becoming integral. Leadership schools, mentorship programs, grant competitions, and regional forums foster discussions on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and climate solutions, cultivating a new generation of SDG champions.

Despite positive progress, challenges remain. Statistical discrepancies and institutional differences hinder unified monitoring systems. Funding is limited, and climate risks are intensifying. Geopolitical tensions require countries to balance national interests with collective action. The main difficulty lies not in resources but in coordination and trust.

Outlook to 2030

The outlook remains optimistic. If Central Asian countries continue to strengthen cooperation, modernize infrastructure, and implement innovations, the region could become a model of sustainable development. In the coming years, a unified SDG data platform may emerge, including water and climate modules. Water losses could be reduced by one-third, and the number of joint green economy and digital projects is expected to rise significantly. Youth and women’s participation will ensure social resilience, while business cooperation will enhance financial sustainability.

Central Asia has the potential to transform from a climate-risk zone into a region of opportunity. Expanding cooperation under the SDGs aligns with the global agenda and reflects the strategic interests of the countries themselves: economic growth, social stability, and environmental security. The establishment of the Regional SDG Center in Almaty is a key step toward this goal. If the region successfully unites its efforts and realizes the potential of collaboration, it can set an example of building a sustainable future under challenging climatic conditions — independently, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.