President Tokayev signs law establishing UN Regional Centre in Kazakhstan

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying an agreement with the United Nations to establish a UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, the Akorda press service reported.

The legislation provides for the official establishment of the regional organization to address issues related to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asian countries and Afghanistan.

Tokayev also signed the law ratifying the memorandum of understanding between the government and the UN regarding the institution’s operation. 

Both laws enter into force after their official publication. The texts of the documents are published in the official press.

The UN Regional Centre is expected to serve as a platform for coordinating joint projects, exchanging expertise and developing solutions in the fields of the economy, ecology, social policy and other areas.

Earlier this month, the UN issued a dire forecast for the Caspian Sea. Scientists say that global warming and increased evaporation could lead to significant seabed exposure over the next 50 years.