Kazakhstan Showcases Its Digital Achievements at the UN Forum in Thailand
Kazakhstan’s commitment to digital innovation took center stage at the 80th Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) held in Thailand. The session themed “Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific,” witnessed the participation of various Asia-Pacific member states, including a prestigious delegation from Kazakhstan led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu.
In his address, Nurtleu highlighted the pivotal role of Asia and the Pacific as emerging areas of economic growth and technological advancement in the world. He pointed out that, in line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s economic policies, innovation and digital technologies are pivotal to Kazakhstan’s development agenda. Kazakhstan’s achievement in the digital realm, especially in fintech, positions it as a global leader. Remarkably, the country is ranked 28th worldwide in e-government service provision and holds the 8th position in the quality of online services.
Nurtleu extended an invitation for ESCAP member states to engage in mutually beneficial collaboration with the Astana Hub, Central Asia’s largest IT startup park. The hub is a vibrant tech ecosystem where over 900 companies thrive, including industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and Huawei, signifying Kazakhstan’s welcoming stance on international tech cooperation.
Emphasizing the crucial impact of digital solutions in enhancing regional transport connectivity, the Kazakh official advocated for increased collaboration among nations. He encouraged the adoption of new ESCAP conventions that would establish uniform rules and standards in the transit sector, thus facilitating smoother regional integration.
Diplomatic engagements were also a significant aspect of Kazakhstan’s participation. Notable discussions took place between Nurtleu and Armida Alisjahbana, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. These talks centered around Kazakhstan’s proactive efforts in hosting the UN Ministerial Conference on Digital Technologies in September 2024 and the proposed establishment of a Center for Digital Solutions in Almaty. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to contribute over 20 digital solutions to the ESCAP community, showcasing its commitment to technological sharing and collaboration.
Along the sidelines, discussions continued with important figures such as Fatima Rabab, the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States. These discussions were oriented around preparations for the third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, underlining Kazakhstan’s active role in addressing the unique challenges faced by such nations.
In alignment with the session’s theme, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan hosted a side event titled “Digital Expansion: Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals”. This event further highlighted Kazakhstan’s innovative strides toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through digital technology, marking a significant step towards collaborative growth and technological advancement in the Asia-Pacific region.
The significant contributions and the active involvement of Kazakhstan at the ESCAP session underscore the country’s leading role in digital innovation and sustainable development within the Asia-Pacific bloc. Kazakhstan’s forward-looking approach promises to pave the way for a digitally empowered future, fostering international cooperation and regional development.
