Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday told the UN General Assembly that inclusive development in Afghanistan is essential for long-term peace and stability across the region.

Tokayev highlighted the opening of a new regional hub for the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty, created with support from the UN secretary-general and partner nations. The centre will focus on Afghanistan and Central Asia.

He said Kazakhstan continues to support the Afghan people through humanitarian aid and cooperation in trade, food security, infrastructure, and transportation.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on 4 March 2025 to establish the Almaty centre. Its mandate includes coordinating efforts, providing technical assistance, and implementing projects to fight poverty, boost economic growth, manage water resources, address climate change, improve healthcare, and expand access to education.