The UN Global Compact SDG Ambition Accelerator Program recently concluded in Almaty, Kazakhstan with an award ceremony on March 28. This six-month educational initiative, designed by UN experts, aimed to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into the strategic and operational aspects of businesses.
From October 2023 to March 2024, the program provided dedicated training for Central Asian countries and offered support for representatives from 40 companies in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Best practices were shared by companies such as Jusan Bank, KazMunayGas, Satbayev University, and Kazatomprom.
The interest in SDG initiatives among the local business community has been growing with the recent launch of the Business and Human Rights Accelerator in February and the upcoming Climate Ambition Accelerator in May. UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Michaela Friberg-Storey emphasized that businesses play a crucial role as key stakeholders in achieving sustainable development goals.
The Accelerator Programme has been successful in promoting growth, creating job opportunities and fostering innovation to tackle social challenges. It has also actively engaged businesses in the fight against climate change. Currently, there are 62 companies from Kazakhstan that are members of the UN Global Compact.
