The upcoming UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Regional Hub in Almaty could become a key platform for long-term international support to Afghanistan, said Erkin Tukumov, Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan, in an interview with the "Big Diplomacy" program on Jibek Joly TV channel, as reported by Kazinform.
According to Tukumov, Afghanistan needs systemic international engagement, not isolation — particularly in developing skilled professionals in critical fields such as healthcare, education, engineering, and agriculture.
“The establishment of the UN SDG Hub in Almaty is a significant step, both by the UN and Kazakhstan, which is providing logistical and infrastructural support. This hub can play a vital role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals across the region, where issues such as poverty and climate challenges remain unresolved,” he emphasized.
Tukumov also noted that Kazakhstan maintains working-level contact with Afghanistan’s current authorities, despite not officially recognizing their regime.
“We must not view Afghanistan solely as a source of threats. A broader perspective is needed — one that balances security and development. Isolation is not an effective policy,” he added.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 7, 2025