Fostering Dialogue on SDG Localization in Central Asia, the Sustainable Energy Transformation, and Decarbonization Through Critical Raw Materials
During May 2024, SDSN Kazakhstan co-organized three events focused on localizing the SDGs.
On May 13-14, 2024, SDSN Kazakhstan hosted its 2nd annual Conference on "Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across sectors in Central Asia.” The conference brought together government officials, the academic community, international organizations, and civil society to discuss the latest developments and challenges in SDG localization and implementation both at national and sub-national levels across a variety of sectors, such as education, public health, energy, public administration, environmental protection agencies, non-governmental sector, and others. Topics discussed included progress and challenges with SDG monitoring and implementation; sustainability in higher education; and prospects for cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan.
On May 14, 2024, more than 120 researchers, scientists, representatives of research institutes, universities, and other organizations working in the field of sustainable energy gathered at the regional workshop organized by SDSN Kazakhstan entitled, “Horizon Europe in Central Asia: Promoting Research Excellence and Collaboration for Sustainable Energy.” Horizon Europe is the European Union’s (EU) framework research and innovation program, which provides funding for projects in the EU Member States and the third countries, including Central Asian republics. A total of 33 projects and 47 organizations in Central Asia have already benefited from participation in Horizon Europe and its predecessor Horizon 2020.
The workshop highlighted regional opportunities for sustainable energy development and aimed to raise awareness of the program, including Cluster 5 “Climate, Energy and Mobility,” as well as opportunities for the research community in the region. For example, it showcased funding schemes, projects, and initiatives that match the priorities of stakeholders in Central Asia.
Also held during that week, was a workshop entitled "Critical Raw Materials and the Prospects for Structural Transformation in Central Asia," co-organized by the ERC Starting Grant research program, GRIP-ARM, in collaboration with SDSN Kazakhstan. This workshop convened experts who aimed to address geopolitical dynamics, technological advancements, and structural transformations in Central Asia due to the global competition for critical raw materials (CRMs) and the drive for decarbonization. Participants, including experts in political economy and public policy, discussed the region's evolving role in global supply chains, and the workshop highlighted Central Asia's strategic importance and the necessity of securing access to CRMs amidst geopolitical risks.
