United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community and regional partners to step up their support for Afghanistan, as the country continues to grapple with deep humanitarian and economic challenges.

His remarks came during the official inauguration of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Almaty on August 4, 2025.

Highlighting Afghanistan’s ongoing crises—including widespread poverty, internal displacement, earthquake damage, climate vulnerabilities, and a fragile humanitarian situation—Guterres called for a unified approach to ensure peace, stability, and a sustainable future for the Afghan people.

“The people of Afghanistan continue to face immense hardship,” the UN chief said in his address. “They deserve peace, stability, and a better future. I am very grateful for the cooperation Kazakhstan has been developing in recent times.”

Guterres commended Kazakhstan’s role in fostering regional dialogue and supporting Afghanistan, noting that the newly opened centre will serve as a hub for promoting solidarity and shared responsibility. He emphasized that regional and international collaboration will be critical in addressing Afghanistan’s challenges, with a particular focus on safeguarding human rights—especially those of women and girls—and promoting economic self-reliance and human dignity.

Kazakhstan has emerged as one of Afghanistan’s key partners over the past four years, maintaining strong political and economic ties with Kabul’s caretaker government. While the Afghan authorities have yet to comment on the opening of the center or Guterres’ appeal, the initiative is expected to play a vital role in advancing sustainable development across the region.

The UN Regional Centre in Almaty will coordinate with regional governments, institutions, and international agencies to help support Afghanistan’s recovery and broader regional stability. (ILKHA)