Kazakhstan Delegation Participates in UN ESCAP 80th Session
Bangkok, The Gulf Observer: A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, participated in the 80th session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The ongoing session in the Thai capital focuses on the theme “Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific,” as reported by the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
The event witnessed the presence of representatives from Asia-Pacific member states, heads of international organizations, and other distinguished officials.
In his address, Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu emphasized the rising prominence of Asia and the Pacific as a new center of global economic growth and technological advancement. He highlighted the priority given to innovation and digital technologies in the new economic policy of Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Kazakhstan stands as a leading nation in the fintech sphere, notably exemplified by the Astana International Financial Centre. The country ranks 28th globally in e-government service provision and 8th in the quality of online services, showcasing its commitment to digital transformation.
Foreign Minister Nurtleu extended an invitation to ESCAP member states for mutually beneficial cooperation with Astana Hub, the largest IT startup park in Central Asia. Kazakhstan boasts the successful operation of over 900 companies, including renowned entities such as Google, Microsoft, and Huawei.
Recognizing the pivotal role of digital solutions in enhancing transport connectivity, the Kazakh diplomat called for strengthened coordination among regional countries and advocated for the adoption of the new ESCAP Convention on uniform rules and standards in the transit sector.
During the session, Foreign Minister Nurtleu held discussions with Armida Alisjahbana, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. The talks centered on joint initiatives, including the organization of the UN Ministerial Conference on Digital Technologies in Astana in September 2024 and the establishment of the Center for Digital Solutions in Almaty. Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to share over 20 specific digital solutions with other member states of the Commission, demonstrating its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development through digital innovation.
