Volunteer Unit for Central Asia under the United Nations to Launch Operations in Almaty
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Hey there! Let's chat about the big news in Astana - the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program setting up shop in Almaty!
The UNV Subregional Office for Central Asia is all set to open its doors, and Kazakhstan is stoked to be the host. This regional hub will be a beacon for volunteerism and civic engagement across Central Asia, consolidating Kazakhstan's status as a trailblazer in the global volunteer movement.
The grand debut happened during the initial gathering of Kazakhstan's National Organizing Committee for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026. Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva and Executive Coordinator of the UN Volunteers Program Toily Kurbanov were in attendance, along with representatives from various government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and volunteer groups.
Balayeva took the opportunity to talk up Kazakhstan's dedication to global volunteer efforts. Our folks have been lending a hand in UN agencies worldwide, and in the last few years, we've had volunteers working in several UN structures. In 2024, seven Kazakhstani volunteers were dispatched to UN agencies in Kenya, Thailand, and Turkey.
Kurbanov was impressed, praising Kazakhstan for being the first country to establish a national organizing committee. He went on to say that our active work in volunteerism has boosted local participation and positioned Kazakhstan as a key player in the UN volunteer program scene.
As the committee gathered to mull over initiatives to promote volunteerism and civic engagement leading up to 2026, they discussed strategies to strengthen volunteer efforts and engage more young folks across the region.
In another development, Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin sat down with Kurbanov to jaw about the International Year of Volunteers, which was initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Rakhmetullin stressed Kazakhstan's commitment to fostering the volunteer movement, and he mentioned the Regional Centre for Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan, based in Almaty, as a prime hub for exchanging best practices and experiences in volunteer development. This collaboration is expected to engage a large number of young volunteers from across the region.
Kurbanov highlighted the vital role that volunteers play in sustainable development, especially in light of today's global challenges and risks. He also noted that volunteers from Kazakhstan, equipped with the knowledge and skills they gain through the UN Volunteers program, have become highly valued and sought-after members of the UN family.
That's the lowdown on the new UNV office in Almaty and Kazakhstan's role in shaping the future of volunteerism. Stay tuned for more updates on the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026 and Kazakhstan's ongoing contributions to the global volunteer movement. Cheers!
Insights:- UNV in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan typically plays host to various UN programs, including those supported by the UN Volunteers, which focus on peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.- Volunteer Positions: Opportunities for volunteers can be found in Kazakhstan, such as working with UNICEF on social and behavior change programs.- International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development: If a similar initiative is being planned for 2026, it would likely focus on sustainable development goals and involve countries like Kazakhstan in promoting volunteerism as a strategy for achieving these goals.- Role of Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan would likely play a role by supporting volunteer efforts aligned with sustainable development goals, such as environmental protection, education, and community development, contributing to global efforts to use volunteerism as a strategy for sustainable development.
- The UNV Subregional Office for Central Asia, now in Almaty, will promote leadership in business, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, as it encourages volunteerism and civic engagement across Central Asia.
- With an increased focus on career-development opportunities, the UNV program in Kazakhstan has been commendable in sending volunteers to UN agencies globally, showcasing their valuable skills and knowledge learned from the program.
- As Kazakhstan contributes to the global volunteer movement, fostering sustainable development, it opens up avenues for personal growth, career development, and creates a hub for the exchange of best practices in volunteer development.
