EU and SDGs in Central Asia

EU role in SDGs in Central Asia

The European Union (EU) plays a pivotal role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout Central Asia, emphasizing the critical importance of investments for human prosperity and environmental stability across the region. By fostering cross-border collaboration and strategic partnerships, the EU actively promotes sustainable development initiatives that transcend geopolitical boundaries, addressing common challenges and opportunities shared among Central Asian nations. Notably, with the inclusion of Afghanistan in the broader Central Asian context, the EU’s efforts become even more pertinent, aiming to stabilize conflict-affected regions while promoting economic resilience and social progress. Through targeted investments, capacity-building programs, and inclusive dialogue, the EU underscores the significance of collective action in achieving SDGs, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come in Central Asia and beyond.

Overview of EU projects in Central Asia and SDGs

Contribution of EU projects towards achievement of SDGs

The EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in the region is evident through targeted initiatives and partnerships aimed at addressing various SDGs, particularly focusing on the balance and enhancement of key loops within the SDG framework.

Education Loop (R5): The EU recognizes the pivotal role of education in achieving sustainable development. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we have prioritized initiatives that enhance access to quality education, promote lifelong learning, and foster skills development. Our programs in Central Asia focus on improving educational infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development, thereby empowering individuals and communities to actively contribute to economic and social progress.

Resilient Agriculture Loop (R1): Agriculture is central to the socio-economic fabric of Central Asia, and the EU is committed to supporting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the region. Our efforts encompass promoting climate-smart agriculture, enhancing water resource management, and facilitating the adoption of modern technologies and best practices. By strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems, we aim to ensure food security, mitigate environmental degradation, and bolster rural livelihoods.

Decent Job Creation Loop (R3): Creating decent and productive employment opportunities is fundamental to poverty reduction and inclusive growth. The EU’s engagement in Central Asia prioritizes initiatives that promote skills development, vocational training, and labor market integration. By partnering with governments, civil society, and the private sector, we seek to address youth unemployment, gender disparities, and informal employment, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Clean Energy Loop (R9): Transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources is essential for mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development. In Central Asia, the EU supports initiatives that promote the adoption of clean energy technologies, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen energy infrastructure. By investing in renewable energy projects and promoting policy reforms, we aim to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy security, and foster green economic growth.

Sustainable Communities Loop (R13): Building sustainable communities is integral to achieving the SDGs and ensuring inclusive and resilient development. The EU’s engagement in Central Asia includes initiatives that promote inclusive urbanization, improve access to basic services, and enhance disaster resilience. By empowering local communities, promoting participatory governance, and investing in sustainable infrastructure, we aim to create livable and inclusive communities where all individuals can thrive.

Climate Adaptation Loop (R10): Climate change poses significant challenges to the sustainable development agenda, particularly in vulnerable regions like Central Asia. The EU is committed to supporting adaptation efforts that enhance resilience to climate-related risks and disasters. Our initiatives focus on building climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthening early warning systems, and promoting community-based adaptation strategies. By mainstreaming climate resilience into development planning and decision-making processes, we aim to safeguard livelihoods, protect ecosystems, and ensure sustainable development outcomes.

Interlinkages between EU projects and countries SDG priorities

It’s important to note that the EU’s contribution to SDGs in Central Asia is closely linked to country-specific accelerators, which serve as catalysts for progress across various sectors. Through targeted interventions and strategic partnerships, EU is committed to advancing the SDGs agenda and fostering sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations in Central Asia.

SDG Loops	Kazakhstan	Kyrgzystan	Tajikistan	Turkmenistan	Uzbekistan	EU contribution
Education Loop (R5):	🔷 4.4: Skills for employment	🔷 4.3. Quality education for everyone	🔷 4.3. Quality education for everyone	🔷 4.4. Skills for employment	🔷 4.3. Quality education for everyone	Erasmus+ programme, Horizon 2020
Resilient Agriculture Loop (R1):	🔷 2.4: Sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agriculture	🔷 2.2. Ensure food security	🔷 2.2. Ensure food security	🔷 2.3. The agricultural productivity and rural development	🔷 12.2. The sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Green Economy)	Central Asia Nexus Dialogue Project: Fostering Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus and Multi-Sector Investment, SWITCH-Asia and Central Asia II - Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production
Decent Job Creation Loop (R3):	🔷 10.4: Adopt policies for greater equality	🔷 8.6. Youth employment and education	🔷 9.2. Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization	🔷 8.5. Full and productive employment and decent work	🔷 8.3. Policies for economic development	Accelerate Prosperity in Central and South Asia, (AP ASIA), Central Asia Invest IV and V, Promoting international trade in Central Asia, The SME Finance Facility For Central Asia, Sustainable Private Sector Programme in Central Asia
Clean Energy Loop (R9)	🔷 7.2. Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the energy mix	🔷 7.1, 7.2, 7.3. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all				HYDROPOWER FOR YOU - Sustainable small-scale hydropower in Central Asia, CAWEP III - Central Asia Energy and Water Development Program, EU4Energy - Support to Energy Policy in EaP and Central Asia countries
Sustainable Communities Loop (R13)	🔷 10.4: Adopt policies for greater equality	🔷 11.1. Safe and affordable housing and basic services	🔷 11.1. Safe and affordable housing and basic services	🔷 6.1. Universal and equitable access to safe drinking water	🔷 11.1. Safe and affordable housing and basic services	Strengthening disaster resilience and accelerating implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia