Businesses in Central Asia Commit to United Nations' Global Compact for Sustainable Development
UN Global Compact Central Asia Network Pushes for Sustainable Business Practices
The UN Global Compact Central Asia Network, launched recently, aims to promote sustainable business practices in Central Asia by improving corporate governance, boosting transparency, reducing carbon emissions, and upholding ethical labor standards. This network, a critical player in global sustainability efforts, unifies regional efforts in corporate governance, SDG implementation, and ethical business practices.
The UN Global Compact, committed to the Central Asia Network, is part of its ongoing efforts to promote responsible business practices and sustainable development worldwide. The network supports local companies in aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing training, tools, and facilitating global partnerships.
One of the key goals of the network is to enhance corporate governance and transparency, meeting the rising demands for ethical business conduct in Central Asia's politically evolving landscape. Another goal is to reduce carbon emissions and promote green growth as part of responsible investment strategies that advance environmental sustainability.
The network also links local businesses to global sustainability standards and SDG-related investments, translating international norms into concrete development outcomes. This connection fosters regional cooperation through dialogues, business alliances, and linking firms to SDG-aligned investment opportunities.
The network builds trust and regional integration through joint training programs, dialogues, and business alliances, helping transform Central Asia into a strategic economic hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It also supports infrastructure development and regional economic integration, which indirectly promotes sustainable economic opportunities aligned with SDGs by improving trade connectivity and competitiveness.
The UN Global Compact Central Asia Network also places a strong emphasis on promoting inclusive, youth-focused opportunities to ensure broad-based participation in sustainable business growth. With over 60% of the regional population under 30, the region's youth are pushing for an economic model rooted in ethics, opportunity, and environmental responsibility.
By focusing on actionable initiatives, the network drives progress on multiple SDGs, particularly those related to decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). The network's work aligns with the broader UN agenda to accelerate inclusive and evidence-based sustainable development globally, reinforcing the role of business as a critical driver of change by 2030.
Central Asia, located at a strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, is currently undergoing a period of rapid economic and political transformation. The UN Global Compact has released new business guidance on sustainable infrastructure to support the Central Asia Network and other similar initiatives. This guidance aims to help companies navigate the complexities of sustainable infrastructure projects and ensure their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Global Compact will convene government, business, and civil society across Central Asia to build trust, foster cross-border partnerships, and unlock billions in investment for the SDGs. The Central Asia Network, established in the region, is part of the UN Global Compact's broader initiative to promote sustainable infrastructure. Until now, sustainability efforts in the region have largely operated independently, but the new network aims to break down silos and build trust through joint training, regional dialogue, and cross-border business alliances.
[1] UN Global Compact Central Asia Network, (2021). [Online]. Available: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/region/central-asia [2] UN Global Compact, (2021). Business Guide on Sustainable Infrastructure. [Online]. Available: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/take-action/business-guide-sustainable-infrastructure [3] UN Global Compact, (2021). Accelerating SDG Action in Central Asia. [Online]. Available: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/take-action/regional-initiatives/central-asia
- The UN Global Compact Central Asia Network, established to promote sustainable business practices, is working towards enhancing corporate governance and finance, advocating for responsible business conduct and financial investments that align with sustainable development goals (SDGs), as part of their ongoing commitment to corporate sustainability in the region.
- Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability and green growth, the UN Global Compact Central Asia Network is fostering connections between local businesses and global sustainability standards, encouraging regional businesses to adopt responsible investment strategies, thereby reducing carbon emissions and supporting the financial aspects of environmental sustainability in the region's business sector.
