We met Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan. We learned which priorities define the new five-year UN cooperation program and why Kazakhstan occupies a special place in the regional sustainable development agenda.
Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, city — Astana, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan
About myself
For more than 25 years, I have worked in the field of sustainable development in Europe and Central Asia. It is this region that shaped my career and values, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my path in Kazakhstan.
My main task is to unite all UN system agencies in the country so that our work is coordinated, strategically structured, and brings real results for people. I see my role as a bridge between national and international institutions, expert knowledge and local communities, global goals and everyday life. For me, the human side of diplomacy is the most important.
About diplomatic activity
My path into diplomacy began through the field of environmental sustainability. I started my career at the Ministry of Nature and Environment of Mongolia, working closely with local communities, scientists, and government bodies. Before coming to Kazakhstan, I worked at the UN Economic Commission for Europe, where I advised 17 countries on environmental and sustainable development issues.
To protect nature, water resources, or people’s health, one must be able to cooperate. Dialogue, patience, and trust are needed. My diplomatic path was built on solving practical tasks: managing natural resources, supporting communities, and establishing cooperation between countries. This remains true today—only now my view is broader, and my level of responsibility is higher.
About Central Asia
Central Asia has been part of my professional activity for many years. I worked with all five countries of the region within various regional programs, but it was moving to Kazakhstan that allowed me to feel a real connection with the region.
I arrived in Astana a few months ago. I am amazed by the scale and speed of changes. Kazakhstan is developing rapidly: from renewable energy and digital reforms to improving social services and strengthening climate resilience. Being part of this moment, helping connect national aspirations with global support, is a great honor.
The openness of people is impressive. Wherever I am — at a school, in a rural community, or at a meeting with entrepreneurs — I see the same qualities: calm confidence, resilience, and hospitality. There is a deep respect for elders, guests, and traditions. This creates a special atmosphere.
About work in Central Asia
This year, together with the Government of Kazakhstan, we launched a five-year UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. It includes four areas: strengthening social services and institutions, developing an inclusive green economy, reinforcing climate and environmental resilience, and promoting social cohesion.
We work on what people encounter every day: education and healthcare, clean air, safe communities, and economic opportunities.
Our priorities are practical: support for vulnerable families, development of small businesses and creation of green jobs, improving air quality, expanding access to climate finance, and strengthening data systems necessary for well-informed decisions. We also actively work with youth and women-led initiatives, because sustainable change begins precisely within communities.
We are preparing for the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit, which will take place in Kazakhstan. This is an opportunity for cooperation in the areas of water, energy, climate resilience, and regional ecosystems. We want the results of the summit to go beyond declarations — to bring real, measurable improvements for people and communities.
This year, we organized a wide range of events dedicated to the UN’s 80th anniversary together with our key partners — the Government of Kazakhstan, the private sector, the media, civil society, and youth.
One of the central events was UN Day, which we celebrated in the format of a symphony orchestra concert. Through music — a universal language understood by everyone — we tried to convey the energy of the Sustainable Development Goals. On the same day, together with Kazpost, we released an anniversary postage stamp.
A landmark event was the opening of the world’s highest-altitude mural UN80 at Shymbulak, created by artist Adil Aubekerov at an elevation of 3 200 meters.
We opened the photo exhibition UN80: Unfiltered — an exposition of 80 rare archival photographs telling the history of the UN and its work. The exhibition will remain open until December 12, and residents of Astana have the opportunity to visit it at the Presidential Center.
Together with the Atameken Business TV channel, we are working on a documentary dedicated to the UN’s 80th anniversary. It will include an exclusive interview with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, recorded during his visit to Almaty in August of this year. We hope this film becomes a deep, meaningful look at the past, present, and future of the UN.