Brussels, 18 November 2025 – A High-Level Roundtable on Strengthening Demographic Resilience, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Central Asia took place today at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Brussels.

The event, organized jointly with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), reaffirmed the parties’ commitment to further deepening cooperation in these areas across Central Asia.

The roundtable, which brought together ambassadors and diplomats from the region, representatives of UNFPA and UN Women, as well as institutions of the European Union, provided an opportunity to discuss the role and activities of the United Nations in Central Asia, the enhancement of coherence between regional demographic and gender policies, and the formation of a shared vision for strategic investments in human capital, equality, and inclusive growth.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Brussels Roman Vassilenko, sharing the country’s experience in promoting demographic resilience, informed participants that, under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan places people at the center of its national strategy, recognizing human capital as the key foundation of economic growth: “The Government’s goal is to turn current demographic trends into competitive advantages.”

The Ambassador noted that, with UNFPA support, Kazakhstan has strengthened its national population data system and expanded evidence-based policymaking. Kazakhstan’s demographic policy is inclusive, reflecting the realities and needs of women, young people, persons with disabilities, and older citizens.

In addition, with the support of UNFPA and UN Women, Kazakhstan has made significant progress in advancing gender equality and combating violence. In cooperation with UN agencies, religious organizations and community leaders in Kazakhstan are being engaged to promote gender equality and strengthen respect for women’s rights. Comprehensive education on health, family values, and responsible parenting is expanding across the country.

It was particularly emphasized that Kazakhstan sees great potential in deepening cooperation between UNFPA, UN Women, the EU and Central Asian countries – in investing in data and analytical capacity to guide policies that anticipate demographic change; empowering women and youth as drivers of innovation and sustainable development; promoting active ageing to ensure dignity and equal opportunities at every stage of life; and strengthening people-to-people connections among researchers, civil servants, and communities.

For reference: according to UNFPA, Central Asia is a strategic region linking Europe and Asia, with a population of around 84 million (2025), which may exceed 100 million by 2040. Demographic shifts in the region shape the trajectory of economic growth, social protection, employment, healthcare and education, and affect gender equality and human rights.

The region is simultaneously undergoing a demographic transition and facing the opportunity to realize a demographic dividend—an increase of approximately 20 million working-age individuals by 2050. Unlocking this potential requires investment in human capital, gender equality, inclusive economic strategies, and social protection.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1107759?lang=kk