A comparative analysis on EU and US involvement in advancing sustainable development in the Central Asian context

This thesis explores the involvement of the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) in supporting sustainable development in Central Asia, with a particular focus on Kazakhstan. As the region has grown in importance in global political and economic affairs, both actors have developed their own separate strategies for promoting stability, economic growth, and sustainability in the region. By comparing key projects and policies, the research assesses how well they align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It examines the EU's strategic framework, emphasizing its focus on long-term institutional support, environmental sustainability, and regional collaboration. The paper also explores the history of the SDG concept, highlighting its global progress and the specific challenges faced by Central Asian region. A detailed review of EU-funded projects in Kazakhstan shows the significant impact of European investments in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and governance. The comparison between the European Union and the United States is especially important because their approaches differ significantly. While the EU emphasizes on long-term development and multilateral cooperation, the United States often prioritizes geopolitical and economic interests. This research considers how the various SDG targets interacts, noting both synergies where they support one another as well as potential conflicts. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection and dealing with governance issues are some of the most important challenges in the region. The report concludes with recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of the involvement of external actors, advancing stakeholder collaboration and ensuring the long-term success of development initiatives.