FOCUS GROUP: “Implementation of SDG 1 and SDG 8 in the Regions of Kazakhstan: Mechanisms for Reducing Income Inequality and Poverty”

On April 9, 2025, an extended focus group discussion entitled “Implementation of SDG 1 and SDG 8 in the Regions of Kazakhstan: Mechanisms for Reducing Income Inequality and Poverty” was held at the Higher School of Economics and Business of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University as part of the III International Scientific and Practical Conference “The Paradigm of Sustainable Economic Development in the Context of Global Changes: Challenges, Consequences, Opportunities.”

The scientific and expert event was organized within the framework of research project AP23489032 “Studying the Impact of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises on Reducing Income Inequality and Poverty in the Regions of Kazakhstan in the Context of Mitigating Local Risks of Social Turbulence.”

The focus group brought together representatives of government agencies, research institutions, international financial organizations, business entities, and university researchers. Participants included experts from the Economic Research Institute, KPMG, the International Finance Corporation (IFC, World Bank Group), as well as regional employment and social protection institutions.

The discussion addressed regional patterns of income inequality and poverty, the effectiveness of targeted social assistance, opportunities associated with the Digital Family Map, the socioeconomic impact of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and approaches to improving state social policy.

During the practical session, participants were divided into thematic working groups to examine pressing challenges within the social protection system. Experts exchanged recommendations on increasing economic participation, supporting entrepreneurship, improving the targeting of social assistance, and narrowing socioeconomic disparities between regions.

Particular attention was paid to the need for social support mechanisms to extend beyond temporary financial assistance by creating opportunities for labor market integration, professional development, and sustainable income generation.

The expert opinions and practical recommendations collected during the focus group provided valuable input for advancing the research project, identifying effective mechanisms for reducing regional poverty and income inequality, and developing policy recommendations for improving the social protection system.

Cooperation between academia, government, and business plays an essential role in developing evidence-based solutions to socioeconomic challenges.