Working Meeting on Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and the Recovery Process in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Astana, December 5, 2025 —Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (the Center), together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and the UNDP Regional Office in Istanbul, discussed steps toward implementing the Post-Disaster Damage, Loss and Needs Assessment methodology, as well as planning and conducting recovery activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, independent experts, and specialists from relevant organizations involved in disaster risk management.
In 2024–2025, Kazakhstan faced an increase in the number of natural and man-made emergencies. In the first ten months of 2025 alone, 11,933 emergencies were recorded — a 17.8% increase compared to the previous year — and economic losses exceeded 6.5 billion tenge. These figures highlight the growing vulnerability of the country to climate change and technological risks, underscoring the need for systematic risk management, infrastructure modernization, and strengthened preparedness and recovery mechanisms.
Against the backdrop of rising natural and technological threats, the demand for comprehensive and standardized post-disaster assessment and long-term recovery planning is increasing. In response to these challenges, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union developed the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) — an international methodology that enables a comprehensive assessment of damage and needs, as well as the development of sustainable recovery programs.
“PDNA helps objectively assess damage and needs, develop recovery programs, and mobilize international financing,” emphasized Dzhergalbek Ukashev, Director of the Center.
The working meeting served as an important platform for knowledge exchange and capacity-building among specialists responsible for disaster risk management and recovery processes. Strengthening PDNA-related competencies is aligned with global initiatives, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. The outcomes of the meeting will serve as a basis for introducing PDNA in Kazakhstan and developing national mechanisms for sustainable recovery.
“Kazakhstan is currently developing a National Adaptation Plan, which includes adaptation measures for the emergency management sector. This is an important step for planning recovery activities, ensuring transparency in assessing damage and losses, and enhancing the resilience of territories and populations to future disasters,” noted Murat Kassenov, UNDP National Expert in Kazakhstan.
The meeting was held under UNDP’s global project “Strengthening Capacities for Crisis Assessment, Recovery Planning and Peacebuilding,” funded by the European Union, and the UNDP project “Development of the National Adaptation Plan,” funded by the Green Climate Fund.
