The Digital Family Card (DFC) is Kazakhstan's latest solution to advancing social protection services to the public. The DFC aims to support the most vulnerable groups by providing them with social protection measures such as social benefits, pension schemes and newborn care payments, as pointed out by the Deputy Resident Representative for the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The project also ensures that the government achieves goals of equality, accountability, transparency and value for money. 

DFC sets the country on a path to achieving SDG Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, but it can invariably contribute to reducing poverty, hunger and healthcare needs, improving access to resources and services, building resilience and spotlighting traditional labour market issues. Its priority, however, is the empowerment of individuals and families.

The government of Kazakhstan intends to replicate the approach in other areas of the country such as education, and recommends other countries and regions to do so. The project, however, demands political will, data and digital maturity, as well as the technical expertise of local teams.

Why does it matter?

The DFC exemplifies the need for innovative measures to solve the interconnected challenges of modern-day problems, particularly those related to the SDGs. It also allows Kazakhstan to achieve SDG 10 within the stipulated timeline, 2030.