+7 (777) 001 44 99
Қазақша
Русский
English
Қазақша
Русский
English
Tengrinews.kz - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the international conference "Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Threats," according to a statement from Akorda.
In his speech, Tokayev highlighted that Central Asia is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. He noted that temperatures in the region are rising at twice the global average, leading to extreme weather events, glacier melting, desertification, and increasing water shortages.
"This situation underscores the need for coordinated action among all regional states. Our climate decisions must align with national strategies and ensure synergy for sustainable regional development. We must strike a balance between economic growth and climate priorities. To this end, I have instructed the planting of new trees across Kazakhstan. Additionally, a special program for forest conservation is being implemented, along with the ‘Taza Kazakhstan’ campaign, aimed at fostering environmental awareness, especially among the younger generation. Together with Uzbekistan, we are engaged in afforestation efforts on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea," the president said.
Photo: Akorda press service
Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan’s climate agenda integrates regional cooperation, pragmatic ambitions, and global engagement. He stated that the country contributes to global efforts to support vulnerable nations and considers the green transition a strategic priority.
"Renewable energy is central to our strategy. We are implementing one of the world's largest green hydrogen production projects. In partnership with leading global corporations, we have launched wind and solar energy projects. Kazakhstan accounts for about 40% of the world's uranium production—an essential contribution, considering that nearly 10% of global electricity is generated by nuclear power plants. Kazakhstan now plans to build its first nuclear power plant to reduce emissions and enhance energy security," Tokayev said.
Photo: Akorda press service
The president also pointed out that Kazakhstan’s vast steppes offer significant opportunities for carbon farming and ecosystem restoration. He noted that the country’s rare-earth elements provide a foundation for clean technology development, and Kazakhstan possesses substantial reserves of critical raw materials along with a complete processing cycle.
"Water is an escalating challenge for our region for at least two reasons. Over the past two decades, per capita water availability has decreased by 30%. Additionally, 70% of regional water resources are transboundary. This is why we need international support in developing water-saving technologies, smart irrigation, and hydrological monitoring. We are advancing the long-standing idea of establishing a Central Asian water-energy partnership," Tokayev stressed.
Photo: Akorda press service
His speech also addressed biodiversity conservation, particularly the protection of unique and endangered species in Central Asia. He announced plans to establish an International Biodiversity Fund under the President of Kazakhstan.
"I firmly believe that global efforts toward a green transition offer us a unique chance for a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous world. However, to achieve this, we must secure both public and private financing for climate goals on a significant scale. This will help mitigate risks, drive investment in green energy, and build a profitable, sustainable economy. Otherwise, the transition to carbon neutrality will be jeopardized. To prevent this, we must double our efforts and expand our partnerships. No country can navigate this complex journey alone," Tokayev concluded.
Photo: Akorda press service
The conference also featured speeches by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean, and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.
Photo: Akorda press service
Tokayev arrived in Uzbekistan on Thursday to participate in the "Central Asia–European Union" summit and the international climate conference.
What Tokayev spoke about at the Central Asia-European Union summit
