President Tokayev calls on CA to join forces to address climate challenges
Images | Akorda
Central Asia is among the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at the Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges international conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Akorda reports.
The Kazakh leader said, ‘Central Asia’s warming almost twice as fast as the global average, affected by glacier melting, desertification and water shortage’.
Calling for concerted efforts from all countries of the region, President Tokayev highlighted the importance to link climate solutions with national strategies and establish a quality synergy for the region’s all-round development.
It’s necessary to strike a balance between economic growth and climate agenda, stated the Kazakh President.
According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan is making a great contribution to global efforts to support climate-vulnerable countries and made ‘green’ transition its strategic priority.
The Kazakh leader said Kazakhstan accounts for nearly 40% of global uranium production, adding that almost 10% of the world’s electricity comes from nuclear power plants.
Kazakhstan is set to build its first nuclear power plant to reduce emissions and boost its energy security, said Tokayev.
The President of Kazakhstan highlighted the potential of rare earth elements in adopting clean technologies, saying, ‘Kazakhstan holds significant reserves of many critical raw materials as well as established a full production cycle’.
The Kazakh leader also revealed insights into Central Asia’s water challenges, saying that supply of water per person has dropped 30% in the past 20 years and that 70% of the region’s water resources are transboundary.
President Tokayev called on the international community for support in promoting water-saving technologies, smart irrigation and hydrological monitoring. ‘Kazakhstan advocates for creation of a Central Asian Water Energy Partnership,’ he said.
Tokayev also voiced Kazakhstan’s quest to restore and preserve biodiversity and endangered species inhabiting Central Asia, announcing his decision to establish the International Biodiversity Fund under the President in Kazakhstan.
Earlier it was reported that the first CA-EU summit had kicked off in Uzbekistan's Samarkand.
As written before, Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev landed in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for the Central Asia-EU summit and the international conference Central Asia in the Face of Climate Change Challenges.
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Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and World Bank Vice President Antonella Bassani Discuss Prospects for Deepened Cooperation and Joint Projects
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Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov met with World Bank Vice President Antonella Bassani, who arrived in Kazakhstan to participate in the Astana International Forum, primeminister.kz reports.
The meeting focused on the progress of joint projects and identified priority areas for bilateral cooperation.
The two sides discussed prospects for expanding collaboration within the framework of infrastructure modernization.
At present, under the instructions of our President, active work is underway to modernize infrastructure, including improvements to the energy and utilities sectors. In this context, the Government approved last year the National Project on ‘Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors.’ We hope for fruitful cooperation with you in terms of expertise and access to new technologies for the modernization of energy infrastructure, water supply networks, and water facilities," Olzhas Bektenov stated.
Specifically, the Bank can introduce best international practices to support government agencies in optimizing design processes, including innovative technologies, implementing economically efficient investments with minimal operating costs, and addressing environmental challenges.
The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of cooperation on transboundary water projects.
Attention was also given to the implementation of a large-scale program to develop road, rail, and logistics infrastructure.
Kazakhstan is aiming to increase the length, quality, capacity, and environmental sustainability of its roads and railways. Particular importance is therefore placed on joint efforts in projects such as the Karaganda-Zhezkazgan highway, the Almaty bypass road, and the Darbaza-Maktaaral railway line. The importance of increasing the share of Kazakhstani companies involved in the implementation of joint projects was also underlined.
In addition, the meeting highlighted the results of the first phase of the project to restore the northern part of the Aral Sea.
Cooperation in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence was also discussed.
Antonella Bassani expressed the World Bank’s readiness to expand cooperation and supported the projects outlined by Kazakhstan, noting interest in continued progress in these areas.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding the partnership and implementing new joint initiatives. According to the World Bank, a total of 48 projects worth $8 billion were implemented from 1992 to 2024 as part of this cooperation.
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We are meeting at a time of deep global uncertainty - President Tokayev to AIF 2025 participants
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is addressing the participants at the plenary session of 2025 Astana International Forum ongoing at the Congress Centre, Kazinform News Agency reports.
It's a great honor for me to welcome the participants of the Astana International Forum 2025. We are pleased to welcome our friends and colleagues representing governments, diplomatic, business and academic communities," the President said.
He expressed his special gratitude to President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, former Secretary General of the UN Ban Ki-moon, heads of the UN system organizations and other honorable guests.
We have high hopes on a fruitful exchange of opinions on global economy issues, regional cooperation and other topical issues of international agenda. We are meeting at a time of deep global uncertainty. One might be inclined to name this moment as a turning point in global affairs. Let’s leave such formulations to historians. What is much more important is what our answer will be. We have to make a choice in the decisions we take, and in the values we defend," the Kazakh President said.
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In the name of peace, we renounced inherited nuclear arsenal - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
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Taking the floor at the plenary session of the Astana International Forum 2025, President Tokayev spoke on the threats of using nuclear weapons, Kazinform News Agency reports.
He said experts warn that the risk of nuclear weapons use whether by miscalculation, accident or escalation is increasing.
Today, nine countries possess more than 13,000 nuclear warheads. Experts warn that the risk of their use is increasing, and it may occur as a result of miscalculation, accident or escalation. Even a single explosion may lead to devastating consequences," the President said.
According to him, scientists warn that apart from destructions, the use of nuclear weapons may lead to the global climate catastrophe and harvest failure.
We know what this means. Kazakhstan is still dealing with the consequences of the 450 nuclear tests conducted on its territory. In the name of peace we have renounced the inherited nuclear arsenal. Today we continue to advocate for the non-proliferation of nuclear and biological weapons," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The President noted that threats to global security today are not only of geopolitical nature.
The current global situation is changing. Protectionism is growing, while multilateralism is faltering. Amid this uncertainty, a clear task is set to maintain cooperation and restore it if it was infringed," he said.
The Head of State noted that Kazakhstan views modern turbulent world through the prism of constructive interaction. The country's foreign policy is based on the priority of dialogue over division, and respect for the sovereign rights and traditions of peoples.
Nationalistic pride and ignoring historical and cultural traditions of peoples are inadmissible. Alongside, we need to respect the rights of all national minorities to speak their languages and develop their cultures. Therefore, in Kazakhstan we firmly defend the principle "Unity in Diversity," he stressed.
The Astana International Forum 2025 themed "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future" has kicked off in the Kazakh capital today. The event gathered participants from over 70 countries, including delegates, heads of companies, accompanying persons and over 100 foreign media representatives.
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Olzhas Bektenov presents new Akim to Almaty city activists
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On behalf of the Head of State, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Head of the Presidential Administration Aibek Dadebay took part in the meeting of deputies of the maslikhat of Almaty city, primeminister.kz reports.
During the meeting deputies were read the letter of the Head of State on nomination of two candidates for the post of akim of Almaty city: Darkhan Satybaldy, first deputy head of the Presidential Administration; Beibut Shakhanov, deputy akim of Almaty city. According to the results of open voting, 23 deputies voted in favour of Darhan Satybaldy. 9 deputies voted in favour of Beibut Shakhanov.
Darhan Satybaldy was appointed as akim of Almaty city by the corresponding Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At the meeting with the activists of the city Prime Minister voiced words of gratitude on behalf of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Yerbolat Dossayev for active work on development of financial and economic potential of the city. In 2024, the city's contribution to the GDP of Kazakhstan increased to 21.8%. In the metropolis on the instructions of the President the work on decentralisation of the budget, landscaping, construction of new social facilities, etc. is being carried out.
Olzhas Bektenov presented the new Akim of Almaty city Darhan Satybaldy.
Prime Minister noted that the Head of State had set tasks for the city akimat to ensure socio-economic development and diversification of economic structure, further modernisation of engineering infrastructure and expansion of public spaces. Instructions have also been given in the field of road transport system, ecology, manufacturing industry, tourism, IT-sector, creative industry.
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Activities of 13 criminal groups suppressed, 142 members detained, Kazakh National Security Committee
The Head of State received Chairman of the Kazakh National Security Committee Yermek Sagimbayev, Kazinform News Agency learnt from the Akorda.
The latter reported on the key results of the committee’s activities since the beginning of the year and tasks for the period ahead.
He said attempts by 212 foreigners involved in terrorism and extremism to enter Kazakhstan were prevented, entry into the country was closed to 1,498 foreign radicals, 12 foreigners wanted for terrorist and extremist crimes were detected.
He also stressed that activities of 13 criminal groups were suppressed, 142 of their members were detained, 40 individuals were arrested, 282 units of firearms, 48 grenades and 4,586 rounds of ammunition were confiscated, 12 drug laboratories were liquidated, as well as 13 international and 12 regional drug trafficking canals, more than 3.2 tons of drugs and 7.5 tons of precursors were confiscated.
Sagimbayev added that over 16,000 lawbreakers were detained, and 3,025 were deported.
Following the meeting, the Head of State set certain tasks for the activities of the national security bodies.
Earlier it was reported, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the regular sitting of the Kazakh Security Council.
The Head of State emphasized the need to strengthen joint and coordinated efforts aimed at countering extremism, terrorism, and enhancing national security in all its aspects.
President Tokayev took the floor to deliver analytical remarks on the state of affairs in those areas, highlighting the critical importance of organizing work based on the concept of "Law and Order".
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Children’s Rights Ombudsman Zakiyeva entrusted with taking additional measures of inclusive education development
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Head of State has received Children’s Rights Ombusdman Dinara Zakiyeva, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The President was reported about the work carried out to protect children’s rights and to enhance childhood protection system.
According to Dinara Zakiyeva, in the past two years, a package of measures and laws were adopted to ensure children's safety and children’s rights protection, to prevent violence, suicides and juvenile crimes.
As part of this work, the Children’s Rights Ombusdman initiated 120 legislative amendments.
In her words, the situation was monitored in 13 regions and 73 settlements. Anonymous surveys among children were conducted in 272 institutions, and 173 families were visited. As a result, 171 violations in implementation of the given laws and functioning of children’s rights protection system were detected.
A study of the situation in regions confirmed efficiency of operation of 12 family support centers which play a crucial role in the prevention of domestic violence and children’s rights violation.
Work is underway on creation of children’s rights protection divisions at regional administrations. A draft law consolidating the functions and the status of the regional childhood protection agencies is being developed.
Dinara Zakiyeva told Kassym-Jomart Tokayev about the course of fulfillment of his directives and implementation of the laws adopted, namely fast-tracking creation of rehabilitation centers for children with special needs.
49 rehabilitation centers have been opened by Qazaqstan Halqyna Foundation together with partners.
The meeting also focused on the issues of preparing Children of Kazakhstan program, ensuring online security and protection of personal data of minors.
Kassym-Jomar Tokayev highlighted the importance of consolidating efforts of local executives and regional children’s rights ombudsmen in strengthening the system of guaranteeing children’s rights protection and their comprehensive support.
The Head of State also entrusted Dinara Zakiyeva with taking additional measures to develop inclusive education.
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