Leader Tokayev Discuses New Sustainable Development Strategy at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Meeting
Kazakhstan, a country situated in Central Asia, is taking a comprehensive approach to address global climate change, desertification, and food insecurity. The strategy encompasses digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), green energy projects, and nuclear energy, supported by updated national commitments and international cooperation.
The heart of this strategy lies in the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by Kazakhstan in June 2023. The revised NDC aims for a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, conditional on international support, with an unconditional target of 15% reduction compared to 1990 levels. Notably, this NDC integrates adaptation measures focusing on agriculture, water, forestry, and disaster risk management, directly addressing desertification and food security issues.
In the realm of agriculture, Kazakhstan supports climate-smart technologies that emphasize the use of digital tools and AI. These technologies are designed to optimize water usage and land management, crucial in combating desertification and ensuring food security.
The country is also making significant strides in green energy, targeting a 15% increase in renewable energy output by 2030. By spring 2025, Kazakhstan had installed almost 3 GW of renewable capacity, a considerable growth from near zero a decade ago. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has played a substantial role in green investment projects and supports renewable energy financing mechanisms across regions, including remote areas.
Leveraging its position as the world’s top uranium producer and extensive nuclear sector experience, Kazakhstan plans to build three new nuclear power plants with international partners, including Russia and China, to contribute to cleaner energy and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Kazakhstan is also actively engaged with international partners such as the UNDP, FAO, the NDC Partnership, and the EBRD. These collaborations focus on improving early warning systems, advancing climate-resilient agriculture, and promoting sustainable water and forestry management.
By 2030, it is expected that this approach will contribute over 16% of global GDP. Kazakhstan is also a significant player in the Belt and Road Initiative and is committed to developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the North-South Transport Corridor. As a leading transit hub in Eurasia, the country invests heavily in transportation infrastructure.
Central Asia is experiencing faster-than-average global warming, posing threats to ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security. Recognizing this, the President of Kazakhstan has emphasized the need for a new development paradigm rooted in resilience, equity, and sustainability. He has also stressed the importance of a flexible and tailored approach to support the different sustainability goals of nations.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's approach to climate change, desertification, and food insecurity is multifaceted, encompassing emission reduction targets, technological innovation, robust expansion of renewables and nuclear energy, and strong international cooperation within a structured policy framework of adapted NDCs and green development strategies. The country's commitment to this holistic framework includes green financing, enhanced international cooperation on technology transfer, technical support, and scientific research, and a synergistic relationship between climate priorities, economic development, and AI.
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