On 30 October 2025, the Astana ESG Forum 2025 took place — a flagship event on sustainable development jointly organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Qazaq Green Renewable Energy Association, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Kazakhstan). The forum served as a cross-sector platform for aligning policies, sharing practical experience, and formulating systemic recommendations for embedding ESG principles into Kazakhstan’s economy, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.

The event gathered representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, the private sector, academia, international organisations, and civil society. Discussions focused on the practical realisation of the strategic directions outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his Address “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Key Tasks and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation”, as well as on the goals of the Strategy of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060 and the Concept for the Transition of Kazakhstan towards a Green Economy by 2050.

In his address, Magzum Mirzagaliyev, Adviser to the President of Kazakhstan, noted that despite global uncertainty, ESG issues remain as pressing as ever. He stressed that climate change is having a stronger impact on Central Asia than on many other regions, and that the Environmental Code adopted in 2021 laid a solid foundation for improving environmental governance in the country. “The government is working with a number of investors to develop facilities using advanced technologies that minimise environmental harm,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Energy Kudaibergen Arymbek stated that Kazakhstan is entering a new phase of energy development — shifting from raw material exports toward the production of high value-added products. He underlined that the energy transition is not an end in itself but a driver of sustainable growth and technological modernisation: “Kazakhstan’s energy future will combine traditional resources, clean technologies, and artificial intelligence.”

At the close of the forum, participants adopted a document titled “ESG Transformation of Kazakhstan: Collective Commitment to Sustainable Development,” which was submitted to the Government of Kazakhstan. The document outlines key recommendations for the gradual introduction of ESG reporting standards, the expansion of green finance instruments, support for regional energy transition programmes, the advancement of educational initiatives, and stronger business engagement in climate and social projects. It also highlights the importance of integrating ESG approaches into corporate strategies, strengthening public–private partnerships, developing ESG management expertise, and increasing public awareness of sustainability principles.

Participants agreed that successful ESG transformation requires coordinated efforts by government, business, academia, and civil society. Their combined actions will form the foundation for Kazakhstan’s transition to a sustainable, competitive economy grounded in transparency, social responsibility, and sound governance.