QAZAQ GREEN. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a keynote address at the International Conference "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Threats," highlighting the region’s acute vulnerability to climate change, Akorda reports.

"Central Asia is among the regions most affected by climate change," the President stated. "Temperatures here are rising at twice the global average. We’re witnessing more frequent and severe weather extremes, melting glaciers, accelerating desertification, and growing water scarcity."

Emphasising the urgency of regional cooperation, Tokayev called for coordinated climate action aligned with national strategies to ensure sustainable development across Central Asia. "We must strike a balance between economic growth and the climate agenda," he said.

He outlined several key national initiatives, including a large-scale tree-planting campaign across Kazakhstan, a national forest preservation programme, and the Taza Kazakhstan environmental awareness campaign targeting youth. Tokayev also noted the joint effort with Uzbekistan to plant greenery in the dried-out Aral Sea basin.

Kazakhstan’s climate agenda, he said, combines regional cooperation, practical ambition, and global engagement. "We view the green transition as a strategic priority and actively support global efforts to assist vulnerable countries," the President stressed.

Tokayev underlined Kazakhstan’s role in clean energy development, citing the launch of major solar and wind projects in collaboration with global partners, as well as the country’s participation in one of the world’s largest green hydrogen initiatives. He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s global significance as a uranium producer, supplying around 40% of global demand.

"In light of this, Kazakhstan is preparing to build its first nuclear power plant to reduce emissions and boost energy security," he announced.

The President pointed to Kazakhstan’s vast steppes as ideal for carbon farming and ecosystem restoration, and stressed the country’s potential in clean technology production, backed by significant reserves of rare earth and critical minerals.

Water scarcity, Tokayev said, is becoming one of the region’s gravest challenges. "Water availability per capita has dropped 30% in the past 20 years. At the same time, 70% of our water resources are transboundary. We need international support to advance water-saving technologies, smart irrigation, and hydrological monitoring," he said. He reiterated Kazakhstan’s longstanding initiative to create a Central Asian Water and Energy Partnership.

Addressing biodiversity concerns, Tokayev announced the creation of an International Biodiversity Fund under the President of Kazakhstan to help preserve endangered and endemic species of Central Asia.

Concluding his remarks, the President said: "The global green transition offers us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous world. But we must scale up both public and private climate financing. Without that, the path to carbon neutrality is at risk. We must double down, expand partnerships, and recognise that no country can face this challenge alone."

The conference also featured speeches by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molchan, and EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso.