Astana – Zulfiya Suleimenova, Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan on Climate and Environmental Issues, revealed a proposal to host a regional environmental summit in Astana in 2026 and to establish an international fund for the protection of biodiversity, which she would personally head. The fund aims to finance projects for biodiversity conservation in Kazakhstan. Speaking at the Astana International Forum 2025, which concluded on June 29, she addressed numerous environmental issues, Kazakhstan’s stance and role, its climate policy evolution, energy transition plans, and international cooperation.
Environmental Challenges
Suleimenova explained how Kazakhstan is tackling the interconnected challenges of climate resilience, economic development, and environmental justice. “We truly don’t want to leave anyone behind,” she said, emphasizing the country’s commitment to a fair and inclusive energy transition. Kazakhstan is confidently moving toward global environmental leadership, guided by a bold agenda set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Suleimenova, as the President’s advisor and special representative for international environmental cooperation, stated that Kazakhstan places climate and environmental priorities at the heart of its policies.
She added, “One of President Tokayev’s first decisions in 2019 upon taking office was to re-establish the Ministry of Environment,” noting that the ministry had not existed for several years. Since then, environmental policy has become a key pillar of Tokayev’s administration. Kazakhstan had a prominent presence at COP29, where President Tokayev was the first head of state to speak at the World Leaders Summit. “My mission is to ensure the implementation of the President’s environmental and climate vision,” she said.
Caspian Sea as an Environmental Hub
Suleimenova spoke about her field participation in a scientific mission from the Institute of Ecology and Hydrology, highlighting that the Caspian seal is among the least studied marine species globally. Kazakhstan has declared its part of the Caspian Sea a protected area and established the Caspian Institute—a new scientific center focused on climate research, biodiversity, and the sustainable development of the region. “We are rethinking how we treat the sea and the future of these areas,” she said.
Kazakhstan was the first developing country to implement a national emissions trading system in 2013, although the carbon price remains low. Suleimenova noted that the country has begun updating the system through a partnership with the World Bank via a project called “Market Implementation.”
The project includes introducing quota allowance auctions, improving verification and transparency mechanisms, and gradually integrating new gases and facilities. “Once better mechanisms are in place, we expect the price to gradually rise,” she explained.
“Kazakhstan remains committed to its climate pledges despite global challenges, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 15% by 2030, or 25% with international support. By 2060, it targets carbon neutrality. As more than 80% of emissions come from the energy sector, decarbonizing energy infrastructure is the core of our climate transition roadmap,” Suleimenova emphasized. “My role is to turn the President’s vision into practical action and advise on improving performance.”
Kazakhstan and Uranium
“We produce more than 40% of the world’s uranium, and nuclear energy is a low-emission and stable option,” Suleimenova said. Following public approval, Kazakhstan has established a Nuclear Energy Agency and is considering building up to three nuclear power plants. “We believe nuclear energy will help us decarbonize the energy sector,” she added.
Suleimenova noted that the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund recently visited Kazakhstan. The platform promotes investment in rare minerals, renewable energy technologies, and supply chains in cooperation with international partners. Kazakhstan also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union on the sustainable production of critical minerals.
She emphasized that Kazakhstan not only possesses the necessary resources but also has the infrastructure, human capital, and expertise to support full-scale local production.
In conclusion, she highlighted the importance of food security, stating that global production may decline by 2040, impacting global prices. President Tokayev proposed establishing a Regional Food Security Center in Almaty to store emergency food reserves. “Kazakhstan has vast agricultural land—202 million hectares (74% of the country’s area)—making it the 7th largest grain producer in the world and the food basket of Central Asia. We also host the OIC Food Security Center,” she said.
