Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on National Book Day
Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstanis on the National Book Day, Qazinform News Agency learnt from the Akorda press service.
In his congratulatory message, the Kazakh President emphasized in today’s era, the book industry is undergoing major transformation, yet books remain a reliable guide to spiritual and moral values. He highlighted that the culture of reading whether classical literature or publications addressing the most pressing issues of our time is gradually returning and even becoming popular again, including among young people.
Reading culture, as a recognized indicator of a nation’s high quality, must remain an integral part of our people’s behavioral code in the context of total digitalization and the dominance of Artificial Intelligence, wrote President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his Instagram page.
The Akorda press service added that within the next two weeks, the Head of State will sign a special decree defining measures aimed at promoting reading culture and creating conditions for the formation of a reading, intellectual nation.
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Images | akorda.kz
Discussions focused on the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the World Health Organization, akorda.kz reports.
The Head of State noted that this partnership is entering a new phase and expressed his gratitude to the WHO for its unwavering support of the country’s global initiatives.
The parties also considered issues relating to joint research in climate and health, the promotion of digital transformation, and the implementation of AI within the healthcare system.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked President Tokayev for the invitation to participate in the Regional Environmental Summit.
The Director-General highlighted Kazakhstan's economic progress and the successful political reforms following the adoption of the new Constitution. He stated that the WHO welcomes the efforts taken by Astana to ensure environmental and water security at both regional and international levels.
In conclusion, the Director-General presented the President with a letter confirming that Kazakhstan has achieved WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3) for its medicines regulatory system. This designation signifies international recognition of the national control system’s credibility. Kazakhstan is the first country in the CIS and the fourth in the WHO European Region to gain this level.
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Kazakhstan and WHO develop roadmap to improve well-being in Aral Sea region
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President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) is the only regional institutional platform to coordinate states' efforts on resolving water management and environmental issues in Central Asia, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
The Fund plays a significant role in consolidating international support and implementing joint initiatives aimed at preserving the Aral Sea.
Presiding over IFAS, with the active support of all founding states, Kazakhstan has consistently contributed to resolving numerous pressing issues. For instance, cooperation in the water-energy sector has been strengthened, project financing mechanisms have been expanded, and measures have been taken to enhance the coordinating role of the Fund's Executive Committee. Interaction with international partners, including UN agencies, financial institutions, and donors, has also been reinforced.
Work within international environmental initiatives has ramped up. The Fund's Executive Committee has participated in several major events, including the One Water Summit in Riyadh, the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, as well as conferences COP29 in Baku and COP30 in Belém.
The execution of the Action Program for Assistance to the Aral Sea Basin countries and the Regional Environmental Programme for Sustainable Development of Central Asia remains in sharp focus. In addition, more than 30 regional projects, involving international organizations, are being carried out. The total funding for these programs and initiatives exceeds $2 billion.
A vital contribution to improving the health and well-being of residents in the Aral Sea region is expected to come from the regional 2026-2029 Roadmap developed by Kazakhstan in partnership with the World Health Organization," the Head of State said.
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Heads of state visit RES-2026 Exhibition pavilions
Images | akorda.kz
Heads of state and foreign delegations jointly visited the RES 2026 EXPO International Exhibition of Green and Sustainable Technologies, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Presidents of Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan and other high-profile guests, were showcased the pavilions of Central Asian states and Azerbaijan, reflecting national priorities in the field of green energy and natural resources management.
The expositions highlight the preservation of ecosystem sustainability, cooperation in the field of environmental protection, and new approaches to solving ecological challenges, including the restoration of the Aral Sea region.
Heads of state were also shown exhibitions from private businesses in the region, where companies present industrial solutions in green energy, the creation of eco-friendly environments, and waste recycling.
The exhibition unites more than 240 participants from 30 countries and a wide range of international partners. Over 120 pavilions, reflecting advanced solutions in the field of sustainable development, have been opened.
Special attention is given to the investment forum, which also serves as a platform for dialogue between the state and business.
Within the exhibition, international meetings and expert discussions are held, addressing pressing issues of sustainable development and environmental solutions.
A "green" startup competition has been organized to support innovative projects and young entrepreneurs.
Guests can also attend fashion shows by designers from the region’s countries and the Eco Film Festival.
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Any use of military arms in Caspian region must be banned - Tokayev
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Addressing the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 in Astana, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on all international stakeholders to support the efforts on preservation of the Caspian Sea, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Another pressing concern for my country is the Caspian Sea. Its protection is essential for ecological balance, biodiversity and regional sustainability," said the President.
The Head of State said that Kazakhstan initiated an Interstate program to prevent further degradation of the Caspian Sea and established the Scientific Research Institute of the Caspian Sea to advance regional scientific cooperation.
We call on all international stakeholders to support these efforts to safeguard this unique natural treasure. Therefore, any use of military arms in the Caspian region must be excluded and banned," he stated.
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President Tokayev calls for united ecological front in Central Asia
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President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered an opening address at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026, emphasizing the urgency of joint action on environmental challenges and the need for a shared vision of sustainable development across Central Asia and neighboring regions, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The summit, held in cooperation with the United Nations, brought together leaders, international organizations, and experts from more than 55 countries on Earth Day in Astana.
I would like to welcome you all to the Regional Ecological Summit and to have our Central Asian and Caucasus countries here as stakeholders. Thank you, my dear colleagues, your attendance at this forum, held in cooperation with the United Nations, is an added value to this extremely important event. Indeed, today, on Earth Day, we gather in Astana to reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect our planet," the President said.
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, countries in the region clearly recognize the importance of forming a common approach to environmental sustainability. He stressed that ecology goes beyond climate issues and underpins human well-being.
It is about clean air and safe water, healthy soils and secure food systems. It's about stability of communities and dignity of future generations. It is also about clarity of thought, harmony of our societies and their happiness," he noted.
The President highlighted growing global uncertainty and its impact on development efforts, calling for stronger international cooperation and respect for multilateral principles.
The United Nations, created 80 years ago, remains indispensable as the only universal platform for dialogue," he stated, adding that its Charter "must be accepted and perceived as the single comprehensive document and recognized as such with all its provisions."
Tokayev underscored that environmental policies must take into account the development needs of emerging economies, stressing that the transition to cleaner energy should be "fair, balanced, and stimulating."
Among the key ecological challenges facing Central Asia, he named water scarcity, desertification, glacier retreat, air pollution, and biodiversity loss.
The time for indicating successes is over. The time for making solutions has come," he said.
The President outlined Kazakhstan’s environmental priorities, including energy transition, biodiversity protection, land restoration, and water management reforms. He noted that renewable energy currently accounts for over 7% of electricity generation and is expected to exceed 15% by 2030.
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Regional Ecological Summit 2026 kicks off in Kazakh capital
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The 1st Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES), themed A Shared Vision for a Resilient Future, has kicked off in the Kazakh capital, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Heads of State and leaders of international organizations are expected to take part in its work.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev first suggested the idea of holding such a large-scale ecological forum at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in 2023. Two years later, he returned to the topic, noting that 2024 was the hottest year in human history and warning that without urgent action, both Central Asia and the world could face water shortages and famine.
In 2025, the initiative gained momentum during the Astana International Forum and the opening of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.
The summit’s key feature is the participation of Heads of State, underscoring the importance of the environmental and climate agenda.
As written before, the Presidents of Tajikistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan landed in Astana.
Delegations from 15 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Italy, Germany, Georgia, Cambodia, China, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Croatia, and Japan, are expected to arrive in the Kazakh capital.
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