Olzhas Bektenov instructs to integrate "green economy" indicators into regional development plans
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In the Government session at the Council on the transition to a "green" economy chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov considered the implementation of the goals set by the Head of State in his Address to the people of Kazakhstan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and reduce energy intensity. The Chairman of the Board of the International Centre for Green Technology and Investment Projects (ICGTIP) Didar Karimsakov reported on the progress of work on the implementation of the set objectives, and reports of a number of regional akims were also heard, primeminister.kz reports.
The concept of transition to a "green" economy has been implemented in Kazakhstan for more than 10 years. During this period, the share of renewable energy sources in the country has reached 4.5 %. The level of recycling of production waste has reached 25 %, consumption 39 %. One of the most effective tools for realising the goals outlined in the Concept is the application of the best available techniques by industrial and agricultural enterprises. Over the period 2021-2023, the ICGTIP has formed 16 16 industrial and agricultural enterprises. ICGTIP has developed 16 guides for different industries on the use of efficient technologies in production processes, covering the activities of large enterprises from the TOP-50. By 2027, it is planned to develop another 16 documents for companies in the manufacturing, water, waste management and livestock sectors.
World experience shows that in many developed countries, business itself is interested in investing in the development of industry guides. In this regard, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources together with the Chamber "Atameken" and interested industry associations and organisations need to work out the issue of co-financing of activities for the development of guides, planned for 2025-2027," Olzhas Bektenov said.
During the meeting it was noted that as part of the transition to a "green" economy, much attention is paid to equal territorial development. For example, the North Kazakhstan region demonstrates positive results in the use of renewable energy. The region has 174 sources with a total capacity of 70.3 MW. At the same time, 125 biomass boilers fuelled by vegetable fuel have been installed, providing energy to 80 public institutions, which saves about 260 million tenge. In Akmola region, the volume of emissions of enterprises at the end of last year was reduced by 96% compared to 2021. In the power sector, the share of green energy from the total volume of the region is 74 %. Zhambyl region reported on plans to repair 257 water bodies until 2025 due to the need for efficient use of water resources. Currently, the bulk of the region's irrigation water comes from the transboundary Talas and Shu rivers.
Olzhas Bektenov stressed that the new Decree of the Head of State on updating the Concept of transition to a "green" economy set actual targets for reducing air pollution, increasing the production of organic products, introduction of water-saving technologies. Work on the transition to a "green" economy should be intensified at all levels. Prime Minister instructed the akimats together with interested central government agencies to provide for measures aimed at achieving indicators of "green" economy in the draft plan. In the future to integrate the relevant targets into regional development plans.
For financial support of green projects it is necessary to develop mechanisms of green lending and issuance of green bonds," Prime Minister emphasised. A draft of the relevant action plan for 2024-2030 is being developed to realise the set objectives.
Kazakhstan submits draft roadmap for nuclear cooperation to IAEA
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A Kazakh delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Kazakh Nuclear Energy Agency Gumar Sergazin and IAEA Deputy Director General Hua Liu held a meeting at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, Qazinform News Agency reports via the Agency.
During the talks, the current state and prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IAEA were discussed, including plans for engagement within the cycles of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programmes for 2026/27 and 2028/29. The Kazakhstani side presented a draft roadmap for cooperation, prepared following agreements reached between Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Agency, and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during the 69th IAEA General Conference in September 2025.
The draft roadmap outlines a set of comprehensive priority areas, including the safe development of nuclear power and strengthened regulation, human resource development, scientific and educational infrastructure, expanded use of nuclear medicine, as well as measures in environmental protection, climate change, food safety, veterinary science, and water resources.
Regarding the construction of nuclear power plants and the development of nuclear infrastructure, the Kazakhstani side highlighted the need for continued IAEA support in strengthening the national regulatory authority, as well as in developing and adapting the regulatory and legal framework for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants.
As a result of the meeting, further steps were identified, including the establishment of an IAEA working team to review the draft roadmap and prepare recommendations.
President of Kazakhstan Delivers Lecture at United Nations University
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the United Nations University in Tokyo, where he delivered a lecture titled "Rebuilding Strategic Trust in an Era of Turbulence: Kazakhstan’s Vision for a More Just and Stable World", akorda.kz reports.
I am proud to stand here as the first Head of State from our part of the world to address this distinguished institution. I regard this as a sign of genuine trust in Kazakhstan’s growing international role and as recognition of our continued efforts to advance multilateralism and uphold global stability. The United Nations is of special significance for me, as I had the privilege of serving as Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of its Office at Geneva, as well as Secretary-General at the Conference on Disarmament," - said the President.
The Head of State congratulated the university’s staff on the anniversary marking 50 years since the start of its activities and highlighted the United Nations University’s contribution to developing practical solutions for the benefit of the entire international community.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also noted that the principles of Japanese ethics resonate with his own convictions, according to which true strength rests in harmony, wisdom and responsible leadership.
As Prince Shotoku wrote in the 7th century - "harmony is to be valued above all." Today, the same principle remains central to statecraft and international relations, and it is strongly reflected in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy," - noted the President.
The Head of State went on to outline his vision for building a more just and stable world amid escalating crises and the significant weakening of mechanisms of multilateral cooperation.
The number and intensity of armed conflicts worldwide has reached its highest level in decades, while global military spending last year hit a record 2.7 trillion dollars. At the same time, rivalry between major countries is gaining its highest extent of tension that has already made the Security Council of the United Nations unable to tackle any of large-scale international conflicts," - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
In his view, for international institutions to function effectively, the global community urgently needs to restore mutual trust and predictability.
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A renewed culture of strategic trust must therefore anchor international cooperation and collective decision-making. In this spirit, Kazakhstan has been consistently advancing these pillars through initiatives such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia and the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It is clear that no state can meet today’s challenges alone. Only principled and effective collective action can deliver lasting results. In this context, the United Nations must continue to play a central role in the multilateral system as the universal and indispensable organization," - the President of Kazakhstan emphasized.
At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that the United Nations’ capabilities are increasingly constrained by growing geopolitical polarization and declining trust among major powers. He went on to note that, as a result, comprehensive UN reform is no longer a matter of rhetoric, but a shared priority and a strategic necessity.
Any meaningful reform must begin with a renewed commitment to the UN Charter. Its core principles - sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes must be upheld universally and without exception. Yet, some provisions of the Charter no longer reflect the realities of the 21st century, including those that unfair to Japan and other countries greatly supporting the UN. The world has changed, while the Charter has not kept pace. I believe the time has come for a responsible dialogue on how to ensure that it remains credible and relevant for the future," - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
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The Head of State emphasized that Kazakhstan’s standing on the international stage is directly underpinned by the progress achieved at home. In his view, it is responsible domestic policy that forms the foundation of effective diplomacy.
I attach particular importance to developing education and international academic collaboration, especially in areas where global transformation is accelerating. These priorities are fully aligned with the mission of the United Nations University. This year, Kazakhstan became a home for the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. Building on this foundation, Kazakhstan would be honored to host a regional branch of the United Nations University in Almaty. Its activities could focus primarily on water and climate security, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, sustainable development and AI governance," - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed.
In conclusion, the Head of State stated Kazakhstan’s interest in further strengthening institutional partnership between the United Nations University and leading Kazakh universities in the areas of joint research, academic exchanges and graduate training programs.
The United Nations University is a global research and educational center headquartered in Tokyo, established by the UN General Assembly. It brings together 13 institutes located in 12 countries worldwide.
Kazakhstan’s Senate approves amendments to subsoil use code
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Following two readings, the Senate approved the Law "On Amendments and Additions to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Subsoil and Subsoil Use," Qazinform News Agency reports.
The amendments are aimed at further improving the subsoil use system, particularly by attracting investment into subsoil development, enhancing transparency, and advancing the digitalization of subsoil use processes.
Specifically, the amendments provide for:
granting strategic investors implementing large industrial and innovation projects valued at over 14.5 million MCI a priority right to explore and extract solid minerals;
increasing the share of domestic content in works and services from 50% to 70% during exploration and extraction of minerals, including uranium;
introducing mechanisms for conducting electronic auctions to grant subsoil use rights;
granting subsoil use rights for facilities involving technogenic mineral formations located within populated areas;
strengthening liability for concealing or deliberately providing false information on subsoil and subsoil use in reporting;
prohibiting the extraction of rock mass and/or the movement of soil at solid mineral exploration sites without authorization or in violation of permit requirements, and other related provisions.
Kazakh President signs amendments to administrative justice law
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed amendments to the legislation on administrative justice, lawmaking, and the organization of legal aid, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Akorda.
The Head of State signed the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Issues of Administrative Justice, Rulemaking, and the Organization of Legal Assistance."
President emphasizes energy independence, calls for clean coal technologies
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At least 200 energy facilities will be modernized, and 86,000 kilometers of power grids will be renovated in Kazakhstan by 2030, Qazinform News Agency quotes President Tokayev as saying.
Addressing a ceremonial meeting dedicated to Energy Workers’ Day, the Head of State reminded about the launch of the Tariff in Exchange for Investment program aimed at maintaining the infrastructure in a proper condition.
According to him, over the past three years more than 900 billion tenge in private investment has been attracted solely for the overhaul of enterprises.
The major task is to create a reliable and modern energy infrastructure, he said.
The President reminded that the Government had launched the National Project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors," under which at least 200 facilities will be reconstructed and 86,000 kilometers of power grids will be renewed by 2030.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is set to pay an official visit to Japan on 18–20 December, 2025, Qazinform News Agency learned from the Aqorda press office.
During the visit, the Head of State will hold meetings with Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as well as representatives of Japan’s business community.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will also take part in the Central Asia - Japan Summit.
Head of Domestic Policy Department of Kazakh Presidential Administration named
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Aibek Smadiyarov is appointed the head of Domestic Policy Department of the Kazakh Presidential Administration, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
The Head of Stat decreed to appoint Aibek Smadiyarov as the head of the Domestic Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan.
On December 9, Aibek Smadiyarov resigned from his post as an official spokesperson at the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kazakhstan builds up to 600 medical facilities in rural areas in 2 years
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva chaired a meeting of the Government to discuss the progress of the national project Modernization of Rural Healthcare, Qazinform News Agency reports via primeminister.kz.
The project has been underway since 2023 in accordance with the directives from the Head of State. It aims at constructing primary healthcare facilities, modernizing central district hospitals, and ensuring qualified staffing.
To date, construction has been completed on 645 out of 655 planned primary healthcare facilities. Of these, 226 were built in villages that previously lacked medical infrastructure, while another 419 replaced outdated buildings.
The remaining 10 primary healthcare facilities are expected to be commissioned by the end of this year.