President Tokayev calls for united ecological front in Central Asia
Images | akorda.kz
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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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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Regional Ecological Summit 2026 kicks off in Kazakh capital
Images | akorda.kz
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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Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa awarded Kazakhstan’s Order of Golden Eagle
Images | Akorda
Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the decision to award the highest state honor to the Mongolian president during his historic visit to the country reflects the deep respect the Kazakhstani people have for him, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
President Tokayev praised President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s visionary leadership in driving Mongolia's rapid development and impressive progress. The Kazakhstani leader lauded the innovative projects and economic growth that have strengthened both the national welfare and Mongolia’s international standing. Furthermore, the President conveyed his confidence in Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s continued leadership to guide the nation toward further prosperity.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated the two nations have established relationships built on the ties of true friendship and mutual respect.
The Kazakh leader noted Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s role both as head of government and now as president, in expanding bilateral ties.
Our joint efforts have formally upgraded our partnership to a strategic level. The agreements we signed today will undoubtedly strengthen our friendship, he said.
In these challenging times, our cooperation is more crucial than ever and meets the interests of both countries," the Kazakh leader added.
For your outstanding work in bringing our countries closer, I am pleased to present you with our highest honor, the Altyn Qyran Order (the Order of the Golden Eagle). It is a symbol of the profound respect Kazakhstan holds for you and the entire fraternal people of Mongolia, said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In turn, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the highest honor and pledged to spare no effort in further developing friendly relations with Kazakhstan.
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