Currently, the world is facing a number of critically important issues, including climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and food security. These challenges are exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global supply chains. This was stated by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the "Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Week" summit, as reported by the Akorda press service.
He emphasized that Kazakhstan is ready to tackle these issues through an ambitious strategy based on three key areas: digitalization and artificial intelligence, large infrastructure projects, and nuclear energy.
“Energy systems worldwide account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and 10% of biodiversity loss. It is crucial that international partners, such as Masdar, Total, Eni, and others, have committed to implementing green energy projects in Kazakhstan totaling 43 GW. The construction of our first nuclear power plant, which received support in a nationwide referendum, will be an important step towards sustainable energy development in the country. Kazakhstan is also striving to ensure diversified supplies of critical raw materials to global markets, which are necessary to achieve global carbon emission reduction goals,” said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The president then discussed the significance of transport infrastructure. He noted that for Kazakhstan, which has become a leading transit hub in Eurasia, transit and transport are vital prerequisites for sustainable development.
“We are actively investing in transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, and seaports. To further enhance Kazakhstan's communication capabilities, we intend to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the North-South transport corridor, as well as play a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative. We aim to create sustainable supply chains that not only strengthen regional connectivity but also ensure sustainable economic growth,” the head of state noted.
According to him, one of the main challenges facing Central Asia is global warming. It poses a threat to ecosystems, living conditions, and food security, necessitating urgent climate adaptation strategies.
“The region is also heavily dependent on transboundary rivers. Therefore, it is crucial for us to establish early warning systems and improve the management of water and land resources. To achieve this, we need to invest in water-saving technologies, modernize irrigation systems, reach effective agreements on water resource management, and utilize artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, and other digital tools,” proposed the president.
The issue of food security was also raised in the address, demanding immediate attention.
“Innovative approaches are essential to ensure stable supplies of food and fertilizers to global markets. Kazakhstan, which exports large volumes of wheat and flour to the international market, is focused on further improving methods and technologies for sustainable agriculture,” stated the head of state.
In Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's view, addressing current challenges requires a new development paradigm for the world, based on sustainability, equity, and stability. Solutions to global issues can be provided by a comprehensive system built on three fundamental principles.
“First is ensuring ‘green’ financing, which must become significantly more accessible. Second is expanding international cooperation in technology transfer, technical assistance, and scientific research. Solar energy, smart agriculture, carbon capture, and climate technologies based on artificial intelligence offer a wide range of innovative solutions. Third is the synergistic interaction of climate priorities, economic development, and artificial intelligence, which could contribute more than 16% of global GDP by 2030. This underscores the importance of a flexible and tailored approach to supporting the various sustainable development goals of states,” he said.
