The Akorda press service emphasized that the first speaker after the opening of the plenary session was the President of Kazakhstan.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev began his speech by reaffirming Kazakhstan's commitment to the global climate agenda and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change. He reminded forum participants of the country's ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The head of state noted that access to predictable financing and modern technologies is vital for achieving the set objectives. He stated that within the framework of the New Collective Quantitative Goal on Climate Financing (NCQG), special attention should be paid to regions most vulnerable to climate change, including landlocked developing countries.
"Although Central Asia accounts for only 1% of global emissions, this region faces numerous climate risks. To enhance the effectiveness of climate change response measures, we must actively utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, and other digital tools that provide early warning and more efficient management of water and land resources." Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Additionally, Tokayev emphasized the importance of transitioning to sustainable agriculture.
As mentioned in the speech, Kazakhstan, with its 200 million hectares of agricultural land, is an ideal platform for implementing "carbon farming," which refers to agricultural production methods that reduce emissions and improve soil quality. He invited stakeholders to explore Kazakhstan's potential in this sector.
"Our country supplies 43% of the world's uranium and plays a significant role in the development of low-carbon nuclear energy. In October of this year, the citizens of Kazakhstan supported the construction of a nuclear power plant in a nationwide referendum. We aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of this project through partnerships with global technology leaders in the energy sector." Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Then the president addressed the issue of global water resources.
"Climate change is already having a serious impact on the global water cycle. Water-related disasters account for more than 80% of all natural disasters. This year, Kazakhstan faced unprecedented flooding. To respond effectively in the future and recover from such emergencies, we are implementing a comprehensive risk management system. To bring attention to water issues, Kazakhstan, in partnership with France, will host the One Water Summit in December 2024. Participants at this forum will discuss global water resource management challenges. Today, the Caspian Sea is under threat. Saving the world's largest lake is a common problem that requires long-term international cooperation. We support President Ilham Aliyev's initiative to create a group of experts from the Caspian states. At the same time, Kazakhstan is taking concrete steps to preserve the Aral Sea." Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
In conclusion of his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for organizing the summit and Azerbaijan's successful presidency at COP 29.
The president once again emphasized that Kazakhstan is firmly committed to multilateral efforts aimed at forming a fair, inclusive, and transparent climate agenda, and reaffirmed its readiness for further cooperation with international partners.
The summit is also set to feature speeches from leaders of over 80 countries, as well as heads of international and regional organizations.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Baku for a working visit on November 11, 2024. The following day, he attended the Baku Olympic Stadium.
The President of Kazakhstan plans to hold a series of meetings with heads of state, leaders of international organizations, and representatives of business structures.