Qadırlı hanymdar men myrzalar!

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, it is a great honor for me to be here at the IV ECOJER International Congress, Planting Partnerships, Growing Sustainability. UNDP has been a long-standing partner of the Congress, but this year it is an even greater pleasure to attend as it coincides with the Transition Ceremony of the United Nations Partnership for Action on Green Economy, a partnership in which UNDP has been an active member for the past five years in Kazakhstan.

In alignment with the vision shared by UNDP leadership globally, we recognize that the green transition is not just a national imperative but a global one. The shift toward a green economy represents a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to reimagine and rebuild economies that are not only sustainable but also inclusive and resilient. In this context, Kazakhstan’s green transition can serve as a model for other countries, especially in Central Asia, to follow.

The green transition also offers an opportunity to tackle inequalities and ensure that no one is left behind. UNDP has consistently emphasized that sustainability must go hand in hand with equity. As we modernize infrastructure, develop scientific potential, and introduce new technologies, we must ensure that these benefits are shared equitably across society, particularly among vulnerable communities, women, and young people. 

Moreover, as UNDP’s recent reports and high-level statements have highlighted, the green transition is a key driver of job creation. Investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture can create millions of new jobs globally, and Kazakhstan stands to benefit from this trend. By fostering green skills development and investing in education and training, Kazakhstan can prepare its workforce for the jobs of tomorrow while driving economic growth in a way that aligns with environmental sustainability.

Another critical aspect of Kazakhstan’s green transition is getting the financing right. As we have seen globally, the success of any green transition hinges on bringing together the public and private sectors to pool resources, align interests, and drive change. In Kazakhstan, UNDP has been actively deploying catalytic and innovative instruments to mobilize private sector investments in sustainable development. These include mechanisms like carbon offsetting initiatives, energy efficiency subsidies, loan guarantee schemes, and green bonds—all of which are designed to unlock much-needed capital for the green economy.

These instruments serve as proof that with the right financial incentives, the private sector can play a central role in advancing the green transition. By creating a framework where investments in sustainability are profitable and scalable, we are fostering an environment where businesses and investors see long-term value in contributing to the low-carbon development agenda.

A prime example of UNDP Kazakhstan is preferential financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, loan guarantee schemes, and the issuance of "green" bonds, which have attracted up to 10 USD for every dollar invested in this sector. The funds allocated by UNDP to support the first issuance of "green" bonds showed that each donor dollar mobilized additional resources for subsequent bond issuances by the Asian Development Bank, the Damu Fund, and others.

On the public funding side, we need more effective domestic resource allocation. Kazakhstan’s national budget should prioritize sustainable and low-carbon infrastructure, from renewable energy projects to resilient urban planning. At UNDP, we firmly believe that public resources must be channeled toward initiatives that are both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable. This is why we continue to advocate for ending fossil fuel subsidies—one of the most critical steps in divesting from high-emission sectors and reinvesting in clean energy, people, and the planet. Redirecting these subsidies toward green technologies will create new opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring that Kazakhstan’s economy is future-proofed in the context of climate change.

However, we must acknowledge that achieving these ambitious goals will require continued consolidation of efforts. It will demand robust partnerships at all levels of society.

At UNDP, we are proud to have been a long-standing partner in Kazakhstan’s green journey. Our work alongside the Government of Kazakhstan, businesses, and communities aims to support this transition through innovation, capacity building, and policy support. We are committed to continuing this collaboration to ensure that Kazakhstan meets its climate goals, secures a healthier environment, and builds a more resilient economy.

The challenges ahead are vast, but so too are the opportunities, as we all witnessed today during our intense and highly constructive discussions. These exchanges have only reinforced my belief that we are on the right path. The level of commitment, innovation, and collaboration demonstrated here shows that Kazakhstan is not only ready to tackle the complexities of the green transition but is also poised to lead by example.

Thank you! Kop rakhmet!