Kazakhstan's Chief Adviser, Zulfiya Suleimenova, Shares Nation's Agenda for Combating Climate Change
In the global race against climate change, Kazakhstan is making significant strides, setting ambitious targets and implementing comprehensive strategies to reduce its carbon footprint. Zulfiya Suleimenova, the Special Representative of the President on International Environmental Cooperation, is leading the charge.
At the recent COP29 summit in Baku, Suleimenova announced Kazakhstan's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030, with a potential increase to 25% reduction contingent on international support and technology transfer. This ambitious target, given Kazakhstan's status as a developing country, is part of a broader strategic path towards decarbonization. The ultimate objective is achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, a target set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The country's approach for COP30, as outlined by Suleimenova, is multi-faceted. It includes developing a National Carbon Neutrality Roadmap to 2060, led by the Ministry of National Economy. This roadmap will guide Kazakhstan's transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring a balance between climate action and people's livelihoods.
Suleimenova also emphasised the importance of regional cooperation. She noted that a fast transition to climate policy may leave people behind, and long-term support and genuine change should prioritise people's needs, including job creation, opportunities, and fairness. To this end, Kazakhstan is engaging in regional cooperation with Central Asian countries to improve access to climate finance and strengthen integration, in line with calls from regional summits such as the Central Asia–EU Summit and the BRICS Summit.
In addition, Kazakhstan is enhancing national dialogue around its updated climate commitments (NDC-3), involving diverse stakeholders such as business associations and civil society, to ensure that climate policies are inclusive and do not alienate populations. The country is also appointing a national focal point for negotiations on non-market approaches under Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement, including establishing carbon standards and certification mechanisms for offset projects, crucial for aligning Kazakhstan with international climate frameworks.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan is investing in expert training and capacity-building, including potential establishment of a climate education hub for senior officials, modeled after international best practices like the UAE’s leadership academy.
However, Kazakhstan's climate journey has not been without challenges. In 2024, severe floods devastated parts of the country, underscoring the urgency of climate action. Yet, Kazakhstan is resilient, and its commitment to addressing climate change remains steadfast.
To further demonstrate its commitment, Kazakhstan is spearheading environmental diplomacy by hosting the One Water World Summit jointly with France and the upcoming Regional Ecological Summit in 2026, which will be held in partnership with the United Nations and other international organisations.
For Suleimenova, climate action is a marathon that depends on shared responsibility and practical solutions. Biannual Transparency Reports reveal where countries stand, who is taking action, and what further action is needed. As Kazakhstan continues its journey towards carbon neutrality, it remains committed to transparency and accountability in its climate efforts.
- The comprehensive strategies implemented by Kazakhstan to reduce its carbon footprint are rooted in the field of environmental science, as exemplified by Zulfiya Suleimenova's leadership and the country's ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030.
- As Kazakhstan strives towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, policy-and-legislation, particularly the development of a National Carbon Neutrality Roadmap, plays a crucial role in transitioning the country to a low-carbon economy.
- Kazakhstan's commitment to climate action extends beyond its borders, as it engages in regional cooperation with neighboring countries to improve access to climate finance and strengthen integration, thus aligning with international general-news trends and calls for collective action on climate-change.
