President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan delivered a pivotal speech at the World Climate Summit held as part of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. In his address, President Tokayev underscored the critical impact of climate change on half of the world's population, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable regions such as small island developing states, landlocked developing countries, and least developed countries.
Highlighting the challenges posed by persistent geopolitical instability and energy insecurity, President Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan's commitment to concrete actions for environmental preservation. He proudly declared that Kazakhstan was the first country in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement and adopt a Carbon Neutrality Strategy until 2060.
"Even if we successfully limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees by 2050, Central Asian countries will still face a temperature rise of up to 2.5 degrees."
President Tokayev pointed to Kazakhstan's significant potential in renewable energy, particularly in wind and solar energy, and the production of "green" hydrogen. He affirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to collaborating with global partners to unlock this potential, noting the nation's crucial role as a leading exporter of uranium, contributing to carbon-free electricity on a global scale.
The President emphasized the importance of essential minerals, including rare earths, in the world's decarbonization efforts, announcing Kazakhstan's readiness to become a key supplier during this transition period.
"As a leading exporter of uranium, accounting for 43% of the world's supply, we play a critical role in generating zero-carbon electricity on a global scale."
President Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan's support for private "green" initiatives, citing the domestic Packaging Association's projects aimed at reducing plastic waste and contributing to environmental protection.
Addressing the urgency of reducing methane emissions, President Tokayev announced Kazakhstan's decision to join the Global Commitment to Reduce Methane Emissions. He further expressed Kazakhstan's commitment to addressing the large-scale coal problem in the region through the Partnership for a Just Energy Transition.
Recognizing the challenges faced by Central Asian countries, President Tokayev called on the international community to increase climate finance commitments. He particularly urged support for the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, emphasizing Kazakhstan's upcoming chairmanship of the Fund.
Summing up his speech, President Tokayev stressed that the climate emergency is a global crisis requiring a collective response. He invited participating states to the Astana International Forum in June 2024 and announced the convening of a Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under the auspices of the UN to address climate-related issues in Central Asia.
The World Climate Summit witnessed addresses from leaders of more than 40 states and heads of international and regional organizations, marking a crucial step towards collective action and cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis.
"Based on the successful results of COP 28 held this week, I invite participating states to the Astana International Forum in June 2024. The Forum can serve as a dialogue platform for continued focused cooperation on pressing climate-related issues until COP 29."
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