Toqayev Opens Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit with Vision for Green Future

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev led the opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Week, delivering the summit's first keynote address.

Here are the key points from his speech:

Energy and Nuclear Development

Energy systems around the world account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and 10% of biodiversity loss, Toqayev said in his speech.

The President highlighted foreign partners' support for Kazakhstan's green energy sector, noting commitments to develop 43 gigawatts of energy projects.

The construction of our first nuclear power plant, which received support in a national referendum, will be an important step towards the sustainable development of the country's energy sector.he added, 

Logistics 

Toqayev emphasized Kazakhstan's emerging role as a crucial Eurasian transport center:

We are actively investing in transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports and sea ports.

He outlined plans to further develop the Trans-Caspian corridor and North-South route and strengthen Kazakhstan's position in the Belt and Road initiative.

Climate Change and Water Management

Addressing Central Asia's environmental challenges, Toqayev emphasized the urgent need for regional cooperation on water resources and climate action.

The region is also heavily dependent on transboundary rivers. Therefore, we urgently need to create early warning systems and improve water and land management. To do this, we must invest in water-saving technologies, modernize irrigation systems, conclude effective water management agreements, and use artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring and other digital tools,  he stated.

The President also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to agricultural innovation as a prominent grain and flour exporter.

Blueprint for Global Development

Toqayev proposed three key principles for advancing global sustainability:

• Improving accessibility to green finance
• Expanding international collaboration in technology transfer, technical support, and research
• Integrating climate priorities with economic development and artificial intelligence

He argued that these principles could create a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin