Astana hosted the plenary session of the Regional Environmental Summit, bringing together leaders from Central Asia, the Caucasus and Mongolia, as well as representatives of the United Nations and international organizations, DKNews.kz reports.
The RES-2026 summit, organized in cooperation with the UN and other international institutions, is focused on developing joint approaches to protecting ecosystems, water and land resources, and preserving biodiversity in Central Asia.
Tokayev: Environment is the foundation of humanity’s future
Opening the plenary session, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said it was symbolic that the summit was taking place on Earth Day.
“It is a great honor and privilege for me to welcome you all to the Regional Environmental Summit. I am pleased to see here the heads of state of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Thank you, dear colleagues. Your participation in this forum, held in cooperation with the United Nations, gives this important event special significance. Indeed, today, on Earth Day, we have gathered in Astana to once again declare our shared responsibility for protecting our planet. This means that the countries of our region deeply understand the relevance and extraordinary importance of forming a common vision of a sustainable future. Modern ecology is not limited only to climate issues. It is the foundation of humanity’s existence. It is about clean air and safe water, healthy soil and a reliable food system, the stability of communities and the well-being of future generations. It also concerns clarity of mind, social harmony and human happiness. In this broad sense, ecology is a way of life based on a responsible attitude toward our common planet. Therefore, today’s summit is a timely and necessary event.”
President speaks on UN role and global instability
Tokayev said the world has entered a period of growing uncertainty and unpredictability, and that international cooperation mechanisms need to be reconsidered.
“We have gathered here at a time of growing uncertainty and unpredictability. There is no need to explain in detail how deeply and negatively they affect global and regional stability, as well as the quality of life of millions of people. They undermine efforts aimed at development and divert resources away from solving urgent environmental problems. In this context, the role of the international community acquires particular importance. The United Nations, created eighty years ago, still remains indispensable as the only universal platform for dialogue. However, since then the world has changed radically. Artificial intelligence has taken a dominant position in the minds of people around the world and in their daily lives. Much is said about the inviolability of the UN Charter, which remains the cornerstone of international law. However, the UN Charter is not haute cuisine, and it cannot be used as a menu from which one chooses only what one likes. On the contrary, the UN Charter should be accepted and regarded as a single, comprehensive document in the fullness of all its provisions.”
Environmental policy must not be selective
The President said environmental agendas must take into account the level of development of different countries and should not be detached from economic realities.
“In my view, a selective approach is unacceptable in environmental matters as well. In many cases, the environmental agenda is developed without proper consideration of the development needs of various regions and states, especially developing countries that are still strengthening their economic potential. Meanwhile, developed countries achieved their current environmental standards through a long process of industrialization. Therefore, the global transition to greener models must be fair, balanced and encouraging. Our common approach must be reasonable, pragmatic and carefully thought out so that countries can move forward on the principles of sustainable development without jeopardizing their prospects for economic growth and progress.”
Water, glaciers, air quality and biodiversity in focus
Tokayev said countries of the region face common environmental challenges and share responsibility for solving them.
Among the main problems he named:
- water shortages and inefficient water management
- desertification
- melting glaciers
- air pollution
- biodiversity vulnerability
“I am deliberately listing all the main problems and challenges because I firmly believe that only through joint efforts can we achieve positive results. The time for reporting successes has passed; now is the time to make decisions.”
Kazakhstan strengthens environmental policy
The Head of State said environmental protection is enshrined in Kazakhstan’s new Constitution as one of the fundamental principles of state policy and civic responsibility.
“Our new Constitution clearly defines environmental protection as one of the fundamental principles of state policy and civic responsibility. It confirms that environmental security and prosperity are not technical issues. They are genuine values that must become an integral part of our national identity and long-term development strategies.”
According to him, Kazakhstan is implementing measures in several key areas:
- transition to cleaner energy
- biodiversity protection
- restoration of degraded land
- modernization of water management systems
- water-saving policies
- stronger regional environmental cooperation
Energy transition, nuclear power and clean coal
Tokayev said Kazakhstan considers a fair and equal energy transition one of its main priorities.
“Currently, the share of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan’s total electricity generation exceeds 7 percent. It is expected to surpass 15 percent by 2030. While remaining a major producer of oil and gas, our country is committed to sustainable energy goals. As one of the world’s leading uranium exporters, providing around 40 percent of global supply, Kazakhstan also supports the development of carbon-free electricity generation. We are currently developing a project to build our first nuclear power plant while simultaneously modernizing coal-fired power plants using clean coal technologies. As a result, emissions from major energy facilities are expected to decrease by nearly 35 percent.”
From the Aral Sea to the Caspian Sea
Water security was one of the key themes of the speech.
“The Aral Sea still serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of irrational policy, as well as of what can be achieved through decisive and scientifically grounded action. Today, we have managed to restore around 36 percent of the Northern Aral Sea, improving water quality, increasing fish stocks and raising living standards for the population.”
The President also addressed the Caspian Sea.
“Kazakhstan has initiated an interstate program to prevent further degradation of the Caspian Sea and established the Caspian Sea Research Institute to develop regional scientific cooperation. We call on all international stakeholders to support efforts to preserve this unique natural heritage. Therefore, any use of armed force in the Caspian region must be excluded and prohibited.”
Proposal for an International Water Organization
Tokayev recalled his initiative to create a new UN-linked institution.
“In December last year in Ashgabat, I proposed creating an International Water Organization as a UN agency. This initiative is especially relevant because the UN is currently reviewing thousands of mandates, creating an opportunity to strengthen coherence and effectiveness in global governance. I am pleased to note that the first round of international consultations on this proposal will take place during this summit.”
Saiga recovery, forests and rare species
The President also highlighted environmental achievements.
“Consistent efforts have brought tangible results: we have restored the saiga population. The number of snow leopards in Kazakhstan has more than doubled and reached around 190 individuals. In cooperation with international partners, we are also reintroducing and restoring populations of other rare species, including falcons, the Turanian tiger and Przewalski’s horse.”
“Over the past five years, we have planted more than 1.5 billion trees across more than one million hectares, including saxaul plantations on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea together with Uzbek specialists to slow desertification.”
Taza Kazakhstan and artificial intelligence
Tokayev also focused on public participation and new technologies.
“In addition, we launched the nationwide Taza Kazakhstan movement. This broad public campaign is aimed at increasing environmental awareness and civic responsibility. It has united nearly one million volunteers, who, in my opinion, are true patriots of Kazakhstan.”
“This year has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. It is obvious that successful solutions to environmental problems are impossible without AI. Artificial intelligence opens new opportunities for protecting natural resources and improving environmental governance. Therefore, we are ready to support the creation of a Regional Digital Ecosystem.”
Why this matters
The Regional Environmental Summit in Astana showed that countries of the region are moving toward practical joint solutions on water, energy, climate and nature protection.
For Kazakhstan, these issues are directly linked to quality of life, economic development and the country’s sustainable future.
