Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for a “fair, balanced and stimulating” global transition to cleaner energy models, as he addressed the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Astana on Wednesday.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, Tokayev said environmental cooperation must be based on “partnership, trust and shared responsibility – with no naming, no shaming and no blaming.”
The summit, held from April 22 to 24, brings together governments, international organisations and experts to coordinate responses to climate and environmental challenges across Central Asia. Phileleftheros was invited to cover the proceedings.
He said ecology should be seen as “the very foundation of human livelihood,” encompassing water, food systems and social stability.
Tokayev warned that climate policies must reflect the development needs of emerging economies.
“Therefore, the global transition to cleaner models must be fair, balanced and stimulating,” he said.
He also stressed the need for cooperation, saying: “We acknowledge that no country can succeed alone, major emphasis must be put on joint efforts on the regional and global levels.”
Regional focus and shared responsibility
The president pointed to shared regional challenges, including water scarcity, desertification, glacier retreat, air pollution and biodiversity loss.
“Our countries share ecosystems… and most importantly, we share responsibility,” he said.
The summit, initiated by Kazakhstan in partnership with the United Nations, aims to develop joint solutions and strengthen regional cooperation on environmental issues.
National policy and constitutional emphasis
Tokayev also highlighted the role of national policy, saying environmental responsibility has been elevated at the highest legal level.
“Kazakhstan places special importance to ecological responsibility on the highest juridical level,” he said.
“Our new Constitution clearly reflects environmental protection as a fundamental priority of state policy and public responsibility.”
“It confirms that ecological safety and prosperity are not a technical issue. It is a real value that must be embedded in our national DNA and our long-term vision of progress.”
From commitments to action
Tokayev outlined measures including expanding renewable energy, restoring degraded land and improving water management.
He said renewables currently account for more than 7% of Kazakhstan’s electricity and are expected to exceed 15% by 2030.
He also highlighted progress in restoring the Northern Aral Sea and protecting biodiversity.
“The time for indicating successes is over, the time for making solutions has come,” he said.
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