*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.

【About IGTIC】

The International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (IGTIC), a Non-Commercial Joint Stock Company, was established at EXPO 2017.
The Center operates under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

IGTIC promotes:

ーThe transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy
ーInternational cooperation
ーConditions for the adoption of innovative solutions in environmental protection and climate change
ーIt collaborates with global organisations and financial institutions, including:

ーThe Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP)
ーThe Green Climate Fund (GCF)

【Event Focus】

At the IGTIC event “Carbon Solutions: The Path to a Sustainable Future”, aligned with the Theme Weeks: “The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week”, the programme will:

ーHighlight Kazakhstan’s successful cases and initiatives
ーRaise awareness of the importance of carbon offsets in combating climate change
ーShowcase real examples of successful projects
ーEquip visitors with practical skills to reduce their carbon footprint
ーInspire personal and professional action in sustainable development

【Agenda】

14:00 – 14:30 Registration
14:30 – 14:40
Nursalim Suleimenov – Director, Project Management Department, International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects
14:40 – 14:55
Botagoz Akhmetova – Managing Director, JSC “Zhasyl Damu”
14:55 – 15:10
Talgat Amanbaev – Chief Innovation Officer, Member of the AIFC Board
15:10 – 15:25
Dina Zhanadil – Managing Director for Strategy, ESG and Big Data, Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC
15:25 – 15:40
Hosokawa Yorio – Sanshin Metal Working Co., Ltd.
15:40 – 15:55
Sakaida Soichi – Finetech Co., Ltd.
15:55 – 16:10
Nursalim Suleimenov – Director, Project Management Department, International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects
16:10 – 16:25 Questions and Answers
16:25 – 16:30 Memorandum Signing Ceremony

【Reflection】

The event “Carbon Solutions: The Path to a Sustainable Future,” organised by the Republic of Kazakhstan through the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (IGTIC), was a timely and significant contribution to the Theme Weeks: The Future of Earth and Biodiversity. The programme provided a comprehensive overview of Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable economy, underlining both national achievements and the broader global context.

A central theme of the session was the importance of carbon offsets and emissions trading systems as instruments for achieving climate goals. Presenters outlined Kazakhstan’s pioneering role in Central Asia as the first country in the region to introduce a carbon pricing mechanism in 2013. Despite early challenges, the emissions trading system (ETS) has matured into a more transparent and accountable framework, supported by mandatory emissions reporting, independent verification, and the creation of a national carbon registry. These reforms ensure that the ETS contributes to decarbonisation while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.

The speakers highlighted practical achievements: more than seven million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent offset units have been issued, backed by 38 renewable energy projects in wind and solar. These projects demonstrate not only technological progress but also the potential for scalable models of clean energy investment. Complementing this, Japanese companies showcased hydroponics and other innovative technologies, illustrating the role of international collaboration in supporting Kazakhstan’s sustainability agenda.

The Development Bank of Kazakhstan reinforced the financial dimension, sharing how its portfolio has shifted towards green and sustainable projects, supported by the issuance of green and sustainable bonds—the first in Central Asia. Their work underlines the necessity of aligning financial markets with climate objectives, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in economic growth.

Overall, the event succeeded in inspiring both personal and professional reflection on climate responsibility. It connected policy frameworks, innovative technologies, and financial mechanisms into a coherent narrative of opportunity. By situating national experiences within global commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement, the session provided valuable lessons for international partners and visitors, encouraging them to take action in their own spheres of influence.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】

Following Expo 2025, the outcomes of this event can be channelled into concrete initiatives that strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a regional leader in sustainable development. One clear direction is the continued development and refinement of the national ETS, including the planned introduction of auctioning mechanisms from 2026. The revenues generated will feed into a dedicated carbon fund, ensuring that resources are reinvested in climate-positive projects. This long-term financial mechanism can serve as a model for neighbouring countries seeking to establish or strengthen carbon pricing frameworks.

Another important initiative will be the expansion of offset projects, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture, and land use. By leveraging lessons from the 38 existing projects, Kazakhstan can broaden its portfolio, incorporating forestry and land-based offsets that align with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Such projects not only reduce emissions but also deliver social benefits in rural communities.

International cooperation should remain a cornerstone. Partnerships with Japan, demonstrated through hydroponics and green technology presentations, can evolve into joint pilot projects that address food security, water scarcity, and sustainable agriculture in Central Asia. Similarly, collaboration with international financial institutions will be essential in scaling investment. The Development Bank of Kazakhstan’s pioneering issuance of green bonds should be expanded, positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for green finance.

Finally, education and capacity-building must follow. Visitors were equipped with practical skills to reduce their carbon footprint, but post-Expo initiatives should go further by integrating sustainability awareness into curricula, vocational training, and professional development. This will ensure that climate responsibility is embedded across society.

By building on Expo 2025 momentum, Kazakhstan has the opportunity to not only advance its national climate goals but also to inspire and guide regional and global partners in pursuing sustainable futures.