Astana, 14 June 2024 (TDI): The UN Representative visits Kazakhstan to bolster environmental collaboration. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, welcomed a delegation from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) led by Arnold Kreilhuber, Regional Director and UNEP Representative for Europe.
The visit, organized by the United Nations Environmental Programme, aimed to foster green cooperation with Kazakhstan.
During the negotiations, the parties discussed the global environmental agenda. Additionally, They exchanged views on various topics, including the implications of climate change on the sustainable development of Kazakhstan and other countries in Central Asia.
First Deputy Minister Rakhmetullin highlighted Kazakhstan’s initiatives in ecology and sustainable development during the meeting.
These include plans to host the Regional Climate Summit in 2026 under UN auspices, collaborate on the “One Water Summit” with France, and establish a Project Office for Central Asia focused on climate change and green energy.
Moreover, The Kazakh diplomat emphasized their country’s commitment to the goals and objectives of UN environmental conventions, expressing optimism about implementing innovative green projects in partnership with UNEP.
In turn, Arnold Kreilhuber expressed high appreciation for Kazakhstan’s proactive stance on environmental issues.
Moreover, He particularly commended the initiative to host the Regional Climate Summit in 2026 under UN auspices. He conveyed UNEP’s readiness to co-organize the event.
“Kazakhstan is our home, with our Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia based in Almaty. We highly cherish our cooperation with your country in environmental and climate matters,” he added.
In this context, the Regional Director discussed plans to enhance the capacity of the UNEP Sub-Regional Office in Almaty.
Furthermore, he outlined projects of the UN agency in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
Significantly, both parties reached a mutual understanding to actively promote joint projects and delineate clear steps to advance their implementation soon.
United Nations Environmental Programme
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), founded in 1972, serves as the preeminent global environmental organization.
It shapes the international environmental agenda and advocates for the integrated implementation of sustainability principles within the UN framework.
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UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Since March 2015, UNEP has operated a Subregional Office for Central Asia based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, reinforcing its commitment to addressing environmental challenges specific to the Central Asian region.
