OSCE supports discussion on low-carbon emissions in Kazakhstan

The transition to a low-carbon economy and Kazakhstan’s corresponding obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement were the topics of an OSCE-supported meeting of the Green Economy Council under the President of Kazakhstan on 4 July 2016 in Astana.

The event was organized by the Energy Ministry for some 30 international and national experts from the government, the United Nations Development Programme, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the United States Agency for International Development, the Green Academy as well as the representatives of private and non-governmental sectors. An analytical paper drafted and published with support from the Programme Office, on the status of Kazakhstan’s greenhouse gas emissions, emissions trading system and best green practices of Australia, China, Japan and Russia was presented at the event.

Led by Prime Minister Karim Massimov as chair, the participants reviewed the Paris Climate Agreement commitments and discussed the ways for the government, industry and other stakeholders to work together to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, minimize the costs of doing business and maximize the sustainable development opportunities.

During the meeting a set of practical recommendations was developed aimed at the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement by Kazakhstan and the introduction of an action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development principles in the host country.