OSCE Centre assists in development of local model of sustainable production and consumption in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 3 April 2009 - A two-day workshop, co-organized by the OSCE Centre, to assist the government to develop a Kazakhstani model of environmentally sustainable production and consumption started in Astana today.

The event brought together some 50 participants from governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, the business community and international experts to discuss policy measures and best practices aimed at enhancing efficiency and the competitiveness of production and industrial infrastructure.

"Raising public awareness and education for sustainable development is critical to stimulate environmentally sound production and consumption of resources, in particular water and energy. It is an important element for ensuring socio-economic progress, stability and security," said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

Edil Mamytbekov, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, said: "The implementation of sustainable production and consumption in the Republic of Kazakhstan is proceeding in stages. For this, basic parameters of sustainable development are being determined for each stage. We are preparing to develop models of sustainable production and consumption for every industrial sector separately, taking into account their specific characteristics."

Workshop participants agreed to establish a national working group, including NGO representatives, to suggest policy measures and reinforce inter-agency co-operation in this area.

The roundtable discussion, organized by the OSCE Centre with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Environment Protection, the United Nations Environmental Programme and the Kazakh Centre for Sustainable Production and Consumption, is part of the Centre's multi-year activities aimed at promoting the country's national concept for sustainable development.