International Coverage of Astana Forum: Discussions on Climate Security and Beyond
Kazakhstan's Crusade Against Climate Peril and Global Collaboration
Let's delve into the latest updates about Kazakhstan from international media outlets. This week, we're focusing on climate security, Astana International Forum, and more. Buckle up!
Why folding our arms on climate security is a clumsy move
Zulfiya Suleimenova, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, penned a thought-provoking op-ed in South China Morning Post on May 25, discussing the essence of climate security.
"Kazakhstan is taking a proactive stance, utilizing our own initiatives and strengthening our partnerships with international partners. We have pledged to cut our emissions by 15% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. With conditions met for additional financial support and technology transfer, we aim to reduce emissions by 25%," wrote Suleimenova in her article.
She stresses that focusing solely on domestic matters is rightful for any government, but some challenges require international collaboration. Climate-related dilemmas, whether they involve water, energy, or migration, cannot be tackled independently. They necessitate joint research, data sharing, financing, and policy synchronization.
President Tokayev's take on balancing powers
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera on May 29, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed hydrocarbon exports, the ramifications of Ukraine's conflict on these processes, and the growth of alternative oil transportation routes.
"Located at the intersection of global power, Kazakhstan has to navigate China, Russia, and key trade routes. Tokayev talks to Al Jazeera about his reform agenda, the legacy of Nazarbayev, equality reduction in a resource-rich nation, criticisms on press freedom, and political openness. The question lingers, is Kazakhstan neutral or merely under pressure?" reads Al Jazeera's video description.
Media cooperation forum bolsters China-Central Asia ties
Chinese and Central Asian media representatives expressed an urge for intensified collaboration to boost people-to-people connections and combat misinformation during the 2025 China-Central Asia Media Cooperation Forum held in Astana, according to Global Times' report on May 29.
A congratulatory letter from President Tokayev underscored Kazakhstan's significance on fostering a complete and strategic partnership with China. In his letter, Tokayev pointed out that this forum serves as a vital platform for bolstering mutual understanding, trust, and partnership among media sectors.
FAO's call for investment in Central Asia's potential
QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), emphasized the need for immediate action on water conservation, transboundary cooperation, and sustainable farming practices to safeguard Central Asia's future, according to FAO's press service on May 29.
Addressing the Astana International Forum, QU stated, "Water security is crucial for agrifood systems. Yet, it's under threat due to scarcity, pollution, and poor infrastructure." QU highlighted that Central Asia boasts massive land resources, rich agrobiodiversity, and strategic geographic location, offering boundless potential to transform agrifood systems into drivers for sustainability, resilience, and a better quality of life.
Tokayev calls for a new world order based on dialogue
President Tokayev launched the second Astana International Forum on May 29 with a fervent appeal for renewed global cooperation, nuclear non-proliferation, and institutional reform amid escalating geopolitical turmoil and technological upheaval, as per EU Reporter.
Tokayev dwelt on the rising global uncertainties jeopardizing peace and progress. He linked Kazakhstan's foreign policy philosophy to its strategic investments in technology and innovation, stating, "Multilateralism is crumbling. Kazakhstan's foreign policy is built on the belief that dialogue triumphs over division."
Positioning Kazakhstan as a rising digital hub, Tokayev unveiled the launch of the most potent supercomputer in Central Asia, underscoring the nation's ambitions to lead in artificial intelligence, digital advancement, and blockchain innovation.
Kazakhstan's ongoing efforts in climate security and international collaboration exemplify its vigor and commitment to addressing global challenges.
- In her op-ed for the South China Morning Post, Zulfiya Suleimenova, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, emphasized the need for joint research, data sharing, financing, and policy synchronization in environmental-science, particularly in tackling climate-change.
- In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed global power, technology, and politics, pointing out that Kazakhstan's neutrality is often questioned due to its strategic location and relations with its international partners.
- QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), called for investment in Central Asia's potential, specifically in water conservation, transboundary cooperation, and sustainable farming practices, to address global issues related to general-news and technology.
