Kazakh president affirms his country's active involvement in COP29

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has affirmed his country’s commitment to addressing climate change and active involvement in COP29 as he addressed the Organization of Turkic States’ (OTS) informal summit in Shusha.

Tokayev emphasized the significance of climate change management, highlighting expert forecasts predicting an 80 per cent chance that global temperatures will rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He pointed to abnormal heat, forest fires, droughts, and floods worldwide as evidence of worsening climatic conditions.

"We are ready to strengthen cooperation with the Turkic world on climate issues. This year, we plan to take an active part in the COP29 climate conference to be held in Azerbaijan. Kazakhstan is responsible for climate change commitments," Tokayev said.

The president also announced that Kazakhstan will host a Regional Climate Summit under the auspices of the United Nations in 2026, inviting Turkic countries to participate actively.

Tokayev called for joint efforts to address environmental problems in the Caspian and Aral Seas, stressing the need to balance logistical development with environmental protection. He urged intensified cooperation among scientists from Turkic countries to develop specific solutions for saving the Caspian Sea.

"The sea is on the verge of extinction. The most important task is to protect its environment, flora, and fauna," Tokayev underlined.