Government of Kazakhstan and UNDP launch climate reporting project under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

September 13, 2024

13 September, 2024, Astana – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility, launches the Climate Change Reporting Project. The project includes the production of the First Biennial Transparency Report by the end of 2024 and the combined Ninth National Communication and Second Biennial Report by 2026. Key aspects of the project include supporting the integration of climate change issues into national policies, plans, and programmes taking into account previous recommendations from national communications.

National communications and reports are part of international commitments and developed in accordance with the provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. They allow countries to track progress towards climate goals based on their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Countries define indicators and then provide updated information on each selected indicator. For Kazakhstan, the relevant indicators include net emissions, absorption and reduction of greenhouse gases, afforestation, and the percentage of renewable energy use or production.

“Kazakhstan is in the process of aligning its commitments with the ambitious goals set out in the Paris Agreement. We recognize that achieving these goals will require a multi-faceted approach that includes innovative technologies, robust policy frameworks and the active participation of government, the private sector, civil society and local communities. Today's launch of the project is the culmination of our joint efforts. I believe that through our shared knowledge and experience we can build effective mechanisms to combat climate change while ensuring the sustainable development of our country,” said Gulmira Galiyeva, Deputy Director of the Climate Policy Department at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan,”

said Gulmira Galiyeva, Deputy Director of the Climate Policy Department at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Climate change is a global challenge that requires immediate action at national and international levels. Tackling climate change requires coordinated efforts that include both mitigation and adaptation measures. The Paris Agreement provides the legal framework for these actions.

“2024 is a pivotal year for all Parties to the Paris Agreement as we embark on a journey to create a framework for greater transparency frameworks. UNDP is proud to have supported Kazakhstan over the years in preparing national communications and reports on the policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and secure the necessary financial resources and investments to achieve carbon neutrality,”

emphasized Assel Nurbekova, Head of Energy and Environment Unit, UNDP in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan continues to integrate climate change considerations into all aspects of national planning. According to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index, Kazakhstan ranked 36th out of 185 countries in terms of climate adaptation effectiveness in 2021. In 2016, Kazakhstan submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the updated version for 2023 includes commitments to adaptation. In addition, the same year the Eighth National Communication and the Fifth Biennial Report were submitted by Kazakhstan. In 2023 also Kazakhstan adopted its national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. This Carbon Neutrality Strategy outlines the scope and pathways necessary to transition to low-carbon development.

The launch of the climate reporting project is an important step towards Kazakhstan's goal to achieve carbon neutrality. It is not only a key element for the fulfillment of international commitments, but also a mechanism for self-assessment and monitoring of the country's progress on climate action. The project will enable Kazakhstan to track its efforts to reduce greenhouse gases more accurately and comprehensively, evaluate the effectiveness of the measures implemented, and align its national climate policy with international standards.

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