AGP Executive Report

Biodiversity & Rewilding: Kazakhstan has relocated kulans into the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve, with specialists monitoring their adaptation and movement as part of the Altyn Dala Initiative to restore natural populations and strengthen biodiversity. Climate & Energy Policy: Prince William renewed calls for “urgent optimism” on climate action, warning that extreme weather tied to global warming is already hitting people and needs faster, practical solutions. Green Tech Cooperation: South Korea’s science minister said Seoul wants expanded partnerships with Central Asia on AI and science, while Moody’s flagged Kazakhstan as among the region’s leaders building AI infrastructure—though it will require major investment in power, telecoms, water and computing. Water Security: Kazakhstan is moving to strengthen water security with eight basin plans, aligning with broader regional efforts around the Aral Sea Basin. Oil & Environment Pressure: Kazakhstan plans to more than double oil refining capacity to 39 million tons by 2040, targeting higher fuel standards and petrochemical output—an upgrade that will also raise questions for pollution control and emissions management. Uranium Demand Signals: Market coverage notes growing uranium demand from Asian buyers and new interest from data-centre firms, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role as a key supplier.

Korea-Central Asia Green Tech Push: South Korea’s science minister met Central Asian counterparts (including Kazakhstan) in Seoul, aiming to expand AI and science partnerships and to scale climate technology demonstration projects via the Global Climate Technology Facilitation Fund. Korea-Central Asia Supply Chains: Kazakhstan and four neighbors agreed with South Korea to deepen supply-chain cooperation, including critical minerals, smart infrastructure and factory digitalization. Pharma Cooperation: Kazakhstan and South Korea moved toward joint pharmaceutical production after Kazakhstan’s health minister met Kyungdong Pharmaceutical in Seoul, covering technology transfer, clinical trials and local manufacturing. Oil Refining Upgrade: Kazakhstan’s energy ministry presented a 2025–2040 plan to modernize and expand refining, lifting capacity from 18 to 39 million tons by 2040. Aral Sea UN Steps: Central Asian states adopted a practical summary for a UN Special Program for the Aral Sea basin, outlining legal and financing mechanisms. Water Security Planning: Kazakhstan is strengthening water security with eight basin plans to assess risks and modernize water management. Wildlife in Kazakhstan: Camera traps recorded mountain goats in Altyn-Emel National Park.

BRICS Summit Wrap (New Delhi): Prime Minister Narendra Modi closed the 18th BRICS summit warning against the “weaponisation” of technology and critical minerals, while leaders agreed to boost cooperation on technology, supply chains, health, innovation and trade. AI & Digital Agriculture: China’s Xi unveiled a BRICS open-source AI push, and Modi said a BRICS network on digital agriculture will link AI and geospatial tools to farmers’ needs. Kazakhstan in the Room: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised the summit’s organization and met Modi to reaffirm strategic ties, including energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies; Kazakhstan also took part in BRICS partner discussions on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Water & Climate Governance: Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s push for stronger water management and proposed an International Water Organization, as BRICS framed resilience against climate disasters and supply shocks. Regional Security Lens: BRICS leaders also voiced concern over attacks on civilian and nuclear facilities, with Iran’s Pezeshkian urging stronger non-use-of-force principles.

BRICS Summit (New Delhi): PM Narendra Modi wrapped the second day by calling BRICS an “ecosystem of solutions” and urging time-bound action, with leaders meeting under the theme “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” and discussing disaster preparedness, including a BRICS integrated early warning push for infectious diseases and disaster management. Nuclear & civilian protection: BRICS leaders also flagged deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful, IAEA-safeguarded nuclear facilities, warning of growing nuclear risks. Kazakhstan energy focus: Separate reporting says Astana is seeking alternative oil export routes as CPC disruptions and tanker attacks expose heavy dependence on the Black Sea terminal—shifting toward longer-term export resilience. Kazakhstan in the spotlight: Kazakhstan President Tokayev is listed among leaders attending the summit’s second day, while Kazakhstan-linked coverage also highlights water and infrastructure planning and ongoing efforts to manage environmental and resource risks.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit under India’s 2026 chairship, where leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Trade & governance: BRICS called for restoring a fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute system and warned against unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that can disrupt supply chains. Nuclear safety: The bloc expressed concern about attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, citing growing risks of nuclear danger. Food systems: BRICS agreed to create AGRIN, a farmer-centric network for agro-inputs, genetic resources and agricultural information, and to continue work on a BRICS grain trading platform amid food price volatility. Kazakhstan spotlight: A separate Kazakh report questions whether the country’s fast AI rollout is delivering real public-service gains or risks becoming “lipstick on a pig.” Regional water focus: Kazakhstan took part in a Central Asia meeting on implementing a UN special program for the Aral Sea Basin, alongside Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders gathered for the 18th BRICS meeting as the US-Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict keep squeezing energy security, trade and inflation. India’s chair theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with a first-day focus on inclusive governance, plus a tree-planting ceremony and a Bharat Innovates exhibition. Kazakhstan at BRICS: Kazakhstan is listed among BRICS partner countries, and Kazakh traditional crafts are showcased at the BRICS Bazaar 2026, including Uralsk artist Togzhan Babieva’s works inspired by Kazakh heritage. Diplomacy with environmental angles: The summit’s public program includes nature and wildlife imagery in a “Sangam” friendship mural created by artists from member states, while leaders also push resilience ideas that touch food and energy security. Local-currency and payments push: Iran’s President Pezeshkian urged BRICS to expand national-currency use and build a resilient trade network to reduce vulnerability to political shocks.

Kashagan Environmental Ruling: Kazakhstan has suspended enforcement to collect a near-$5 billion environmental fine against the Kashagan operator NCOC, after an appeal led to a restraining order in Atyrau; the original 2.3 trillion tenge penalty followed a 2022 audit alleging excessive sulphur stocks. Water Infrastructure Cooperation: Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic discussed modernizing water supply, wastewater treatment and sewer monitoring, with plans to upgrade thousands of kilometers of water networks and deliver new wastewater projects. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Kazakhstan reported rare Przewalski’s horse foals born on the steppe and also noted golden eagles spotted in Katon-Karagai National Park. Regional Sustainable Tourism: CAREC tourism talks in Tashkent focused on upgrading the “Visit Silk Road” portal, adding AI travel tools, and adopting Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards to expand cross-border routes. Smart Cities: Korea’s KIND showcased smart city pilots with Kazakhstan, including the Alatau smart town, and discussed commercialization with partners from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Poland.

BRICS Summit Prep (Kazakhstan in the mix): Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is listed among partner-country leaders expected at India’s 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13), where India’s agenda centers on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Caspian Ecology: Kazakhstan is named among key Caspian coastal cities contributing to pollution pressures, as rivers and urban/industrial discharges are flagged as major drivers of the sea’s ecological strain. Wildlife Conservation: Kazakhstan reports two Przewalski’s horse foals born on the steppe, continuing a reintroduction program aimed at rebuilding the species after a long absence. Oil & Environment Compliance: Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Justice has temporarily suspended moves to enforce a $5 billion environmental fine tied to the Kashagan project, while still aiming to recover the debt. Finance & Sustainability: Astana Finance Days wrapped with new agreements and instruments spanning sustainable finance and cross-border market access, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s push to attract capital for greener development. Green Finance Talks: Kazakhstan hosted the second Turkic Green Finance Council meeting in Astana, signaling continued regional momentum on sustainable funding.

Biodiversity & Rewilding: Two Przewalski’s horse foals were born in Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve, the first wild births on Kazakh soil in more than 200 years—an early sign the reintroduced herd is adapting to local conditions. Nuclear Energy Debate: Kazakhstan’s nuclear plant plans are drawing fresh attention after a deal for the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant was reported, renewing discussion about how uranium-rich countries turn resources into energy security. Caspian Sea & Transport: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are working to restart a passenger ferry link across the Caspian Sea (Kuryk–Baku–Kuryk), aiming to boost tourism and connectivity after the route was suspended in 2020. Green Finance Cooperation: The Turkic Green Finance Council meeting in Astana reinforced plans to turn green development commitments into bankable projects, including a regional green project database. Water & Environment Policy: Kazakhstan–Switzerland political consultations highlighted cooperation on water resources management and environmental protection, alongside interest in green energy and nuclear industry projects. Transport Skills Gap: Kazakhstan’s transport sector needs about 57,000 more specialists as infrastructure and digitalisation expand demand for both traditional and new tech roles.

Caspian Sea Crisis: The Caspian is shrinking fast, with climate change and reduced river inflows driving a long-term water-level drop that’s now hitting navigation and biodiversity across the region. Wildlife Watch: Two golden eagles were spotted by camera traps in Kazakhstan’s Katon-Karagai National Park, adding to recent snow leopard footage from the same area. Energy Transition: Kazakhstan is pushing a 1 GW wind project with Masdar in Zhambyl, paired with large battery storage, aiming for commissioning in 2029 and a more flexible power system. Pollution & Enforcement: Kazakhstan suspended collection of a major $5bn Kashagan environmental fine while a court challenge is reviewed; regulators allege sulfur storage beyond permit limits. Water & Finance: The 2nd Turkic Green Finance Council meeting in Astana urged turning green policy into bankable projects, including a regional green project database. Tourism Funding: Astana plans 320 million tenge for tourism development, alongside broader city spending on greening, social support, and heating-season fuel subsidies.

Green Finance: Astana hosted the 2nd Meeting of the Turkic Green Finance Council, with officials urging a year-round mechanism to turn climate policy into bankable, measurable projects and calling for a regional green project database. Waste & Recycling: Kazakhstan is moving ahead with the QazRoyalPak paper recycling plant in Pavlodar, funded via recycling fee revenues, aiming to expand capacity and divert more waste paper from landfills, with commissioning planned for 2028. Energy Transition: Kazakhstan outlined plans to scale renewable power and push energy storage as part of a broader regional decarbonization push, including work on a Central Asia–Azerbaijan–Europe green corridor. Caspian Sea Impacts: The shrinking Caspian Sea is already cutting Middle Corridor freight capacity, with ships forced to carry less cargo and ports facing costly dredging and berth upgrades. Pollution & Enforcement: Kazakhstan suspended collection of a $5 billion environmental fine tied to Kashagan sulfur storage norms, as the dispute continues through arbitration and court processes. Water & Infrastructure: Kazakhstan is digitizing and overhauling water resources management, including large-scale work on water facilities under a national system. Space for Environment: Kazakhstan plans an international Earth-observation satellite constellation by 2030 to monitor agriculture, environmental change, and natural resources.

Caspian Sea Water Crisis: Kazakhstan is facing mounting pressure from the Caspian Sea’s rapid decline, with falling levels already affecting shipping, fisheries, tourism and even drinking-water supply along the coast, while experts warn the full economic cost is still not fully assessed. Water Governance Upgrade: Kazakhstan is digitizing water management at scale, with over 23,000 water bodies entered into a national information system, and the government moving to overhaul water resources management to better handle droughts, floods and agricultural shortages. Grid Modernization: The EBRD is backing Kazakhstan’s power network upgrades with a €194m loan to modernize Alatau Zharyk’s distribution infrastructure and expand smart metering and digital controls. Nuclear-Free Zone Reminder: Central Asian states, including Kazakhstan, reaffirmed their commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons on the 20th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk CANWFZ Treaty. Energy Transition & Transport: The shrinking Caspian is also raising costs for the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor,” forcing ships to cut cargo loads and pushing ports toward expensive dredging and berth changes. Kazakhstan Space Push: Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a regional space hub, highlighting Earth observation and satellite modernization at Space Days Kazakhstan 2026 in Astana.

Water Security & Caspian Sea: Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea decline is accelerating risks for ecosystems, fisheries, coastal infrastructure and drinking water, with calls for tighter monitoring and faster management as the sea level drops. Water Governance Upgrade: Kazakhstan is digitizing water data at scale—over 23,000 water bodies and thousands of users and reports—while overhauling the national water management system with new reservoirs, canal modernization and stronger transboundary cooperation. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: The government’s 2024–2030 water concept targets building 42 new reservoirs, reconstructing 37 and modernizing 14,500 km of irrigation canals to cut flood/drought damage and boost agricultural supply. Space for Environment: Kazakhstan is pushing a Central Asia space hub plan, including expanding its Earth-observation satellite constellation to support environmental monitoring, emergency response and wildfire detection. Mining & Sustainability Signals: Oman is moving toward higher-value mining projects with a Kazakhstan-linked copper/gold partnership, highlighting regional interest in turning exploration into production. Education & Skills: Kazakhstan plans 13 modern colleges across 11 regions to address vocational shortages—an indirect boost for future green jobs.

Space & Environment Monitoring: Kazakhstan plans to expand its Earth observation satellite constellation to 14 satellites, with a goal of nine by 2030, using KazSat-3R as a communications replacement; the data will support agriculture, wildfire detection, and environmental change tracking. Public Infrastructure Perception: A July–August survey of 1,000 residents says 68% see improvements from ongoing infrastructure upgrades, with roads/greenery the most visible priorities and healthcare and utilities also high on the list. Power & Emissions Risk: The government approved a $1.93bn, 700MW condensing coal power plant in Kurchatov (Abai Region), with commissioning expected by 2032 and plans for gas cleaning and dust/emission filtration. Grid Modernization: The EBRD will fund up to KZT 102bn to modernize Alatau Zharyk’s electricity distribution in Almaty, including smart metering and network upgrades under Kazakhstan’s MEKS program. Oil & Drilling Push: Kazakhstan aims for up to 200 exploration/appraisal wells by 2028, targeting underexplored basins to replenish reserves and grow domestic drilling services. Water Security: Central Asia faces rising water stress; 2026 cooperation efforts include proposals for better regional water rules, but agreement remains hard as upstream and downstream needs differ. Biodiversity & Health Research: Kazakh researchers reported antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds from native medicinal plants, adding experimental support for further study of Central Asian flora.

Biodiversity & Species Recovery: Kazakhstan marked a conservation milestone with the birth of a second Przewalski’s horse foal at the Alibi Wild Ungulates Reintroduction Center in the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve, following the first foal born Aug. 22—showing the reintroduced animals are adapting and reproducing successfully. Agri-Tech & Pollution Control: Kazakh scientists unveiled BioDrop, a drone-based system that automatically spreads biodegradable capsules containing beneficial insects across fields, boosting biological effectiveness to about 81–83% versus 70–73% with manual release and speeding up pest control. Energy & Water Security: A new UN assessment warns global warming will likely overshoot 1.5°C soon, pushing Central Asia to prepare for harsher climate impacts—especially on water-dependent farming and settlements. Oil & Environmental Risk: Kazakhstan is ramping up exploration and appraisal drilling, targeting up to ~200 wells over 2026–2028, with simplified auctions and a focus on underexplored sedimentary basins—raising the stakes for managing ecological impacts as activity expands.

Biodiversity & Species Recovery: Kazakhstan marked a conservation milestone with a second Przewalski’s horse foal born at the Alibi Wild Ungulates Reintroduction Center in the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve, with specialists monitoring the mare and newborn as the reintroduction program expands. Green Tech for Farming: Kazakh scientists unveiled BioDrop, a drone-based system that automatically spreads biodegradable capsules carrying beneficial insects to boost biological pest control efficiency in field trials (up to about 81–83% effectiveness vs. 70–73% manually). Energy & Environment: Kazakhstan approved a 700 MW thermal power plant project in Kurchatov (Abai Region) worth 881 billion tenge, aiming to cut emissions via gas purification, filtration, and dust suppression systems aligned with environmental requirements. Climate Risk: WMO-linked reporting warns El Niño is likely to persist through February 2027, raising the odds of droughts, floods, and extreme heat—an issue Kazakhstan and the region will need to plan for. Water Diplomacy: A new Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy was launched at World Water Week, with Kazakhstan among participating countries, focusing on mobilizing water investment and cross-border cooperation.