Kazakhstan at COP29: Leading the Green Revolution
At the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Kazakhstan made a significant impact by showcasing its ambitious green agenda and innovative changemakers. From November 11 to 22, 2024, the country’s ethno-minimalist pavilion became a hub for discussions on sustainability, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. One of the event's highlights was the presentation of the inspiring book, Green Innovators of the Steppe: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Kazakhstan.
Authored by the Nazarbayev University Research Centre for Entrepreneurship (NURCE) and edited by Professors Shumaila Yousafzai, Nurlyaiym Zhaksybayeva, Mohammed Habib Abdullah, and Zhanar Kulzhanova, the book underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and tackling global climate challenges. Presented to Pamela Hamilton, Director General of the International Trade Centre (ITC), by Minister of Ecology Serik Nysanbayev, the publication reflects Kazakhstan’s growing role in the global sustainability conversation.
Spotlight on a Green Changemaker: Madina Rassulova
One of the standout figures featured in the book is Madina Rassulova, a passionate advocate for eco-friendly living and animal rights. Her emotional reflections at COP29 encapsulated the power of grassroots activism and individual impact.
"I can’t believe I made it," Rassulova said, describing the profound moment of seeing her work recognized on the world stage.
Her sustainability journey began in 2019, when the concept was still emerging in Kazakhstan. While working full-time in IT marketing, she dedicated herself to raising awareness through educational events and public outreach.
"People were still afraid of the word ‘sustainability,’ and not many took climate change seriously," she recalled. "But slowly, the seeds we planted began to grow."
In 2024, she took a bold step, leaving a stable career to pursue a master’s degree in environmental studies—a decision she described as both daunting and necessary.
"It felt scary to give up a ‘successful’ job, but I knew it was the right step if I wanted to make a real difference," she explained.
Her inclusion in Green Innovators of the Steppe marked a turning point in her career.
"This is validation that the work we do, even when it feels small, can ripple outward in ways we never expect," she said.
Kazakhstan’s Green Ambitions on Display
Kazakhstan’s pavilion at COP29 was more than just an exhibition—it was a statement of intent. Featuring cutting-edge green technologies and forward-looking policies, the space embodied the country’s vision for a sustainable future.
Key initiatives, including renewable energy projects and climate risk mitigation strategies, took center stage, reinforcing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s bold environmental agenda. Supported by strategic partnerships and grassroots efforts, Kazakhstan’s sustainability vision aligns seamlessly with COP29’s global mission to foster innovation and collaboration in combating climate change.
A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future
For Kazakhstan, the road to sustainability is driven by individual changemakers like Rassulova and the other pioneers featured in Green Innovators of the Steppe. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that real change begins at the intersection of personal commitment and systemic support.
As Rassulova put it:
"Here’s to bold moves and building a sustainable future in Kazakhstan and beyond!"
Kazakhstan’s participation at COP29 not only reaffirmed its dedication to environmental stewardship but also highlighted its unique contribution to the global fight against climate change. With visionaries like those in Green Innovators of the Steppe, the country is poised to lead by example, inspiring both local and global communities to embrace the challenge of building a greener world.