Astana, October 2025 – Switzerland plans to showcase a national pavilion at the Regional Environmental Summit 2026 in Astana. The announcement was made during a meeting between the International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects (IGTIC) and a delegation from the Embassy of Switzerland in Kazakhstan, focused on enhancing cooperation in sustainable development, water diplomacy, and green technologies.

The Swiss delegation was headed by H.E. Salman Bal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Kazakhstan. From the IGTIC side, the meeting was attended by Saken Kalkamanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects, along with department heads and project managers of the Center.

The parties discussed potential areas of collaboration ahead of the Regional Environmental Summit 2026, which will take place in Astana at the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan. Special attention was given to Switzerland’s possible participation in the International Exhibition of Green Technologies – the summit’s key event – expected to bring together more than 160 companies across over 17,000 square meters of exhibition space.

During the meeting, the Swiss side presented the regional initiative “Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) – Phase 2.0 (2025–2029),” implemented by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project aims to strengthen dialogue among Central Asian countries on the joint management of water resources, while promoting the principles of sustainable development and mutual trust.

The concept of “Swiss Water Days: Water & Glaciers,” scheduled for April 22–24, 2026, in Astana as part of the summit, was also presented. The event will combine scientific discussions on water diplomacy, exhibitions of contemporary eco-art, and showcases of Swiss companies’ innovations in water and clean technologies.

Saken Kalkamanov emphasized that IGTIC plays a key role in advancing Kazakhstan’s green transition — from introducing best available techniques and maintaining the national register of green projects to implementing international programs supported by the Global Climate Fund and UNIDO.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue dialogue on joint initiatives and to facilitate the participation of Swiss partners in the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit and Exhibition 2026. The visit of the Swiss Embassy delegation marked an important step toward strengthening the partnership between Kazakhstan and Switzerland in the fields of green innovation, sustainable water management, and climate action.