Vice President of Turkey Highly Praises the National Pavilion of Kazakhstan at COP31

Vice President of Turkey Cevdet Yılmaz visited the National Pavilion of Kazakhstan at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya and highly commended the exhibition showcasing the country’s environmental initiatives, green technologies, and conservation projects. The tour of the pavilion was led by Saken Kalkamanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects (IGTIC), who presented Kazakhstan’s key areas of work in sustainable development and shared insights into one of the nation’s flagship conservation projects.

Earlier, the National Pavilion was also visited by Şengül Kurum, spouse of the COP31 President, who expressed particular interest in Kazakh traditions, the Zero Waste concept, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

During the visit, Saken Kalkamanov introduced the Vice President of Turkey to the main sections of the exhibition, which reflects Kazakhstan’s achievements in sustainable development, rational use of natural resources, and the implementation of modern environmental solutions. Special emphasis was placed on practical initiatives aimed at advancing the green economy and preserving natural heritage.

One of the featured projects was the program to restore the Turanian tiger population in the Ile-Balkhash region. While presenting the initiative, the Chairman of the Management Board of IGTIC introduced the pavilion’s digital guides—Amur and Umit—modeled after Turanian tigers. Powered by artificial intelligence, they introduce international visitors to Kazakhstan’s conservation programs, environmental initiatives, and technological solutions in multiple languages.

The guests were briefed on the strategic importance of reintroducing the Turanian tiger into the wild, restoring natural ecosystems, and creating conditions to preserve Central Asia’s biodiversity. The project in the Ile-Balkhash region stands as a vital pillar of Kazakhstan’s environmental policy.

Opened as part of COP31, the National Pavilion of Kazakhstan serves as an international platform for showcasing the country’s environmental milestones, cutting-edge green technologies, and investment projects. Within the framework of Kazakhstan’s participation in the conference, 34 investment-related documents have been signed, and 38 thematic events are scheduled to take place at the pavilion.

International guests have shown particular interest in the “Kurak Korpe” art installation, which bridges traditional Kazakh craftsmanship with modern principles of sustainable consumption and the Zero Waste concept. Through the art of crafting a traditional patchwork quilt, the installation demonstrates a philosophy of careful resource stewardship, where every piece of fabric is given a second life.

Şengül Kurum, spouse of the COP31 President, not only spoke highly of the exhibition, but also enthusiastically participated in a masterclass on making kurak korpe. She also explored domestic agricultural products featured at the pavilion and asked detailed questions about Kazakhstan’s approaches to waste reduction, reuse, and sustainable resource management.

The visits to the National Pavilion by senior Turkish leadership and the spouse of the COP31 President highlight strong international interest in Kazakhstan’s environmental agenda. The exhibition has become not only a showcase for national achievements, but also a space for cultural and professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and advancing international cooperation in sustainable development.