Istanbul, September 2, 2025 – A high-level meeting was held as part of the international Cleantech Days 2025 conference in Istanbul, bringing together the leadership of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (IGTIC), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Participants of the meeting included Mr. Zhi Yong Zou, Deputy Director General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development of UNIDO; Ms. Rana Ghoneim, Director of the Department of Energy and Climate Action of UNIDO; Mr. Nurlan Kurmalaev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Mr. Saken Kalkamanov, Chairman of the Board of IGTIC.

The main topic of discussion was the results of the implementation of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) in Kazakhstan. The program, supported by UNIDO, has achieved significant progress over three years: approximately 600 applications from environmental startups have been submitted, more than 100 have gone through acceleration, and over $6 million in investment has been attracted. Additionally, participant projects have made a tangible contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting green solutions.

Participants paid special attention to prospects for further cooperation. Discussions included the participation of UNIDO leadership in the upcoming GCIP National Forum in Kazakhstan, as well as in the 2026 Regional Environment Summit, which is expected to become a major international platform for intergovernmental dialogue, showcasing advanced climate solutions, and strengthening cross-border partnerships.

Following the meeting, both parties expressed strong interest in further strengthening their strategic collaboration. It was noted that the combined efforts of Kazakhstan, UNIDO, and other international partners provide a solid foundation for sustainable development in the region, stimulate the implementation of environmental innovations, and contribute to achieving climate goals across Central Asia and beyond.

Reference:

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations mandated to promote industrial development and international industrial cooperation.

UNIDO’s activities are aimed at improving the quality of life for the world’s poor by leveraging its global resources and expertise in three interrelated thematic areas:

Poverty reduction through productive activities

Trade capacity-building

Energy and environment