Qadirli hanymdar men myrzalar!

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan, it is a pleasure to welcome you to today’s event marking the launch of full-sized GEF-funded project of UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture, focused on sustainable transformation of food and land use systems. 

Agriculture is not only a source of food but also a pillar of economic stability for billions worldwide. It accounts for 4 per cent of global GDP and plays an even greater role in developing countries, where it employs 60 per cent of the labor force and generates 25 per cent of GDP. For millions, especially smallholder farmers, agriculture is not just a profession—it is their primary means of survival.

However, stability and productivity of agriculture is increasingly threatened. The negative effects of climate change on food production are already being felt, and by 2030, they will become even more severe. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing water scarcity will reduce the productivity of crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. Those most vulnerable - rural communities and smallholders will be most affected, facing food insecurity and economic instability.

At the same time, the latest IPCC Report (AR6) highlights that “Land, Water and Food” adaptation and mitigation options offer the greatest potential in responding to the climate crisis. Reducing the conversion of natural ecosystems, strengthening climate-resilient agricultural value chains, and expanding agricultural carbon sequestration can transform food systems to become more sustainable and resilient.

As UNDP, within our current Country Programme Document, which serves as a shared vision for the future of Kazakhstan, one of our key priorities focuses on promotion of sustainable land management and addressing land degradation, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable regional development by leveraging digital tools, financial instruments, and a science-based approach to spatial-territorial development.

The Government of Kazakhstan is actively pursuing a comprehensive regional development policy. Through decentralization, the Government is empowering the regions to take on greater autonomy, fostering economic resilience and driving national progress. Local authorities are being entrusted with increased decision-making powers, enabling them to manage resources effectively and shape the strategic development of their regions, ensuring more balanced and sustainable growth throughout the country.

At the same time, increasing economic activity is putting greater pressure on ecosystems. Intensive and inefficient use of natural resources leads to the degradation of valuable ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and greater vulnerability to climate risks. According to the state agencies, around 30 million hectares of land are suffering from degradation and other negative processes, a concerning trend of declining humus content in the soil is also being observed.

To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to sustainable territorial planning that balances economic development with the preservation of natural resources and land degradation.

Through the global FOLUR impact program, we are committed, together with our partners at the World Bank, to address these challenges. Kazakhstan country project is focused on tackling global issues by improving the regional development planning system to ensure the achievement of economic priorities while making efficient use of natural resources. In doing so, we aim to ensure sustainable development and economic growth without compromising the environment.

Through our country project we will focus on promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, exploring perspective green value chains, and conserving biodiversity and ecosystems. 

I would like to extend gratitude to our esteemed partners, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, for their invaluable support in driving this important project forward. I strongly believe that together we can make a collective contribution to enhancing Kazakhstan’s sustainable development.

I wish us a productive discussions today!

Kop rakhmet!