International Climate Change Fund for Central Asia Launched with UK Support

During the meeting, Ambassador Leach announced the creation of an international fund by the British government, specifically aimed at addressing climate change issues in Central Asia. The fund will extend support to five countries in the region to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, the UK expressed willingness to collaborate with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.

Ambassador Leach emphasized that the UK aims to engage with Kazakhstan not only through regional cooperation but also bilateral initiatives.

In response, Minister Nurzhigitov outlined three key areas for bilateral collaboration, including collaboration with the Research Institute for the Study of the Caspian Sea, knowledge exchange, and the recruitment of British experts. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of postgraduate education for students in technical fields and personnel specializing in water diplomacy.

Ambassador Leach further proposed the possibility of training master’s and doctoral candidates under the Bolashak educational program, and suggested exploring joint double-degree programs.

Additionally, the British delegation expressed readiness to invite global experts in hydrogeology, irrigation, glacier studies, and other relevant fields to Kazakhstan.

The meeting also delved into discussions on wastewater treatment technologies, with Ambassador Leach indicating the interest of British companies in collaborating on such projects. She highlighted a successful project in Shymkent, where water consumption was reduced by 25%.

Minister Nurzhigitov expressed optimism about the potential for close cooperation, emphasizing the extensive experience of British experts in resolving issues relevant to Kazakhstan. He underscored the importance of international cooperation and expressed hope for fruitful and enduring collaboration between the two nations.