President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev attended the Energy of the Future Summit and was awarded the Zyed Future Energy Prize, an international prize in the field of energy of the future.
In his speech, the President of Kazakhstan noted that the summit has become an important part of the global dialogue of politicians, scientists and experts in the field of promoting clean technologies in energy and energy efficiency.
- Experts already call it "pure energy diplomacy." This is especially important in the context of the operation of the radically new Paris climate agreement, ”Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The head of state drew attention to the fact that in 2015, for the first time, investments in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency were equal to the level of investments in the oil and gas sector.
The President of Kazakhstan noted that in modern conditions, no country can live by the formula "develop now, but we will take care of the environment later," noting the need for a scenario to ensure a safe energy-ecological state of the planet.
The head of state emphasized that the 21st century should be the era of breakthrough energy decisions that will determine the further vector of the industry, while noting that the energy policy in the world remains multidirectional.
- In some resource-rich countries, they think little about the consequences of their energy policy. In other countries, it is built on the conservation of its own resources and energy expansion in third countries, ”Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The President of Kazakhstan expressed the hope that the activities of the summit will contribute to the development and active implementation of “clean” energy national policies, emphasizing the need to take advantage of new energy sources.
- Previously, only developed countries could afford them. They also ensured the accumulation of knowledge and technical experience in new energy technologies. Now is the time for developing countries to join this process, ”the Head of State said.
The President of Kazakhstan noted the degree of influence of energy trends on transport.
- Electric cars today are gaining more and more popularity and accessibility. Many megacities of the world are switching to clean public transport, ”Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
In this regard, the President of Kazakhstan informed the summit that last year our country began its own production of electric vehicles and intends to expand it, as well as launch the production of electric buses.
The head of state noted the activities of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which managed to unite most of the countries under the slogan of renewable energy, and also pointed out the important role of green finance in the development of clean energy sources.
- The green bond market has skyrocketed in recent years, reaching $ 70 billion. This is 6 times more than three years ago. Such securities can bring great synergies in renewable energy, ”Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The President of Kazakhstan emphasized that the promotion of alternative energy and environmental protection should be supported by the abandonment of military nuclear programs.
- Kazakhstan presented its vision of ways to solve the most acute problems of our time in the manifesto "Peace. XXI Century". From the very beginning of independence, our country has been promoting a plan for nuclear-free peaceful coexistence. “We refused to possess the fourth-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons on the planet,” the Head of State said.
Nursultan Nazarbayev also emphasized that Kazakhstan is committed to the use of peaceful atom, and recalled the IAEA decision in 2015 regarding the creation of a low-enriched nuclear fuel Bank in our country.
- It is intended for states planning to develop nuclear energy. Today, the use of thorium as an alternative to uranium is also being actively studied. In this regard, the efficiency of the nuclear industry can be significantly improved, said the Head of State.
In addition, the President of Kazakhstan noted that this year the capital of our country will host the international exhibition "EXPO-2017", after which the Astana International Financial Center will be located on the basis of its infrastructure.
“We held talks with the Dubai Financial Center, agreed to use his experience in Kazakhstan,” Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The head of state emphasized that at the session of the UN General Assembly, he proposed to create an international center for the development of green technologies and investment projects under the auspices of the UN based on the objects of the EXPO-2017 exhibition. The joint activity of AIFC Astana and the Center for the Development of Green Technologies should give impetus to the development of green bonds and Islamic finance in the region.
The President of Kazakhstan noted that initiatives in the field of promoting clean energy are a good platform for cooperation.
“The summit should give a start to new forms of interaction between countries and business in this area,” Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
Concluding his speech, the Head of State wished all the participants in the summit fruitful discussions and came up with useful recommendations on the issues discussed, and also congratulated them on the 45th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates.
Within the framework of the anniversary Summit, the President of Kazakhstan took part in the ceremony of presenting the international prize in the field of future energy Zyed Future Energy Prize. The prize was established in 2008 and is awarded annually at the World Energy Future Summit as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Week on behalf of the Crown Prince of the Emirate Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan. The award, which is awarded in 5 nominations, is presented by one of the heads of foreign states in the presence of the leadership of the UAE. This year, Nursultan Nazarbayev was awarded this honor.
