WASHINGTON, DC – Although four nuclear security summits held at U.S. President Barack Obama’s initiative since 2010 have produced a remarkable legacy in strengthening the security of dangerous materials around the world, more remains to be done to make mankind safer in the face of the threat of a nuclear apocalypse, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said April 1 in Washington.

“We believe the holding of nuclear security summits should continue. This is the only way we can change the world, leaving a safer planet for future generations,” the Kazakh leader told international leaders who gathered for the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in the U.S. capital on March 31 – April 1. He stated his country’s readiness to help progress work in this direction by hosting a summit.

Nazarbayev was among the more visible figures at the gathering of more than 50 world leaders, as well as heads of the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency, Interpol and other major international organisations.

Nazarbayev, as head of a country with one of the more robust records in advancing nuclear security and disarmament, was privileged to be among the early leaders to be given the floor at the summit’s opening session.

In his remarks, Nazarbayev drew the attention of the participants to the fact that Kazakhstan is among the top 20 countries with the highest level of security of nuclear facilities and materials.

“We have implemented a set of measures to ensure physical nuclear security at the national level. Our export control system of nuclear materials has recently been strengthened further. We are working on the establishment of a Nuclear and Radioactive Materials Identification Centre. Research reactors at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Almaty have been switched to low-enriched fuel. A similar project at the National Nuclear Centre will be fast-tracked. All our nuclear facilities are under the comprehensive oversight of the IAEA,” Nazarbayev said at the event.

According to a transcript of his remarks released by the Akorda’s press service, he stressed that today Kazakhstan is the world’s largest producer of uranium ore and is determined to play its part in the global technological chain of nuclear fuel production for peaceful use. That is the reason why the country is working with the IAEA on the establishment of a Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank under the organisation’s auspices.

Nazarbayev noted that, having relinquished the stockpile of nuclear weapons it inherited from the former Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Kazakhstan continues to lead efforts to reduce their numbers around the world.

According to him, a world without nuclear weapons should become the main goal of mankind in the 21st century.

“People of Kazakhstan know the disastrous costs of the military atom. There are still tens of thousands of people suffering from diseases caused by radiation. There are 1.5 million hectares of radioactively contaminated soil. Even today, the soil contains plutonium – 239,100 times more than the norm and the concentration of tritium in waters is 40-times higher than the average. We seek the expansion of systematic international support on the rehabilitation of our people’s health and the decontamination of land and water at the former [Semipalatinsk] test site,” Nazarbayev informed.

“By shutting down the Semipalatinsk Test Site [in 1991], we wrote a new chapter in global anti-nuclear history. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that decision. Let me invite to the commemoration of this anniversary the leaders of the P5 nations, the guarantors of the nuclear weapon-free zone in Central Asia and high-level delegations from the countries that share our goal of achieving a world free from the threat of nuclear destruction,” he added.

On the same day, 18 nations issued a joint statement welcoming the establishment of the IAEA LEU bank in Kazakhstan. Leaders of Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Norway, the Philippines, the South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States approved the announcement.

The joint statement highlighted the IAEA LEU bank in the eastern Kazakh city of Ust-Kamenogorsk as part of a global effort to create an assured supply of nuclear fuel to countries in case of disruptions to the open market or other existing supply arrangements for low enriched uranium.

The document noted the significant progress that has been made over the past year towards establishing the IAEA LEU bank, particularly the signature of the agreement between the IAEA and Russia for the transit of nuclear fuel for the bank and equipment to Kazakhstan through Russian territory in June 2015, as well as the signing of the host state agreement between IAEA Director General Amano and Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov on Aug. 27, 2015.

Nazarbayev also used the gathering in Washington to discuss nuclear security, along with bilateral matters, with fellow leaders in attendance.

At a meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, Nazarbayev noted that Japan is a partner of Kazakhstan in many areas, praising Japan’s long-standing record of assistance in the rehabilitation of the victims of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The sides agreed that during Nazarbayev’s visit to Tokyo this fall, a special plan on the development of bilateral economic cooperation in different sectors would be adopted.

Following the meeting, the two leaders issued a joint statement on achieving the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The two nations co-chair the Ninth Conference on Article XIV Conference on CTBT and the document echoed a similar call made following Abe’s latest visit to Astana last October.

“We welcome the fact that the CTBT has achieved near universal adherence with signature by 183 States and ratification by 164 States as of today, and urge all states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the treaty as early as possible. In particular, we urge the remaining eight Annex 2 States, whose ratification is necessary for the entry into force of the CTBT, to sign and ratify the treaty without further delay and without waiting for others,” the statement said.

“Pending the entry into force of the CTBT, we call upon all states to continue the moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions, the process on which the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site in August 1991 had positive impact,” it noted.

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed the first joint session of the Mazhilis and the Senate of the Parliament of the VI convocation March 25.

“Kazakhstan meets the 25th anniversary of independence with the newly elected parliament. Three parties and nine members of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) won the recent elections. I congratulate all of us with the victory in the elections held in conditions of fair competition, as well as the new deputies with the status of parliamentarians,” he said.

Nazarbayev recalled that the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence coincided with a difficult period of the global crisis. The new composition of the parliament starts its work in particularly difficult circumstances. There is a multi-dimensional and multi-level crisis across the world. Unpredictable world trade and financial markets negatively affect the economy of Kazakhstan. Various social problems grow even in relatively prosperous countries, he noted.

Nazarbayev also announced important tasks for the parliament.

“Firstly, it is necessary to adopt a unified tax and customs code, which will ensure transparency in all financial procedures. Secondly, the adoption of the code ‘On Subsoil and Subsoil Use’ will accumulate all the rules governing relations in this sphere into a single legislative act. Thirdly, changes into the current legislation on electric power industry are needed. Fourth, in the framework of the second phase of the reforms in the antitrust sphere, the changes and additions to the legislation on competition are required. Fifth, legislation on the subject of the further transfer of government functions into a competitive environment should be modernised,” Nazarbayev said.

In addition, the President expressed confidence that the deputies of the Mazhilis will continue the tradition of constructive cooperation in the legislative process with the Senate of the Parliament.

“An important task is to develop a perspective plan of legislative work for the entire period of the new Mazhilis office. I want to emphasise the general political role and responsibility of both chambers of the parliament in the current conditions. It is necessary to strengthen inter-party cooperation of parliamentarians and achieve coordinated work of all the factions and deputy groups. An important task is to take an active part in the international inter-parliamentary community. I am sure that the new deputies will quickly join the work, whereas the former members will ensure the continuity and fast transition to the new approach,” Nazarbayev said.

Kazakhstan has agreed with other EAEU member states on customs declaration after the fact. Certain categories of goods will receive preferential conditions for the declaration after the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union enters into force. That is, entrepreneurs- suppliers of such products will have 40 days after crossing the border to register the products. At the same time, these products will get in free circulation immediately, without waiting for the declaration process. First of all it refers to the goods for disaster management, military, radioactive materials, animal and perishable goods. According to the State Revenue Committee declaring after the fact will not only reduce the customs formalities, but also will benefit businesses.   Arman ZHALITOV, DEPUTY HEAD OF STATE REVENUE COMMITTEE: The procedure allows fixing the exchange rate at the time of crossing. That is, when you apply for the release of goods before the customs declaration, you fix the exchange rate, the rates of customs duties.

http://kazakh-tv.kz/en/view/news_kazakhstan/page_150138_kazakhstan-agrees-with-other-eaeu-member-states-on-customs-declaration-after-the-fact

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Green Economy Concept policy, adopted in May 2013, aims to diversify the economy through careful use of natural resources.  Effective use of water identified as the key pillar of the national concept has driven the start of the joint project “Supporting Kazakhstan’s transition to a Green Economy model”. The project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNECE had been developed in close consultations with the Committee of Water Resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The project goal is to contribute to the long-term environmentally sustainable economic development of Kazakhstan, through integration of best “green” practices and technologies in water sector. Duration of the project is 2015 – 2018.

The project held a press conference that was opened by the Vice -Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Yerlan Nysanbayev, who highlighted that: “In the context of the “Green” economy, the water sector is providing a maximum contribution to the well-being of the population, through food security, quality of drinking water and health. “Green” economy opens up additional opportunities for development and employment in water sector. In the context of the “Green” economy management of water sector  ecosystem services, as well as social and economic factors are taken into consideration.”

“Provision of water in sufficient quality and quantity is a matter of immediate concern to citizen, farmers and industry. Therefore, the EU in close cooperation with the Committee for Water Resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan came to agreement at the end of 2014, which led to this joint EU-UNDP-UNECE project supported by the EU in amount of 7,1 million euros. The essential part of total project funding is allocated to pilot actions at local level and I hope that, the EXPO 2017, which is in 15 months from now, will become a great momentum to develop best practices and test innovations,” added Head of the European Union Delegation to Kazakhstan Ambassador  Mr.Traian Hristea,

Within three years, the project aims to support integration of Green Economy principles into practical use of water and implementation of international legislation. The project will also strengthen the capacity of local water resource management institutions, enhance cooperation on transboundary water management, and develop practical recommendations for economic mechanisms on water use.

“Countries are taking ownership in integrating SDGs into the national development concepts. Kazakhstan has already set up effective water resources management as a priority in national Green economy concept in 2013 Kazakhstan’s intentions were supported by the UN and EU by initiating joint project “Supporting Kazakhstan’s transition to a Green Economy model” focused in efficiency of water management through integration of green practices,”said Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.

Water resources are essential assets, and effective management of water is the shared economic responsibility of farms and factories, businesses and individuals, communities and industries. Therefore, the project will introduce new effective ways of water infrastructure management, economic instruments of water supply and sanitation, sustainable agriculture practices. Through grant program 14 NGOs are supported to implement water saving projects in eight regions of Kazakhstan.

Overall object of the project is to improve water management by making it economically and environmentally sustainable through transition to a Green Economy. This complies with Kazakhstan’s 100 concrete steps developed by the government aiming to improve the economic growth, promotion of reforms, local governance development, enhance the role of local communities. Outlined priorities are also inline with the global Sustainable Development Goals. The project will help achieve a number of goals such as healthy lives and promotion of well being, ensure availability and sustainable water management and sanitation, energy efficiency, reduction of inequality and  sustainable economic growth.

Joint EU/UNDP/UNECE project “Supporting Kazakhstan’s transition to a Green Economy Model” is funded by EU – 7 100 000 Euros, implementing partners are UNDP and UNECE. National partner –Water Resources Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan

For additional information, please contact PR expert of Joint EU/UNDP/UNECE project “Supporting Kazakhstan’s Transition to a Green Economy model”, Dinara Saliyeva via telephone number +7 7172 696544 or via email: dinara.saliyeva@undp.org; and  Ms Karlygash Jamankulova, Press and Information Officer at the Delegation of European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan by the telephone number +77172 971148, or via e-mailKarlygash.Jamankulova@eeas.europa.eu. 

The European Union is made up of 28 Member States who have decided to gradually link together their know-how, resources and destinies. Together, during a period of enlargement of 60 years, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders.

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

Maxim Upilkov and Dariya Kozhakhmetova  recently won third place in a competition organized by school #25 in Astana. Under the supervision of their physics teacher, Maxim and Dariya compared energy efficiency of their homes and other residential buildings, and quantified the cost-saving benefits of upgrading to smart energy.

“We’d never thought that energy efficiency could be such an interesting niche for research,” shared Maxim and Dariya.  “Not to mention, it’s given us an incentive to make a difference in our surroundings. We hope that this project grows into something bigger in our lives and, maybe, we’ll work in areas related to energy-efficiency in the future.”

The competition was organised as part of a broader initiative to make Maxim and Dariya’s school more energy-efficient. Until recently, Maxim and Dariya’s school has faced challenges in keeping its staff and students warm, which created unfavourable conditions for learning. As a result, the staff and students have had to improvise quick-fix solutions to keep warm, such as applying paper tape to windows.

That changed when School 25 was recently chosen as a pilot school for a new energy initiative, launched across Kazakhstan by UNDP and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Many changes have been made in the school, including the installation of energy-saving windows, a weather-dependent automated heating system, and balancing valves to ensure even distribution of heat throughout the building.

“Our students are now able to focus on their lessons, we have reduced our heat losses and our utility costs have gone down in 2015,” said Sairan Gajsina, the principal of the school #25. “The changes create environmental benefits, too, as we have significantly reduced our greenhouse gas emissions. This makes us proud.”

Energy issues have also been integrated into the school’s curriculum. The school administration is making efforts to ensure both teachers and students better understand the relevance of energy efficiency in their lives.

“Economic benefits from the changes are obvious, but what really encourages me is the new opportunities we have been able to create for learning. We look forward to seeing this model replicated throughout educational institutions in Astana and the rest of Kazakhstan.”

UNDP in Kazakhstan is currently piloting the initiative in two schools in Aktau and Kyzylorda. Once the piloting is completed, there are plans to  take stock of lessons learned and apply the initiative in other schools throughout Kazakhstan.

Sourse: www.kz.undp.org

First Vice Prime Minister noted that it is very important that China has decided to switch to organic products and expects such products from Kazakhstan.

“They oriented their business and people to Kazakhstan. We need only take advantage of it. They say that we will buy everything: grain, meat, and honey, and vegetable oils, and dairy products. Moreover, they say that they will invest in Kazakhstan, establish joint ventures and jobs, and pay taxes. We need to accept it and create the necessary conditions for such work,” concluded B.Sagintayev.

Source: bnews.kz

ASTANA. KAZINFORM – 11 Industrialization Map projects totaling KZT 25 bln will be launched in Pavlodar region this year, Governor of the region Kanat Bozumbayev told at the CCS media briefing today, the Primeminister.kz informs.

“We plan to launch 11 projects amounting to KZT 25 bln this year. It will also allow to create about 600 new jobs,” K. Bozumbayev told.

“I’d also like to note that we implement the order of the President on establishment of additional enterprises within big companies. For example, in several days we will open a greenhouse for growing roses. The capacity of the greenhouse is 7 million roses a years,” he informed.

According to him, the greenhouse is located near the GRES-1, which will be providing the heating energy to the greenhouse.

ASTANA. KAZINFORM – Scientists at the Na­tion­al Ocean­ic and At­mo­spher­ic Ad­min­is­tra­tion and NASA have announced that 2015 was the hottest year, by far, since record keeping began in 1880.

The NOAA reports that average temperature across terrestrial and ocean surfaces was 1.62°F (0.90°C) above the 20th century average.

The globally-averaged land-only surface temperature was 2.39°F (1.33°C) above, and sea surface temperature were 1.33°F (0.74°C) above the average.

Both numbers are the highest in 136 years of record keeping, and by the highest margins. The five highest temperatures for any month on record all occurred in 2015.

Previously, 2014 was the hottest year on record, and now nine out of ten years with highest temperatures have occurred since 2000; 1998 rounding out the group. This leads scientists to believe that the trend will continue.

A National Climate Assessment study of tree rings, ice cores, and corals showed that temperatures over the last several decades are “clearly unusual,” and warmer than any time in the last 1300 years, “or longer.”

Currently, President Barack Obama has been making efforts to counter climate change, including signing a pact with other countries in Paris recently in a landmark agreement to work to mitigate the causes of climate change and the effects of global warming.

“But even if the plan­et wasn’t at stake; even if 2014 wasn’t the warmest year on re­cord - un­til 2015 turned out even hot­ter - why would we want to pass up the chance for Amer­ic­an busi­nesses to pro­duce and sell the en­ergy of the fu­ture?” Obama said in his State of the Union address.

Kazinform refers to Trend.az