Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of sustainable development

The article considers the policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of sustainable development in the conditions of the economic crisis, which has shown in this matter that balance of economy, ecology and social sphere is important. It analyzes the three major national initiatives such as the «Green Bridge», «Green economy» and the «Global energy-ecological strategy of sustainable development in the XXI century». In this article studied the basic legal documents of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of sustainable development and an assessment of activities in support of the UN's work in all areas. 

The world economic crisis clearly demonstrated the fact that all previous measures are not able to provide a balance between the three pillars of sustainable development: economics, ecology and social sphere. It is obvious a threat of a sharp decline in the pace of development of the developing and developed countries. and least developed countries were in conditions of impossible to eradicate poverty and destitution.

The key themes of «Rio + 20» were green economy in the context of sustainable development, poverty eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

In preparation for the summit President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev proposed to consider three major national initiatives: «Green bridge», «Green economy» and «Global energyecological strategy of sustainable development in the XXI century» [1].

The program «Green Bridge» was proposed in 2010 as part of the III Astana Economic Forum. Its main task is to support inter-state and inter-sectoral efforts for transition to «green» economy. Being focused on the promotion of partnership among the countries of Europe and Asia-Pacific region the program «Green Bridge» aims to move from the current, traditional models of development to the concepts of «green» growth [104]. In accordance with this program, it is believed that only the union of a collective effort can integrate and coordinate existing disparate sectoral and regional approaches. It is built on five pillars:

• role for the state in key reforms;
• long-term interest of investors for «green» business;
• cooperation of all parties (government, private sector, );
• effective management;
• the maximum emphasis on practical

In addition, the «Green Bridge» initiative creates additional opportunities for states to attract investment, private capital and new technologies. In this context, it is extremely important international efforts to transition to a «green» economy, as sometimes a lack of self-country capacity does not allow them to overcome the existing barriers.

«Green Economy» (or the green «growth»). In June, 2013 President of the RK approved the Concept for transition to «green economy» [2]. This paper presents the priorities aimed at reforming individual sectors of the economy by improving the efficiency of resources, improvement of Kazakhstan's infrastructure, improvement of public welfare. The implementation of the Concept is planned in three phases:

• the first phase — 2013–2020 — optimization of used resources and improving the efficiency of environmental protection management and the creation of 'Green' infrastructure;
• the second phase — 2020–2030 — Rational use of natural resources, the introduction of renewable energy on the basis of high technologies;
• the third phase — 2030–2050 — The transition of the national economy to the principles of the «third industrial revolution», which is based on the use of natural resources in the event of their renewability [3].

According to the document, it has been identified seven key areas of development of «green economy» in Kazakhstan: 

• the introduction of renewable energy sources;
• energy-efficiency in housing and communal services;
• organic farming in agriculture;
• improvement of waste management systems;
• improvement of the water management system;
• the development of «clean» vehicles;
• conservation and effective management of energy

In turn, it is assumed that it will contribute to economic progress, growth of gross domestic product, an increase the country's income and create jobs for the population, reducing the unemployment rate in the country.

The final document «Rio + 20» includes the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan on «green economy» (or «green growth»). According to this document, in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, it should enhance the ability of rational use of natural resources with less impact on the environment, as well as increase the efficiency of resource use and reduce the amount of waste [4].

Another important initiative of Kazakhstan is «Global energy-ecological strategy of sustainable development in the XXI century» which proposed to the «Rio + 20» Summit. The strategy aims at the expense of saving energy to achieve an optimal level of satisfaction of the needs of all countries in the energy and other natural resources, which, in turn, is possible with the reduction of about half of greenhouse gas emissions and other types of pollution, the search for ways of production and consumption, ensuring harmony between man and the world.

This initiative is described in detail in the book of N.A. Nazarbayev «Global energy-ecological strategy of sustainable development in the XXI century», which was published in 2011. This monograph features the basics of energy and ecological strategy for sustainable development in the XXI century. Using the methods of formation of the global energy development, proposed by Russian and Kazakh scientists, politicians and experts from different countries, the author analyzes the energy-ecological situation in the world, and its change in the XXI century, offers the realization of global energy and ecological strategy. These methods are illustrated with specific schemes and algorithms for energy-ecological development of Kazakhstan and other EurAsEC countries [5; 64].

As A. Spitcin noted in an interview with the Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences:

«The problem of global energy and ecological strategy N.Nazarbayev has stated in the context of global contemporary trends. In modern science, a position in the development of this issue is the first and absolutely new. Therefore, we think that this strategy, its position and development are very important in the context of the outcomes of the major contemporary global challenges» [6].

According to the author s of the developed within the framework of preparation of the scientific and technical program «Development of clean energy sources in the Republic of Kazakhstan (in 2013–2017.) the «Strategy for Sustainable Energy Future of Kazakhstan till 2050» concept N. Abykayev, O.L. Kuznetsov, N.S. Bekturganov, A.T. Spitsin, A.A. Zeinullin and A.S. Shcheulin, the above mentioned initiatives are functionally different and is currently developing the transformation resource base focused on energy security, which will contribute in the green the economy, and in partnership of different countries. However, this contribution is not in itself lead to a significant increase in the overall economy. Green growth will provide new sustainable energy primary resources, including biogenic origin, and sustainable energy through a range of technologies will create energy flow, which allows to ensure the development of nature as a whole [7].

Kazakhstan's intention to achieve sustainable development supported by the fact that the country has committed itself to implement the objectives of the Agenda for the XXI Century (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), the Millennium Summit (New York, 2000), the World summit on Sustainable development (Johannesburg, 2002) and the meeting of the «Rio + 20». Kazakhstan is also a member and active participant in the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, «Environment for Europe» and «Environment and Sustainable Development for Asia» process and regional Eurasian network of the World Business Council for Sustainable institutional and other important associations.

Certainly the fundamental legal document of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of achieving sustainable development is «Kazakhstan – 2050 strategy: new political course of established state», which was adopted in December 2012. Its main objective — to create a society of prosperity based on a strong state, developed economy and universal labor opportunities of Kazakhstan joining the thirty most developed countries in the world. To achieve this goal identified seven long-term priorities: 

• the economic policy — a comprehensive economic pragmatism on the principles of profitability, return on investment and competitiveness;
• the full support of entrepreneurship — leading force in the national economy;
• the new principles of social policy — social guarantees and personal responsibility;
• knowledge and professional skills — milestones of modern education, training and retraining;
• further strengthening of the statehood and development of the Kazakhstan democracy;
• consistent and predictable foreign policy — the promotion of national interests and the strengthening of regional and global security;
• the new Kazakhstan patriotism — the basis for success of the multinational and multi-society [8].

In this direction have also been taken: strategic plan for development of Kazakhstan till 2020, concept of transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the «green economy» for 2013–2020, the concept of innovative development of Kazakhstan till 2020, concept of sustainable energy future strategy of Kazakhstan until 2050, concept of environmental safety of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2004–2015, concept of formation of perspective national clusters of the Republic of Kazakhstan till 2020 and a concept of transition of Kazakhstan to sustainable development for 2006–2024, established the council for sustainable development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and JSC «Sustainable development Fund Kazyna».

It is noteworthy that the Republic of Kazakhstan plays a special role in ensuring the environmental sustainability of the Eurasian continent. As the political, cultural and economic bridge between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan performs a similar connecting function in development of landscape and ecological systems on the continent. The area of Kazakhstan, variety of climatic conditions, especially the water balance of the region result in significant dependence of the environmental situation in Eurasia upon its stability in Kazakhstan.

The political situation in Kazakhstan demonstrates to the world a unique example of stability, interfaith harmony, democracy and public institutions in the interests of all citizens. Stable political development of Kazakhstan can and should play an important role in the development of the country as a responsible player in international relations and a reliable partner in the strengthening of regional security and cooperation.

In 1993, Kazakhstan was initiated by UN General Assembly Resolution in relation to developing countries without access to the sea. In this regard, not quite by chance in 2002 the Republic of Kazakhstan has been determined by Resolution 56/180 of the UN General Assembly as the venue for the first International Conference of Ministers of developing countries that do not have access to the sea [9].

2829th August, 2003 in Almaty hosted the International Ministerial Conference of developing countries landlocked and transit developing countries and donor countries and representatives of international institutions dealing with finance and development, on cooperation in the field of transit. It was the first such meeting, presented the international community with an opportunity to strengthen the partnership in order to as-

sist developing countries without access to the sea, to create transit routes and active participation in the international trading system.

As a result of this meeting has been adopted the Almaty Declaration, which called on the international community to the implementation of the Almaty Programme of Action (APoA) [10].

The document is aimed at ensuring the special needs of developing countries without access to the sea, including:

• to promote the development of international trade;
• the entry of developing and transit countries in the WTO;
• the simplification of access to all markets for the exports of developing countries and transit countries;
• assistance on trade facilitation and the WTO negotiations;
• improvement in trade facilitation at border posts and

UN activities to support developing countries that are not landlocked, began since then to acquire increasing importance in the global community. The UN has been published several reports on the implementation of the Almaty Programme of Action. For example, Resolution 66/2014 of the 66th session of the UN General Assembly decided to prepare a comprehensive ten-year review conference held in Almaty and the implementation of commitments and programs [10].

In July, 2014 in Almaty held a retreat preparatory meeting in preparation for the second Conference of the United Nations on countries landlocked to the sea, where discussed the updating of the format of partnership for development, the goals, objectives and priorities of the new program of action, the further development of infrastructure, transport corridors and etc. The event was attended by the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of countries that are not landlocked, representatives of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the World trade organization (WTO).

As Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan E.Idrisov noted in his address, «Almaty meeting aimed at formulating recommendations for inclusion in the global plan of action for the next period to achieve the goals of the Almaty Programme of Action. As important tasks in this regard need to focus efforts on the adoption of legally binding global and regional instruments, really protect the interests of countries that are not landlocked. The recommendations should take into account all the lessons learned from the realities of the Almaty Programme of Action, as well as fully correspond with the decisions of all the global UN conferences in the field of development, including Rio + 20, to take into account future challenges such as sustainable development after 2015» [11].

The Concept of transition of Kazakhstan to sustainable development for 2006–2024 years, Kazakhstan is facing with significant barriers in its development that pose a threat to national security. The economic growth of the Republic of Kazakhstan to date occurs primarily due to an increase in raw material prices on world markets and the use of a significant amount of natural resources. There have been a huge loss and degradation of natural capital. Growth in gross domestic product is accompanied by high emissions of CO2 of carbon dioxide into the environment. It is estimated that about 75% of the country are at an increased risk of ecological destabilization. There is an acute problem of desertification and waste storage, growing toxic emissions from stationary and mobile sources of threat to the environment and human health [12; 4].

According to L. Erkenbaeva, potential threats to the stability of the national economy are essential commodity dependence, weak level of preparation of some sectors to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), the growth of external debt, the problem of «shadow» economy. There is a significant gap in the economic and social situation of the regions of Kazakhstan. Challenges remain in the demographic situation and health status of the population, as well as insufficient level of legal, economic, environmental awareness [13].

For example, the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan is an important criterion for sustainable development. Low population density at considerable length boundaries is always a factor of instability for the country's development. Despite the fact that a large part of the country is difficult for economic development and it is impossible to put the problem of proportional population of all regions of Kazakhstan, all the same population should be maintained at a certain level, increasing thereby the economic opportunities in the first place, solving the problems of the labor market, while maintaining the genetic and cultural potential of Kazakhstan among the neighboring nations of the world, overcoming unwanted differentiation between regions, caused, in particular, poor infrastructure and demographic imbalances.

While economic growth is necessary to improve the environmental requirements to reduce human pressure on the environment. For this purpose, according to the authors, the Concept of Transition of Kazakhstan to sustainable development is necessary by 2024 to bring the index of environmental sustainability, at least until the best values to date — 88 points. This will ensure a significant improvement in quality of life, which is close to the best world standards [12; 9].

Overcoming these barriers should be a key goal in the transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to sustainable development.

Analyzing the Strategy «Kazakhstan – 2030», in which the emphasis was devoted to economic growth of the country, it should be noted that in its basic parameters it is generally performed. In total over 15 years the national economy has grown from 1.7 trillion tenge in 1997 to 28 trillion tenge in 2011, GDP increased by more than 16 times. Since 1999, the annual increase in GDP of Kazakhstan was 7.6% and surpassed the country with a dynamic economy, the state has entered the top five fastest growing countries in the world [8].

The document notes that the nature and the depth of the transformations occurring in the world, the global interdependence of states require a long-term sustainable development. The country seeks to achieve real, sustainable and increasing the pace of development, in the framework of the changes occurring in the world under the influence of a prolonged global crisis, is a very ambitious task.

It is obvious that Kazakhstan's economy is stable enough to develop where its main industries are oil and gas, industrial, mining and metals sector. But it should be remembered, and the negative impact of resource-oriented economic model, which entails a breach of ecosystems and resource depletion and thereby undermine sustainable development. In addition, to address such major and acute problems in Kazakhstan as the provision of clean water and soil remediation, require significant energy resources. 

Of course, to prevent the risk of Kazakhstan is taking steps, including the adoption of the Concept of transition of Kazakhstan to the «green economy» in 2013 and the Action Plan for its implementation. However, in today's world, where almost every problem has a global impact, it is impossible to solve these problems in isolation from a single ecosystem. At present, the regional system is so interconnected that the internal problems of Kazakhstan becomes a matter of the whole of Central Asia and the region as a whole, and vice versa, in all areas of life and human development.

In our view, it is essential that due to the positive relations in the economy, ecology and social sphere provide lower energy consumption growth rate compared with the rate of economic growth that can become a practical basis for cooperation with the national initiative «Green bridge» and «green growth» and to ensure that all initiatives of Kazakhstan being introduced in the plane of the three pillars of sustainable development (economic, environmental and social) became the catalyst not only the wider social and economic development, but also provide a higher quality of life, as well as the transition to a new technological order. Particular attention in this regard should be paid to institutional capacity through government partnerships with the private sector, civil society and international organizations.

Considering the dynamics of the development of Kazakhstan's cooperation with the UN, it should be noted that in October 5, 1992 since the signing of the UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev the Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding the opening of the UN Office in Kazakhstan, provided by specialized agencies, funds and programs in the country has increased significantly.

Today, we can say with full confidence that the country-level cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Nations has reached a qualitatively new level.

Currently, in the Republic of Kazakhstan there are 18 representative offices of the specialized agencies, programs and funds of the United Nations [14].

It should be noted that of the 18 agencies of the UN family, are present in Kazakhstan, about half of the organizations have a subregional and regional coverage, covering the countries of Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

The UN country program, working closely with the Government, is governed by the United Nations Framework program to promote the development (UNDAF). On the basis of this program, all the agencies and foundations to develop their country action plans. Today, Kazakhstan has implemented the UNDAF for 2010–2015 [15]. At that time, as the main priorities of the UNDAF 2005–2009 [16] were to develop policies to protect the poor, improving the quality of life for all and the effective management and development with the involvement of all parties, the main goal of the program 2010–2015 is to assist the Republic Kazakhstan in the implementation of national strategies and plans to improve competitiveness, with particular attention to human development for the benefit of all the people. Current UNDAF covers three main areas: economic and social well-being for all, environmental sustainability and good governance.

Expansion of the United Nations presence in the Republic of Kazakhstan provides the basis for the possibility of opening a regional hub of multilateral diplomacy Organizations in Almaty, the idea of which was initiated by the President of the RK in a meeting with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Kazakhstan, March 2, 2012 [17] and was confirmed at the 66th Session United Nations General Assembly during a meeting with UN Secretary-General.

In this regard, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev said at a meeting with representatives of the UN within the VII Astana Economic Forum and II World Anti-Crisis Conference in May, 2014 reiterated the proposal to form in the structure [18].

From the first days of its independence, Kazakhstan has actively supported the UN's work and activities in all areas. Unconditional arguments in favor of creating a regional hub of multilateral diplomacy in the UN system based in Almaty are the geopolitical position of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at the center of the Eurasian continent; the growing economic potential of the state and its political and social stability in the country and society; significant experience in the field of conservation and security, both nationally and on a regional scale; significant progress in achieving sustainable development and the transition to a «green economy»; developed transport infrastructure that allows you to create a unique model of logistics centers; Leading the country's role in the promotion of integration processes in the Central Asian region; active role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, which supports efforts to resolve the conflict and post-conflict reconstruction; the transformation of the state status of the recipient country of international aid in the donor country. 

In addition, it should be noted that in the vast area between Geneva and Bangkok, and, in general, in the Central Asian region there is no representatives of the UN, which would coordinate the activities of agencies, funds and special representative of the Organization.

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