Kazakhstan is facing the growing problem of how to safely dispose of its e-waste, that ever-increasing mountain of electronic products that have reached the end of their useful life. Twinned with this problem is the question of what to do with hazardous substances such as mercury, found in bulbs and batteries. To tackle these pressing problems, UNDP joined forces with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy and other partners to create a network of disposal points for e-waste and dangerous materials in the capital Astana and other cities.
“No one in our family, and even in our network of friends had anything to do with felt,” says Tatyana Chuchupalova, smoothing the bright felt berets, scarves and bags laid out on a large table. “Ten years ago, my aunt attended a master class on felting by a mere chance. She showed me what she’d been taught and I fell in love with the craft at first sight. It appeared very special compared to the more common handicrafts such as knitting or sewing.”
In a contemporary world both mobility and environmental wellbeing are not only important indicators of the quality of life, but are also undeniable components of a strong urban economy. In their competition for the mobility megalopolises are struggling to attract public attention to non-motorized transport.
Therefore, the UNDP/GEF “City of Almaty Sustainable Transport” Project in cooperation with the Embassy of the Netherlands are convening an international conference with the participation of local authorities of Kazakhstan and experts from Russia, the UK, Austria, the Netherlands, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Urbanists and city activists will discuss the impact of mobility on cities’ development sustainability and economy, as well as citizens’ health. Speakers will also present successful cases of traffic safety improvement, active mobility promotion and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure development. In addition, they will discuss prospect of involving businesses into creation of “green workplaces” and also a master class on design led bicycle infrastructure will be held.
As an outcome of the conference, that will take place in Almaty on 22-23 September 2016, recommendations will be prepared for municipalities and governing bodies on local and national programmes promotion.
To participate in the conference, please complete the registration form before September 16th, 2016.
Kazakhstan’s classrooms are in the frontline of the battle against global warming, with green technology helping to make schools more energy efficient while at the same time giving the pupils a memorable lesson in sustainability. "The first thing that springs to mind when you think about schools is learning and grades. But these are impossible without proper basic conditions like warmth and good light,” says Tatyana Nemtsan, head teacher of Vyacheslavskaya School, in Arnasay, Akmola Region. Tatyana’s school provides these basic needs via an array of innovative new technologies, making it a role model for energy efficiency in Kazakhstan. Solar panels, installed by UNDP, connect the school to warm water and help it save up to 50 per cent on its electricity bills.
Kazakhstan is ramping up efforts to conserve its biological diversity by creating protected zones for the flora and fauna found across its vast landmass. As the human race encroaches ever more on nature, the need for controlled, safe areas for wildlife becomes increasingly important. Working together with the Government of Kazakhstan, UNDP has been instrumental in helping establish a key reserve in the centre of the country to protect the critically-endangered saiga antelope.
19 August, 2016 Astana – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the United Nations Development Programme, the Government of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency have launched a pilot project of Kazakhstan’s ODA aimed at expanding economic independence and rights of Afghan women and entitled “Promoting Kazakhstan’s ODA Cooperation with Afghanistan”. The project will mark Kazakhstan’s first international cooperation for Afghanistan in the framework of national system of Official Development Assistance (ODA), while it helps Kazakhstan to strengthen its ability to administer its future ODA. The project is financed by the Government of Japan through the UNDP-Japan Partnership Fund.
Economic diversification has been a key area of interest for Kazakhstan as it attempts to shift the economy away from an over-reliance on the oil and gas sector towards other spheres that can ensure sustainable, long-term growth for the country. The 100 Concrete Steps reform programme, unveiled by President Nursultan Nazarbayev in May 2015, calls for support for “national champions” – the leaders of small and medium-sized businesses in non-resource-based sectors of the economy. A glowing example of such a champion is Samgau Nassypkhan, a young entrepreneur from East Kazakhstan Region who set up his own shoemaking business that is going from strength to strength.
Over the past few months, I’ve witnessed as women in Kazakhstan break their silence on sexual violence. A campaign titled #ЯнеБоюсьСказать (I’m not afraid to tell) и НеМолчи (Don’t keep Quiet) has led to many women sharing their stories. One of them is Dina Tansari (pictured), a well-known TV producer. “…I was unconscious. They left me in front of my flat, rang the bell, and ran away. In the morning I couldn’t remember anything, except for my mum’s screams when she found me…,” she wrote on her Facebook wall.