+23 / +11°C Wednesday, june 10, 2015 No 11 (77) www.astanatimes.com Nazarbayev Announces Astana Int’l Financial Kazakhstan Unveils Centre, Addresses Economic Challenges at AEF 100 Concrete Steps to Implement Institutional Reforms “We have now published the 100 By Malika Rustem steps for the world to see,” Naz- arbayev said in his remarks at the ASTANA – Kazakhstan is em- plenary session of the Astana Eco- barking on some of the most am- nomic Forum on May 22. “Now bitious reforms in its independent the world will be able to track our history as President Nursultan progress or lack thereof on all of Nazarbayev moves to implement them.” his election campaign platform of “One hundred concrete steps are five institutional reforms. a response to global and local chal- On May 20, three weeks after lenges and, at the same time, it is a Nazarbayev announced in his in- plan for the nation to join the top augural speech that a “Plan of the 30 most-developed countries in Nation” would be developed to the new historical conditions. One radically change the country, two hundred concrete steps will give leading Kazakh daily newspapers Kazakhstan a margin of safety published the government’s con- that will help the country through crete approaches to implementing a difficult period, implement the those reforms. Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy and The approaches, outlined in the strengthen Kazakh statehood. The “100 Concrete Steps to Implement plan lays out radical changes in so- Five Institutional Reforms” docu- ciety and the state, the main goal ment, have been published to not of which is treatment of systemic only give the country a clear sense diseases, not just smoothing their of the direction in which the newly exterior symptoms,” outlines the reelected leader wants to take it, preamble to the document. but also to be used as a checklist by the international community. Continued on Page A2

President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan (far left) addresses the plenary session of the Astana Economic Forum on May 22.

By Yelden Sarybay arbayev commented that the cri- all in the currency and trading to future prosperity. First is the sis which brought about the need ASTANA – President of Ka- markets.” fragmentation of the global order. New Projects for the AEF in 2008 is not over, zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev The President also said that these “We are witnessing the disintegra- and while experts now speak of a hidden, latent roots of the crisis are made a few bold announcements tion of the old checks and balances gradual recovery, signs of growth moving from the financial sphere throughout the world, the loss of to the delegates of the Astana Eco- into currency wars and economic nomic Forum (AEF) at the forum’s are scattered. “Many countries trust between the leaders of the Reflect Progress in still can not get out of stagnation,” wars in the form of sanctions shak- main plenary session on May 22, ing many countries. “This is what great powers and the corrosion of said Nazarbayev. “Other econo- including the announcement of a generates an increase in confron- international law.” plan to create an Astana Interna- mists believe that the global crisis tation between East and West, the Second are the elemental chal- tional Financial Centre (AIFC). of 2008 was systemic, cyclic, and EBRD-Kazakh Ties U.S. and NATO against Russia and lenges such as climate change and Speaking first among panellists will end only when the key reason China,” said the President. pandemics. “Climate change is By Michelle Witte including top-level economists, for it is eliminated: the profound, Nazarbayev also spoke of three mindset as well as in reality on the happening faster than expected. ground.” financiers and politicians, Naz- accumulated imbalances, first of global challenges that are a threat Continued on Page A4 ASTANA – The European Bank The four new projects encom- for Reconstruction and Develop- pass two 10 million euro loans to ment (EBRD) signed four more modernise water systems in Shym- deals to cooperate on projects in kent and Aktobe, a 70 million euro public services and transport on loan to the first commercial-scale Seminar Examines History of Nuclear June 3, during EBRD President Sir solar plant in Kazakhstan and a Suma Chakrabarti’s trip to the Ka- 42.5 million euro loan to upgrade zakh capital. These are all projects the infrastructure of Astana’s air- that involve reform, Chakrabarti port as well as the country’s air Disarmament Efforts in Kazakhstan commented, and really symbolise sector tariff system. Put together, the nature of EBRD and Kazakh- these will bring the EBRD’s in- By Michelle Witte war to the post-cold war era and the stan’s cooperation. vestment in Kazakhstan this year simultaneous strengthening of the “These projects are good in to some $420 million. Chakrabarti ASTANA – An international sem- global non-proliferation regime.” inar on the oral history of the Nunn- their own right,” the EBRD presi- said he’d like to see investment in Lugar weapons of mass reduc- dent said in an interview with this Kazakhstan reach $1 billion this tion decommissioning programme Nuclear Disarmament in newspaper June 4, “but they’re year. “I think the target’s in sight,” launched in Astana on June 1 with quite symbolic of, I think, reform he commented. statements from Russian, American 1990s as Prologue to Today’s and change and modernisation, in Continued on Page A5 and Kazakh diplomats and partici- pants in Nunn-Lugar supported op- Global Stance According to Tokayev, among erations, then continued in a closed Kazakhstan’s contributions to mak- format over the next three days. ing the world safer from nuclear “We are here because Kazakh- weapons and nuclear weapons ma- UNDP Seeks stan’s decisions and the vision of President [Nursultan] Nazarbayev terial are its closure of the Semipa- truly set the world on a path toward Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (c) delivers latinsk nuclear test site, accession peace,” said Laura Holgate, sen- keynote remarks at the launch of the international seminar on the Nunn-Lugar to the Treaty on the Non-Prolifer- programme on June 1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov and Minister ation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Stronger Kazakh ior director for Weapons of Mass of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik are to his left and right. Destruction Terrorism and Threat the rejection of what was then the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the Reduction at the U.S. National Se- projects, including decommission- Jomart Tokayev, himself a long-time world, the signing of the Compre- curity Council, a keynote speaker ing particular reactors and securing foreign minister of Kazakhstan and hensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Partnership at the plenary session. “Consider nuclear material through Project a former Deputy Secretary General (CTBT), the creation of the Central how KazAID might develop,” said the alternative – the creation of one Sapphire (which saw nearly 600 of the United Nations, said in his Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone By Michelle Witte Clark, who had come to Kazakh- and possibly three nuclear powers, kilogrammes of highly enriched ura- keynote remarks at the seminar that (CANWFZ) and the UN General stan to attend the Astana Economic the possibility of armed conflicts in nium securely taken out of Kazakh- “Rejection of the nuclear legacy be- ASTANA – The UN Develop- connection with retrieving the weap- Assembly resolution adopted at Forum on May 21-22 as well as to stan in 1994), as well as on current came the only correct strategic deci- ment Programme is pursuing a ons by force, destabilisation in the the initiative of Kazakhstan pro- visit some of the UNDPs ongoing nuclear cooperation, particularly sion because it ensured the country a stronger partnership with Kazakh- region and overall a very different claiming Aug, 29, which was the projects across the country. with the International Atomic Ener- worthy place in the world commu- stan, believing that the country and more dangerous world. Instead, closure date of the Semipalatinsk The UNDP has operated projects gy Agency. The task of the seminar, nity, created the preconditions for can be a strong player in south- we’ve had two decades of peace and test site, as the International Day in Kazakhstan for years now, but explained Minister of Foreign Af- successful economic reforms with prosperity in the region, and the en- against Nuclear Tests. Kazakhstan south cooperation and an impor- with the country reaching upper fairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov the assistance of more than $190 bil- tire world is better for it.” also convened the Conference on tant proponent of the organisa- middle-income status, the nature The seminar focused on the history in his opening remarks, is to “extract lion of investment and, ultimately, Interaction and Confidence Build- tion’s Sustainable Development of the partnership is ready for a of the Cooperative Threat Reduction from the concrete and visible exam- ensured its safety. He also added that ing Measures in Asia, worked to Goals (SDGs), UNDP Administra- change. “Traditionally, the UNDP (CTR) programme, better known as ple of cooperation in this sensitive the decision gave Kazakhstan “the strengthen integration processes in tor Helen Clark told The Astana had developed country partners the Nunn-Lugar programme, named area important lessons for the for- moral and political right to demand the Eurasian space and has promot- Times on May 24. which funded it, and it had de- after U.S. Senators Sam Nunn and mation of future policies based on decisive action from other countries ed dialogue between civilisations “What I’ve raised here is our in- veloping country partners that it Richard Lugar who initiated the the principles of non-proliferation to achieve universal nuclear disar- and religions. “The main role in the terest in striking a strategic partner- was funded to work in,” Clark legislation to allow the U.S. to fund and aimed at reducing the threat of mament.” initiation of this policy and its im- ship agreement with Kazakhstan, explained. “Now, the world is no nuclear and other weapons of mass conflict with the use of weapons of “This is the vision that motivated plementation belongs to President formally, which would put a kind longer that simple. Once a country destruction elimination efforts in the mass destruction.” the essential judgement – that Ka- Nursultan Nazarbayev,” Tokayev of formal umbrella over the work gets up to middle-income status, former Soviet republics. Several of the speakers at the zakhstan’s security was better pro- said who went on to present Ka- we’ve been doing to support the high middle-income status in the Titled “Reducing Global Security session highlighted the decision to tected by rejecting nuclear weap- zakhstan’s principled positions to- legislation on KazAID [the work- case of Kazakhstan, it doesn’t need Threats: Lessons from Kazakhstan,” abandon nuclear weapons as a turn- ons,” commented Holgate. “This wards some of the key nuclear dis- ing name of Kazakhstan’s new of- your money. It needs your ideas the seminar included panels on spe- ing point in Kazakhstan’s history. courageous decision set the stage for armament issues of today. ficial development aid agency] and and innovation. cific weapons-decommissioning Chairman of the Senate Kassym- the peaceful transition from the cold Continued on Page A3 now the strategic thinking about Continued on Page A3

Inside NATION Economy & Business editorial & opinion opinions Dialogue FOR PEACE Report Says Kazakhstan’s Anti-Human World Bank Updated Forecast Predicts Growing International Religious Tensions Maskin: Diversification as Mechanism to TOKAYEV: Religious Dialogue Is Needed for Trafficking Efforts Should Redouble A2 2016-2017 Kazakh Economic Growth Reinforce Need for Astana Religious Congress A6 Tackle Economic Crisis A7 Peace and Development C1 Recovery A4 PM Massimov Leads Presentation Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Vital Feltman: The Time for Courage and Vision ACHARYA: Congress of Leaders of World of Almaty’s 2022 Bid B1 Foreign Investment Council Focuses on Agro to Achieving a Green Economy, Says Energy for Middle East Peace Is Now A7 and Traditional Religions: New Horizons C4 Sector Investment, Development A5 Minister A6

US$ 1 = 185.96 KZT 1 Euro = 206.87 KZT 1 Rouble = 3.31 KZT A2 NATION

Wednesday, june 10, 2015

human trafficking among law NATIONAL enforcement agencies, NGOs, news in brief healthcare establishments and so- Report Says Kazakhstan’s Anti-Human cial services; Kazakhstan plans to open four • Provision on a range of special new nuclear diagnostic centres in social services to victims of abuse, Semey, Almaty, Karaganda and Trafficking Efforts Should Redouble including victims of human traf- Aktobe, it was announced during ficking and domestic violence; the current Kazakh legislation is the first Central Asian Forum for • Successful reintegration and re- By Malika Orazgaliyeva mainly aimed at combating TIP Nuclear Medicine in Astana on socialisation of victims of abuse, and, to a lesser extent, social pro- May 12. At the moment, the coun- including victims of human traf- ASTANA – Kazakhstan, a coun- tection of victims of human traf- try’s only such centre is located in try that is a source, a destination ficking and the protection of their ficking and domestic violence, in Astana. Experts at the forum said and a transit country for trafficking interests. This often leads to their appropriate crisis rehabilitation the investment in nuclear medicine in persons, has done a lot to combat re-victimisation and further social centres; would almost halve the country’s this problem, yet it should do much dis-adaptation and depravation. • Transparency of the activities healthcare costs, as radiology de- more to more effectively overcome It is the view of the Human of relevant government agencies tects tumours and their prevalence it. This was the gist of a special Rights Commission that it is neces- and NGOs dealing with victims of more accurately than other meth- report of the Human Rights Com- sary to place the protection of the abuse, including victims of human ods. “This is a tremendously im- mission under Kazakh President rights of victims of human traf- trafficking and domestic violence; portant issue; we are talking about Nursultan Nazarbayev that was ficking in the forefront of activities • High awareness levels among the timely detection of tumours, presented May 19 at the Ministry of of public authorities, make fuller the public, including victims of hu- cancer, cardiovascular and neuro- Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. (L-R) Human Rights Commission chair Kuanysh Sultanov, Kazakh Secretary of use of civil society institutions in man trafficking, in respect of uni- logical diseases,” said Chief Phy- Published in Kazakh, Russian State Gulshara Abdykalikova and Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov. versally-recognised human rights sician of the Astana Cancer Centre and English with the technical as- protecting the rights of victims of important document for all the state human trafficking victims in ac- standards and their significance for Mukhtar Tuleutayev. sistance of the International Or- abuse and pay special attention to agencies’ and NGOs’ activities. cordance with international treaties every person and society as whole ganisation for Migration (IOM) increasing public legal awareness, Today’s topic is very relevant and ratified by Kazakhstan, evaluation including among victims of human (awareness-raising in the area of Israel and Kazakhstan have in Kazakhstan, the report received important from the internal point of of activities of the state bodies and opened a joint irrigation demon- positive review from the head of trafficking. human rights); view, as well as international coop- concrete steps to further improve The report says national mecha- • Improved legal awareness stration centre in Ushkonyr, Al- state as well as national and inter- eration, because all of us know that the mechanisms for the protection maty region, the Israeli Embassy national experts. nisms for the protection of rights of among law enforcement officers human trafficking is a modern type of socio-economic, labour and cul- in Astana announced on May 25. Welcoming remarks were giv- victims of human trafficking and and the public; of slavery,” said Idrissov. tural rights of vulnerable groups in The Israel-Kazakhstan Irrigation en by Kazakh Secretary of State ensuring that they have access to • Decreased risks of social ten- “Human trafficking is occupy- accordance with the constitution Demonstration Centre will focus Gulshara Abdykalikova, Foreign special social services need signifi- sion and social stigma of certain ing the third place after drugs and and international standards. on demonstrating and transferring Minister Erlan Idrissov, Human cant adjustment, ensuring that the groups and potential social conflict weapons trafficking. In order to Experts praised the provisions of innovative irrigation technologies Rights Commission chair Kuanysh specific needs of more vulnerable with stronger national security. eliminate this evil, we need to hold adapted to the local agricultural Sultanov, Deputy Minister of In- the special report and marked the groups, such as migrant workers “By fulfilling the recommenda- active and fruitful international co- beginning of practical implementa- and children, are also addressed. conditions. The project is being ternal Affairs Marat Demeuov, tions of the special report, Kazakh- implemented by Israel’s Agency Minister of Healthcare and Social operation,” he added. tion of the recommendations by the The commission believes that the stan will be able to achieve new Browne started her speech by ad- Kazakh government and parliament. for International Development Development Tamara Dyussenova, implementation of its special rec- goals in building a state which is dressing participants in the Kazakh The report noted that in recent Cooperation and its Centre for IOM Central Asia Coordinator De- ommendations should be aimed at governed by the rule of law and in language and thanked the commis- years, Kazakhstan has made signifi- International Agricultural Devel- jan Keserovich, deputy head of the achieving the following outcomes: strengthening government and civil sion for the invitation. cant progress in combating traffick- opment (MASHAV-CINADCO) European Union (EU) delegation in • Prevention of irregular migra- mechanisms for the protection of “The United Kingdom is one of ing in persons (TIP), a development in cooperation with the Israeli Kazakhstan Kamen Velichkov and tion and TIP; rights of victims of abuse, includ- the largest financial contributors to acknowledged by the Organisation • Integration of international hu- Embassy in Kazakhstan, Kazakh- Ambassadors to Kazakhstan Caro- ing victims of human trafficking all activity by the European Union. for Security and Cooperation in Eu- man rights standards into national stan’s Ministry of Agriculture, and lyn Browne (United Kingdom), and domestic violence at the inter- KazAgroInnovation. Deputy Head George Krol (United States) and … We warmly welcome the fact rope (OSCE) office of the special legislation and law enforcement national standards level,” the com- of MASHAV Ilan Fluss and Am- Ole Johan Bjornoy (Norway). that the Kazakhstan government representative and coordinator for practices in the area of the protec- mission said. bassador of Israel to Kazakhstan In her speech, Abdykalikova not- continues working with us. I hope combating trafficking in human be- tion of rights of victims of human The gathering at the Foreign Eliyahu Tasman and staff of Is- ed the uniqueness of the commis- that the finding presented in the ings, which was based on the find- trafficking; Ministry was attended by heads rael’s embassy in Astana took part sion’s report and drew attention to report today will help Kazakhstan ings of two visits to Kazakhstan in • Improvement of national mech- of central state bodies, representa- in the centre’s opening ceremony the recommendations aimed at im- to combat human trafficking,” she 2013 and 2014. anisms protecting the rights of vic- on May 19. proving the interaction mechanisms said. According to the document, the tims of abuse, including victims of tives of the legislative, executive of law enforcement bodies with During the presentation, reports introduction of amendments and human trafficking; and judicial branches of govern- The Baikonur Space Centre in nongovernmental organisations in were made by members and ex- additions to national legislation on • Effective protection of civil, ment, law enforcement agencies the fight against human trafficking, perts of the commission, including countering TIP and domestic vio- social, labour and cultural rights of of Kazakhstan, legal scholars, Kazakhstan marked its 60th anni- as well as the provision of social Tastemir Abishev, Vitaly Voronov, lence was particularly beneficial, victims of abuse; lawyers, notaries and heads of versary on June 1 with celebrations services to trafficking victims. Nurila Shakhanova, Raissa Yurch- enabling much more severe sen- • Implementation of special pro- international organisations and starting with a ceremony at the “The report of the commission enko and Zulfiya Baisakova. tencing for related offences and grammes aimed at fulfilling the diplomatic missions accredited in Baikonur Cultural Centre and an contains full analyses of the situ- The report provides compara- increasing the preventive impact of rights of victims of human traffick- Kazakhstan, as well as representa- evening concert. The space centre ation with regard to human rights tive analysis of national legislation corresponding laws. ing; tives of educational institutions, was built during the 1950s as a test protection in the area of combating and law enforcement practice in According to the report, it must • Creation of a national mecha- science, culture, healthcare, busi- range for Soviet missiles, and went trafficking in persons and it is a very the field of protection of rights of be acknowledged, however, that nism for referral of victims of ness and the media. on to become the site of a number of space-race firsts, including the launch of the first artificial satel- lite, Sputnik, in 1957, and the first execution of the national and local manned space mission, by cosmo- budgets. naut Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. Russia Further development of an e- has leased the Baikonur spaceport Country Unveils 100 Concrete Steps government concept, that has seen from Kazakhstan since 1994. a highly successful implementa- tion in Kazakhstan, is included in Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s na- to Implement Institutional Reforms the proposal as reflected in the last tional airline, commenced direct of the 100 steps, on establishing a services from Astana to Seoul’s Continued from Page A1 ing) to a three-level (first, appeal The third reform also talks about lowing the exhibition, Nazarbayev State Corporation of Government Incheon International Airport on and cassation) system. The aim is the extension of the current prac- announced at the Astana Econom- for Citizens that is to become a June 2. A 223-seat Boeing 767 The concrete steps, which are to strengthen foreign and domes- tice of civil servants making dec- ic Forum. single provider of public services. aircraft will fly between the two shorter and more precise meas- tic investors’ trust in Kazakhstan’s larations of incomes to declaring On a social side, one of the steps The arrangement would be mod- capital cities once a week, adding ures, are grouped under the fol- court system. The measures in- expenses as well, starting from requires the “introduction of man- elled on Canada Service and Aus- to the existing direct Almaty-Seoul lowing five institutional reforms: clude toughening qualification cri- January 2017. The following stage datory medical insurance” with a trialia’s Centrelink. route. Air Astana has also launched formation of a professional state teria for the recruitment of judges could be extended to all citizens, “solidary responsibility of state, In order to implement all of the a twice-a-week service to Tbilisi, apparatus; the rule of law; indus- by introducing a new requirement however, no timetable for such an employers and employees.” De- above-mentioned reforms, the Na- Georgia. With the new flights, Air trialisation and economic growth; for a candidate to serve at least five expansion has been defined. tails of this step have not been an- tional Modernisation Commission Astana brings its network to 64 identity and unity; formation of ac- years within the court system and One of the measures talks about nounced. under the President has been creat- routes connecting 39 international countable government. a one-year trial period for newly- strengthening the institution of a The main aspect of the fourth ed. The head of the commission is and domestic destinations. According to the document, the appointed judges, improving the “business ombudsman,” a kind of reform concerning issues of iden- Prime Minister Karim Massimov. first reform suggests formation of public image of police in order to prosecutor on behalf of entrepre- tity and unity, is shaping a “Nation It consists of five working groups, The Day of Kazakhstan’s State a modern, professional and inde- increase the level of citizens’ trust neurs. Implementation of those of Common Future” by nurturing members of which include local Symbols was celebrated on June pendent public service that ensures and cut corruption. In general, im- tasks will boost economic growth a viable middle class as the back- and foreign experts. The commis- 4. The state symbols were estab- high-quality implementation of plementing this reform seeks to and diversify industry. bone of a successful nation, which sion will have its own Interna- lished in 1992, the year after Ka- economic programmes and deliv- ensure property rights by improv- A few steps concentrate on es- is achieved by sustaining the gen- tional Advisory Council, with the zakhstan’s independence and are ery of public services. ing conditions for entrepreneurial tablishing a “multi-modal Eura- uine rule of law and modern and inclusion of international experts intended to represent Kazakhstan’s A few steps under this reform activity and protecting contractual sian transcontinental transport valid political, economic and civil responsible not only for providing landscape, cultural and spiritual are concentrated on new ways obligations. corridor” that would facilitate institutions in the society. Accord- recommendations but also “per- heritage, and the influences it has to recruit talented candidates for One of the steps under this re- quicker delivery of goods between ing to the publication, the ideology forming an independent systema- felt as a crossroads of Western and public office, including from the form requires expansion of court Asia and Europe via Kazakhstan. of Mangilik El (The Eternal Na- tised monitoring of results in im- Eastern civilisations. proceedings that must be decided private sector. One of them allows Among similar measures, con- tion) should serve as a system of plementation of the reforms.” by a jury, while introducing into struction of a new airport to ser- for appointing foreign citizens to common civic values. International participants in the President of Kazakhstan Nursul- positions within the government, a laws a category of criminal cases vice the growing needs of Almaty Measures to boost domestic May 21-22 Astana Economic Fo- tan Nazarbayev met with Ameri- practice better known in the post- where consideration by jury will is also mentioned. tourism and establish encyclopae- can business magnate and CEO of rum have commented on the newly Soviet realm in countries such as be mandatory. Two more steps envisage estab- dia-type information resources and Wynn Resorts Ltd Stephen Wynn published 100 steps document. Georgia and Ukraine. Two more Another step stipulates the crea- lishing the Astana International databases systematising presenta- in Astana on May 25 to discuss the According to the Kazinform measures stipulate elaboration of tion of a municipal or local police Financial Centre (AIFC). The tion of Kazakhstan’s natural and development of tourism and hotel news agency, Chairman of Rus- a new code on civil service and a force, which will work under the process of establishing the AIFC human resources are prominent in industry in Kazakhstan, the Presi- sia’s Sberbank German Gref said re-examination of public servants control of and in close cooperation may require introducing amend- the description of the steps under dent’s press service reported. Naz- aimed at cleansing the corps of the with local executive authorities ments into the nation’s constitu- this reform. he experienced something of a arbayev and Wynn also discussed less competent. The timeline and and local communities. A wide- tion, including provisions to create The fifth reform involves “crea- “culture shock” after reading it and possible cooperation on joint terms of such a massive effort are spread practice in the world, it has a separate judicial system in the tion of an accountable govern- that Russia should take on board projects. Wynn Resorts operates yet to be defined. a brief history in Kazakhstan. In AIFC based largely on the English ment.” From now on, the heads Kazakhstan’s Plan of the Nation high-end hotels and casinos in the The announced steps also fore- 1992, an institution of local police law and the use of English as “an of public bodies will report annu- and create a mutual plan with United States and Macau. see the introduction of a revamped was introduced but was scrapped official language” of the centre, ally to the general public on the Astana called “100 steps together.” system of remuneration for civil after less than a year in favour of a along with Kazakh and Russian. achievements of their agencies. The head of Sberbank called the Air Astana will be the title spon- servants that will rely on perfor- more centralised model. The design of the centre, similar This will include a concept of document “comprehensive and sor of the first BKS Air Astana mance- and region-based criteria. Within the third reform, the gov- to one used in Dubai, would turn “open government” (elaboration logically well developed.” Marathon, to be held Septem- The latter could be relevant for ernment is eager to attract strate- Astana into a major “financial hub of a new law on unhindered ac- “I can quite professionally as- ber 13, according to the Sports those working in the oil-producing gic investors to the country’s ag- for the [Commonwealth of Inde- cess to public information with an sess this document. For many Features website. The marathon, regions of Atyrau and Mangystau, ricultural sector, whichis lagging pendent States] CIS countries and exclusion for classified materials), years, I was engaged in this topic. which is being organised by the as well as in Almaty and Astana behind the industrial and services West Asia.” The centre would fo- budget and consolidated financial I can say that this document is British-Kazakh Society (BKS) where life is notably costlier than, branches of economy. Beyond cus particularly on “servicing capi- statements, the results of an exter- one of the best I have ever seen. will meander through the Kazakh for instance, in Shymkent or Pe- that, one of the measures stipulates tal markets and Islamic finances” nal financial audit, evaluation of If at least 50 out of 100 steps are capital, Astana. There will also be tropavlovsk. that the tax and customs systems with a goal to becoming one of the the effectiveness of public policy, completed, and I hope that most of 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre rac- The second reform involves the will be integrated. This will open 20 leading financial centres of the public assessment of the results them are implemented, it is obvi- es on the marathon day. BKS has transition from the five-level jus- doors to an importer to transport world. of the quality of public services, ous that Kazakhstan will turn into been organising running events in tice system (first, appeal, cassa- commodities into Kazakhstan be- The AIFC will use the facilities online statistical reports from the a fundamentally different coun- London and the Kazakh cities of tion, supervising and re-supervis- fore selling them. constructed for EXPO 2017 fol- state agencies and reports on the try,” Gref said. Astana and Almaty since 2009. A3 eurasia&world

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external news in brief SCO Considers Expansion during Moscow Meeting A diplomatic mission of Kazakh- the agenda of the upcoming coun- potential not only of the organisa- other regional and international this work in light of the application stan has opened in Serbia, the press By Altair Nurbekov service of the Ministry of Foreign cil of heads of states meeting. The tion’s member states, but also to a organisations and dialogue plat- of Nurly Zhol, Kazakhstan’s new foreign ministers also discussed certain extent the observer coun- forms. A memorandum of under- economic policy. The minister also Affairs of Kazakhstan has an- MOSCOW – Kazakh Foreign nounced. Deputy Minister of For- the prospects for expanding the tries and dialogue partners. The standing between the SCO and informed his colleagues about up- Minister Erlan Idrissov participat- eign Affairs of Kazakhstan Alexey organisation to countries includ- necessary legal outline has already the Conference on Interaction and coming, large-scale developments Volkov participated in the opening ed in the June 3 regular meeting in ing India, Pakistan and potentially been laid, he said. Confidence-Building Measures in in Kazakhstan which are planned of the mission during his working Moscow of the Council of Foreign Iran and its interaction with other “The adoption of the SCO devel- Asia (CICA) dated May 20, 2014 in light of executing Nazarbayev’s visit to Serbia from June 3–5. The Ministers (CFM) of the Shanghai states and entities and developed opment strategy until 2025 will be opens opportunities to develop five institutional reforms. key event of the visit was the offi- Cooperation Organisation (SCO). concrete proposals on these issues a powerful impetus to the dynamic contacts in many areas of coopera- Referring to the cooperation in cial opening of the permanent Em- The focus of the meeting was to for consideration at next month’s development of cooperation be- tion. The potential for fruitful col- the sphere of security, Idrissov bassy of Kazakhstan in Belgrade prepare for the upcoming council summit. tween our countries. I believe that laboration also exists in establish- noted the importance of strength- and the official inauguration of of the heads of SCO member states “In recent years, the SCO has this policy document, designed ing formal relations between the ening the capacity of the SCO’s Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in that will take place July 9-10 in turned into one of the most repu- for a decade, should reflect not SCO and the Eurasian Economic Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Serbia Milanka Karic. In Belgrade Ufa, Russia. table and dynamic organisations only the prospects of cooperation Commission of the Eurasian Eco- (RATS) and increasing coopera- Volkov met with Serbian President Before the meeting, which took of multifaceted cooperation, not in political and economic spheres, nomic Union. tion between the border and cus- Tomislav Nikolic and other senior place in Moscow’s historic Ukraine only in the region but in the whole but also the routes and directions Idrissov also noted that Kazakh- toms structures for the effective officials of the country for consul- Hotel of the Radisson chain, the world,” said Idrissov. of timely resolution of regional stan counts on the support of the fight against illegal migration and tations on bilateral cooperation and foreign ministers were received by The SCO was established in problems, including environmen- SCO partners for its candidacy for trafficking in drugs and weapons. international issues. Russian President Vladimir Putin June 2001 and came out of the tal safety and prevention of a water non-permanent membership on the The importance of coordinated in the Kremlin, who outlined the 1996 agreement between four crisis,” said Idrissov. United Nations Security Council action of the SCO member states The International Atomic Energy priorities of his country during its former Soviet states and China to In this context, Idrissov drew for 2017-2018. in the light of the situation in Af- Agency (IAEA) low-enriched ura- SCO chairmanship. Putin noted strengthen confidence along their the attention of his colleagues to “Our candidacy was put forward ghanistan, as well as due to the in- nium fuel bank being established the significant contributions and mutual borders and withdraw the issues of trans-boundary water in accordance with the principles creased activities of the so-called in Kazakhstan will be supplied with initiatives of Kazakh President of fairness, rational geographic “Islamic state” in the Middle East, nuclear fuel beginning in 2017. heavy weaponry to beyond 100 management in the SCO region. The logistics, including a transport Nursultan Nazarbayev towards kilometres from the borders. In In his words, as close neighbours rotation and adequate representa- were emphasised. agreement to bring the material deepening cooperation in Eura- June 1996, Uzbekistan joined the with common cross-border water tion of all countries of Asia and the The issues of regional security through Russia, are currently being sia and expressed support for the former Shanghai Five as it evolved resources, the member states may Asia-Pacific region. Kazakhstan were discussed more concretely at negotiated, said Deputy Chairman adoption of the organisation’s de- into a formal organisation, the use their organisation as a plat- has gained considerable experi- the high-level conference with the of the Committee on Atomic and velopment strategy until 2025. SCO. form for constructive dialogue and ence during the chairmanship of theme “Security and stability in Energy Supervision of the Minis- During their own meeting, the In the framework of cooperation search for mutually-acceptable the SCO, OIC, CICA, CIS, CSTO the SCO region,” which took place try of Energy of Kazakhstan Timur foreign ministers of China, Ka- within the SCO, Kazakhstan gives solutions. In this respect, partner- and the OSCE in different periods June 4 in Moscow. The conference Zhantikin on June 1 in Astana. The zakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Ta- priority to a coordinated approach ship between the SCO secretariat and is willing to apply it in matters was attended by the SCO foreign Board of Governors of IAEA will jikistan and Uzbekistan discussed of the key issues of political, eco- and the executive committee of the of international security,” he said. ministers, as well as ministers and meet in Vienna the week of June 8 topical issues on the international nomic, cultural and humanitarian International Fund for Saving the In his speech, Idrissov outlined high-ranking representatives of and will consider the draft transit and regional agenda and prospects cooperation, as well as worldwide Aral Sea looks promising. Kazakhstan’s approaches to fur- SCO observer states, such as Af- agreement and the draft agreement for developing cooperation within security and stability in the SCO The minister also noted that ther expansion of the SCO and ghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia, with the government of Kazakh- the SCO framework in political, space, Idrissov added. Further Kazakhstan supports establish- implementation of cooperation Pakistan and SCO dialogue part- stan. If approved, the process of economic, cultural and humanitar- deepening of cooperation in these ing contacts and continuing active in economic and transit-transport ners, including Belarus, Turkey ratification and finalisation will take ian spheres, as well as agreed on areas can significantly increase the cooperation between the SCO and sectors, noting the relevance of and Sri Lanka. approximately two years, he said. Kazakhstan proposed itself as the site of an international fuel bank in 2009. The bank is expected to be established at Kazakhstan’s Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP) in Ust- Int’l Seminar Examines Partnership With UNDP Growing Kamenogorsk. Continued from Page A1 When it comes to south-south The Organisation for Eco- cooperation, knowledge sharing nomic Cooperation and Develop- History of Kazakh Nuclear And so the relationship moves is crucial, she explained. “It is not ment (OECD) on June 3 released quite a lot. And such countries also the traditional official development new predictions for lower global start to look at how they’re position- assistance, a lot of which is grant growth this year due to weak in- ing globally and their own develop- aid. ... There’s not so much outright vestment, Big News Network re- Disarmament Efforts ment cooperation.” money that goes into south-south ports. The OECD Economic Out- The UNDP has developed formal cooperation. It would be maybe a look report anticipates 3.1 percent Continued from Page A1 Summits in Washington, Seoul, rity issues. “Not only will this pro- and The Hague, where our Presi- ject honour those who have been agreements with eight of the G20 sixth of what Western donors put global growth this year and 3.8 emerging economies, Clark noted. out. But the critical thing is the percent in 2016, down from ear- “We have consistently advocat- dent took part with enthusiasm.” involved, but it will, I am certain, ed for the universalisation of the The chairman of the Senate provide inspiration and lessons for China, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, experience sharing and the knowl- lier forecasts of 3.6 percent and South Africa and Mexico, among edge sharing,” she said. Develop- 3.9 percent. The change resulted Treaty on the Nonproliferation of also pointed out that “We are con- other challenges in other places,” others, are all doing development ing countries are interested in how from unexpected weakness in the Nuclear Weapons,” Tokayev add- vinced that building a more secure Holgate said. cooperation, she said, and in these first quarter of 2015, the OECD ed, noting that not all countries in world has to be based not on the Idrissov also referenced the im- other nations in their position tack- said. In the region, China’s growth the world are members of the key doctrine of nuclear deterrence, but portance of the event as it has the cases, the UNDP changes its ap- led their problems. “For example, if was scaled down from 6.8 percent treaty. In particular, India and Pa- on international measures of trust potential to build a “bridge to the proach. The primary concern is to you’re a lower middle-income land- in the previous forecast to 6.7 per- kistan, which have nuclear weap- and cooperation. We believe that future” of such cooperation. remain relevant to the country’s locked country in Africa, where do cent on June 3. Russia is expected development and continue to oper- you look for advice? New Zealand’s to reach low but positive growth ate projects as needed within the probably not going to be so rel- by 2016. country, but also to help support evant, or Canada. But Kazakhstan more south-south cooperation and could be, or Uzbekistan could be. ... The Eurasian Economic Com- triangular programmes involving That’s really at the heart of south- mission (EEC) discussed trade and third countries through the develop- south cooperation.” customs cooperation at its most ing nations’ own aid agencies. “So This type of cooperation will also recent meeting and approved the it’s about a partnership that sees us support the SDGs, she said. “Actu- modification of some EEC Board working not only in the country but ally, to achieve the SDGs, there has decisions on the structure and for- with the country in its global and to be a lot of policy reform. So if, for mats of electronic copies of cus- bilateral relationships for develop- example, a country is subsidising toms documents. The changes will ment.” The UNDP has concluded fossil fuels – these need to go. They help with the electronic declaration these types of relationships with oth- have to go!” This, she argues, will of goods, an EEC press release ex- er upper middle-income counties, free up money that had been going plained. In addition, the adopted like Chile, and Kazakhstan seems to those who don’t really need it to changes will complete the struc- quite interested, Clark reported. tural elements of the newly adopted be directed toward investments that classifiers of road vehicle brands Kazakhstan could be a significant will benefit those who do. and types of vehicles of interna- Kazakh, Russian and American participants in the seminar pose at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana on June 1. ally in working toward the SDGs, “[The SDGs] are definitely about tional transportation. The Eurasian Clark said, which are expected to be policy reforms which improve the Economic Commission (EEC) is a ons, and Israel, which is believed the permanent members of the UN It did not go unremarked that signed off upon in September. “Of enabling environment for growth permanent supranational regulatory to have them, have never joined Security Council should play a key U.S. and Russian experts were course, there are development needs and trade and investment, and ... body of the Eurasian Economic NPT as did the new nation of South role in the establishment of peace embarking upon a four-day con- here, but Kazakhstan also has a lot this is what’s very important about Union. Currently, the EEC includes Sudan. The Democratic People’s in the world.” ference together at a time when of experience to share, and KazAID Kazakhstan’s institutional reform representatives of Armenia, Bela- Republic of Korea (DPRK), which relations between the two powers could be the vehicle for that.” agenda, the five institutional re- rus, Kazakhstan and Russia. The also acquired nuclear weapons, are strained. “I do not agree with KazAID will need partners, she forms. What’s at the heart of them? Commission’s decisions are obliga- announced in 2003 its withdrawal Learning from Kipling … that ‘East is East, and noted, as it lacks an on-the-ground Clean governance and transparency, tory for execution on the territory of from the treaty. “We consider it a West is West, and never the twain presence in many countries, par- rule of law. I mean, the concept that cornerstone of international se- shall meet,’” said Yevgeni Maslin, the EEU member states. Nunn-Lugar Lessons to Build ticularly throughout Africa, where this [Astana international] financial curity. At the same time, we must former head of the 12th department “Bridge to the Future” Kazakhstan is showing a great deal services centre will actually run Kazakh Prime Minister Karim admit that the treaty with the emer- of the Russian Defence Ministry, gence of de facto nuclear weapon The Nunn-Lugar programme was which oversaw the nuclear arse- of interest, opening new embassies according to English law – this is Massimov and Chinese Vice Pre- a 1991 U.S. initiative to provide and joining the African Union as an revolutionary. So these are the kinds mier Liu Yandong are leading the re- states is not a perfect document for nals. “No – all problems can be the real non-proliferation regime.” funding and expertise for states solved peacefully. We just have to observer state. “That is where a big of things in the whole policy and spective delegations of Almaty and from the former Soviet Union in de- multilateral like the UNDP comes enabling environment that need to Beijing to the International Olympic Tokayev further placed a great try.” He went on to quote beloved emphasis on the fact that “At- commissioning weapons, including Kazakh poet and philosopher, Abai, in,” she said. be done to support growth and do- Committee (IOC) Candidate City nuclear, biological and chemical Briefing starting on June 9, the In- tempts of the so-called ‘non-sys- saying that “the worst person is he “We could be a good partner and, mestic resource mobilisation.” temic’ players who can access nu- weapons stockpiles, from former who does not have a goal,” and that having got the legislation in place Kazakhstan is also highly bank- side the Games website reports. The Soviet states, including Azerbai- briefing is a key step in the race for clear technology and arsenals are the two sides should work together and started construction of the agen- able, Clark commented, with loans jan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Olympic Games and will give considered extremely dangerous. to achieve their goals. cy, the officials now will be think- coming in thick and fast from a num- Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Some of the cities in competition a chance A recent statement by the Islamic Idrissov, too, commented that ing, ‘Well, what are we going to ber of intergovernmental banks, and to present themselves to voting IOC State that within a year it will be- the programme’s biggest projects perhaps meeting in this format do?’ We can be helpful, as we have in that way can also be an example members and International Fed- come the owner of nuclear weap- have been undertaken in Kazakh- would facilitate meetings between been with other such countries and for other countries seeking invest- erations ahead of the decisive IOC ons should be taken seriously.” stan, including a 17-year year op- the U.S. and Russia in other for- emerging economies’ development ment for development projects. eration to seal plutonium left be- Session at the end of next month in “Kazakhstan stands for the re- mats. “The whole world is observ- agencies where we can support the Over her four days in Kazakh- hind in the Degelen Mountain at Kuala Lumpur. Each city will have alisation of the Comprehensive ing the relations between the U.S. development strategy.” Kazakh- stan, Clark also visited UNDP pro- the former Semipalatinsk nuclear 45 minutes to present their plans Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the and Russia,” he said, “and the stan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs test site and collaboration on other jects using Global Environmental at the Olympic Museum here, fol- strengthening of its verification whole world wants the superpow- and the UNDP are already working Facility (GEF) funding in operation mechanism,” he said. “Kazakh dip- long-term efforts to remove weap- ers to go back to a constructive lowed by 45 minutes of questions. together to bring nearly 100 African around the Aral Sea.“The relation- lomats are working on a project of ons from Kazakhstan and to secure way of building relationships.” He Individual follow up meetings with students to Kazakhstan for training ship is good ... and I think we’re do- IOC members will take place the the United Nations Universal Dec- the by-products of weapons testing expressed his hope that the confer- in the oil industry, public health and ing things that are of real value, and next day. Beijing and Almaty have laration on achieving a world free securely in the country. ence over the next four days and agriculture, an initiative announced sent delegations of several hundred of nuclear weapons, for the insti- Kazakh Minister of Energy the celebration of the achievements clearly the government and the re- people. Kazakhstan’s delegation in- tutionalisation of the treaty on the Vladimir Shkolnik, Holgate and they, and the world, reached by at the African economy panel at the gions that are the subject of joint UN cludes Almaty Mayor Akhmetzhan establishment of a zone free from other speakers also commented that working together, could help warm Astana Economic Forum. Kazakh- programming are happy,” she said. Yessimov, Culture and Sports Min- nuclear weapons in Central Asia. while the seminar would honour today’s frosty relationship. stan’s experiences in the oil industry, “I think the work done with GEF is ister Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, Kazakhstan supports the intention past efforts and actors, the trilateral Ambassador of Russia to Ka- crop diversification, dry land agri- extremely important – the Aral Sea, and National Olympic Committee of world powers to give a new im- cooperation of many Nunn-Lugar zakhstan Mikhail Bocharnikov and culture and solutions for its land- wetlands, water management, more of Kazakhstan President Temirkhan petus to the processes of nonpro- efforts, as well as President Naz- Ambassador of the United States to locked status are experiences other suitable agricultural production. ... Dosmukhambetov and Secretary liferation, as clearly evidenced by arbayev’s vision on nuclear issues, Kazakhstan George Krol also spoke developing countries will definitely So I come away thinking our team General Timur Dossymbetov. the results of the Nuclear Security is still very relevant to current secu- at the plenary session. want to know about, Clark said. here has done a good job.” A4 economy

Wednesday, june 10, 2015

economy World Bank Updated Forecast Predicts news in brief Kazakhstan’s National Bank has the cash reserves it needs to support the national currency, the tenge, as Economic Recovery in 2016 and 2017 the country begins taking measures February 2014 devaluation (when government protected pensions and to make its currency more flexible, By Aiman Turebekova the tenge was devalued by 19 per- social assistance obligations from the International Monetary Fund cent against the U.S. dollar), tighter sequester; while some non-priority announced, according to a May 19 ASTANA – The spring 2015 edi- monetary policy has led to lower capital spending in the social area, report by Bloomberg. The country tion of the biannual Kazakhstan credit growth, raised the cost of especially education, was delayed has sufficient international reserves Economic Update of the World borrowing and affected domestic until next year. to withstand even “strong pres- Bank titled “Kazakhstan – Low Oil demand. In order to manage the Regarding the update’s projec- sure,” according to Juha Kahkonen, Prices; an Opportunity to Reform” pressure on the tenge the authori- tions, if oil prices start to recover deputy director of the IMF’s Middle forecasts a positive economic sce- ties together with tighter monetary to $57 in 2016 and $61 later, ex- East and Central Asia department. nario for the country in the coming policy have combined a modest fis- port earnings and domestic demand Kazakhstan’s currency was allowed years, despite external shocks and cal expansion. would gradually recover, allowing to weaken by 19 percent in Febru- lowered demand domestically. The World Bank welcomed growth to reach 2.8 percent in 2016 ary 2014, and has since been fight- Kazakhstan’s gross domestic two economic support packages and 3.9 percent in 2017. It has been ing pressure to devalue again as the product growth slowed from 6 per- launched in 2014, which have been predicted that oil production will Russian rouble’s value has fallen. cent per year in 2013 to 4.3 percent mitigated by simultaneous budget remain almost flat until the end of National Bank Chairman (Gover- in 2014 due to weak demand from cuts in other areas. The 2015 na- 2017, when the offshore Kashagan nor) Kairat Kelimbetov said that the China and Russia, main trade part- tional budget was cut by $3.3 bil- oil field is expected to come on line tenge corridor is adequate for now, ners for Kazakhstan’s metals and lion, pared down by deferring non- and boost production. Moreover, but the country must move to a new metal products, and because of priority investment expenditures “the economic support programmes currency policy in the next 12-36 slackening domestic demand after ing the mandate of the Interdepart- more, the government is also expect- and delaying increases in public may stimulate GDP growth for 2016 months at an IMF conference in Al- the tenge was devalued in February mental Commission for Regulation ed to sell its interests in 32 smaller salaries until Jan. 1, 2016, the re- and onward; to avoid procyclical maty in May. 2014. During the second half 2014, and setting out obligations for the companies to strategic investors port informs. Notably, budget cuts fiscal expenditures, the authorities oil prices plummeted by about 50 systematic use of Regulatory Im- through auctions. Therefore, imple- were partially offset by $1.9 billion have committed to eliminate them Tengizchevroil (TCO), Kazakh- percent internationally, affecting not pact Assessments (RIAs) when new mentation of the plan and streamlin- in disbursements from the National if the economy is recovering well,” stan’s biggest oil company, in- only export and fiscal revenues but regulations are proposed. In addi- ing regulations consequently will Fund for the Nurly Zhol (Path to the the report pointed out. As a result, creased crude output by 4.4 percent also investor confidence in the Ka- tion, the Kazakh government is set- lead to improvement of the business Future) programme, a major gov- assuming non-oil revenues rise as year-on-year to 7.1 million tonnes zakh economy. ting up a system to prevent investor- environment of the country. ernmental infrastructure investment the economy starts to recover, the in the first quarter of this year, TCO The report predicts GDP growth government disputes by appointing Trade, transport, and real estate programme announced by President non-oil deficit is projected to decline General Director Tim Miller said on in 2015 will be as low as 1.5 percent, an investment Ombudsman. services were the main supports for Nazarbayev in his state-of-the-na- gradually from 10.8 percent of GDP June 1, as reported by Reuters. TCO the lowest since 2009. However, the Notably, the authorities are mov- economic growth in 2014. Notably, tion address in November 2014. in 2014 to 8.8 percent in 2017. is the developer of the giant Tengiz next year could see some recovery ing ahead with their ambitious agen- official unemployment declined The World Bank update claims, In terms of financial and mon- onshore oil and gas field. TCO plans with a growth of 2.8 percent, while da of regulatory and institutional from 5.2 percent of the total force assuming relatively stable external etary stability, in the medium term, to boost its annual output by 42 per- in 2017 the economy could expand reforms to diversify the economy in 2013 to 5.0 percent in 2014 due conditions in the near term, that the authorities intend to move to estab- cent, to 38 million tonnes, by 2021, at a more solid rate of 3.9 percent. and increase private sector partici- to job creation in the services sec- Nurly Zhol programme is expected lish inflation rate targeting and a the report said. Direct payments to To attract and retain investment, pation, including a plan for 2014-16 tors. Since 2006, a large share of the to have a positive effect on employ- more flexible exchange rate regime. the government of Kazakhstan for Kazakhstan’s authorities are estab- to privatise a portion of state-owned population has escaped poverty, and ment, though its impact on GDP Therefore, a more neutral monetary the first quarter of 2015 were $3 lishing systematic procedures to enterprises (SOEs), which was an- “further poverty reduction is expect- growth is likely to be marginal due policy stance in addition to a floating billion, Miller said, and since 1993, ensure the quality of both new and nounced by President Nursultan ed” according to the World Bank. to the budget cuts. exchange rate regime would more the company has paid $106.9 billion existing regulations, such as expand- Nazarbayev in April 2014. Further- There is no doubt that after the During the fiscal adjustment, the sustainably support growth. to the country. TCO is 50 percent owned by Chevron, with Exxon Mobil, KazMunayGas and Russia’s Lukarco holding minority shares.

According to official statistics, in Nazarbayev Addresses July-April of 2014-2015, Kazakh- Kapshagai Segment of Almaty–Taldykorgan stan exported 2.6 million tonnes of wheat, a decrease of 37 percent compared with the same period in Economic Challenges at AEF the previous season, The Financial Road to be Opened by Year’s End reports. Monthly shipment volumes Continued from Page A1 particularly that the centre would use English law and be independent mean the road’s thickness will The region has allocated more fi- of wheat fell by 19-52 percent com- By Dauletkhan Zhienkulov This affects the severity of natu- in terms of its judiciary, drew praise be increased using a multilayer nancing than anywhere else in the pared to last year. Since beginning ral disasters,” he said. Third is the from other panellists. technology that protects the road country: 48 billion tenge (US$258 of the season, Uzbekistan, Tajik- At the end of this year, the Ka- continued food shortage. Under the Finally the President spoke of the from mechanical wear and climate million) so far this year. istan and Kyrgyzstan have imported pshagai route from Almaty to pressures of population growth, ur- construction of new railways and lo- stress. The service life of cement According to experts, the Al- the most Kazakh wheat so far this banisation and increasing incomes, gistics facilities. Kazakhstan recently Taldykorgan will be opened to concrete structures is expected to maty–Ust-Kamenogorsk road, season, according to APK Inform. food production will need to double opened the Lianyungang logistics traffic. Full commissioning of the be 20-25 years without a major which includes the length of over the next 30 years, the President terminal port in the Yellow Sea, pro- road, which is about 260 kilome- overhaul, the representatives said. Taldykorgan, will play an impor- Lukoil and KazMunayGas have said. “And it will have to do at a time viding a direct route from Europe tres long, is planned by 2017, rep- Equally large-scale construction tant role in domestic and interna- signed a memorandum of under- when the Earth’s resources are being through Russia, Central Asia, the resentatives of the KazAvtoZhol is underway between Kapshagai tional transportation of goods and standing to expand cooperation depleted,” he noted. Asia-Pacific region, and vice versa national company announced at a and Taldykorgan, which is being passengers. It is part of the transit in exploration at unlicensed areas Kazakhstan’s government is al- by rail. During the first year of the press tour of the construction site worked on by Italian company corridor connecting Central Asian in Kazakhstan, Oil Voice reports. ready implementing some specific volume of cargo from China to Eu- of the motorway. Todini, Turkish company SineMi- countries with Russia. By the end President of Lukoil Vagit Alek- programmes that will help overcome rope rose by 80 percent. Meanwhile Earthworks are underway on the dasStroi and domestic enterprises of the year, 98 km of the route will perov visited Astana to attend the these challenges on a local and glob- the completed construction of the project, which is being operated Zholdary Taldykorgan and Kap- be put into operation. More than 28th Plenary Session of the For- al scale. According to the President, Zhezkazgan-Beineu railway created by the K-Dorstroi, Kazakhdorstroi shagai Mostootryad. Fresh asphalt 1,100 pieces of equipment, includ- eign Investors’ Council under the the recently adopted Nurly Zhol eco- a more direct connection for China and Naiza-Kurylys companies. has been laid on the 1B category ing placers, concrete mixing and President of Kazakhstan and met nomic stimulus programme, which through Kazakhstan to the Caspian The roadbed has been laid and road. The road will be a four lane, crushing and screening plants, with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan focuses on building infrastructure, seaports. bridges, overpasses, interchanges category 1B road; it will bypass dump trucks, graders, excavators Karim Massimov, executives from will achieve a number of significant “All these projects are aimed at and culvert channels have been the dangerous Arkharly pass and and bulldozers have been mobi- Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy results. By 2019, travel time between increasing the transit potential of built, company representatives several settlements. Given the ter- lised and 2,400 jobs have been cre- and KazMunayGas, the national oil major cities will be reduced by a both our country and the whole of announced. More than 90 percent rain, with its steep ascents and de- ated on the sites company of Kazakhstan. The par- third, and access to the neighbour- the Eurasian Economic Union,” said of the materials used come from scents, contractors had to conduct “The project has received the in- ties discussed Lukoil’s operations in ing countries will be easier, he said. the President. “This is the new Silk domestic production, they said. blasting. Now, drivers can see one dustry’s highly skilled engineers, Kazakhstan and signed the memo- Kazakhstan will form a unified en- Road. Forty countries have showed These include modern asphalt kilometre of the road ahead when who are building the road to Eu- randum following their meeting. ergy system to fully meet electricity an interest in free trade with the Eur- plants and metal constructions. they drive, which should signifi- ropean standards,” Alipov said, Lukoil has been operating in Ka- demand in the country. Doing all of asian Economic Union. But we must The road is being built according cantly reduce the accident rate. according to a press release. “The zakhstan since 1995 and currently this, the programme will create half a not stop there. I propose to create a to the 1A standard, and expanded Deputy Chairman of the Board highway passes through areas that has seven ongoing onshore produc- million new jobs, he said. new high-speed, multi-modal trans- to six lanes. Director of the Al- of KazAvtoZhol Ulan Alipov noted are home to nearly 400,000 peo- tion projects. Lukoil is the largest The President also said that deeper port route, the Eurasian transconti- maty regional branch of KazAv- that Kazakhstan is paying special ple. That is why this transit cor- Russian investor in Kazakhstan and reforms are needed for sustained nental corridor.” toZhol Batyr Dadamurzayev said attention to the development of in- ridor can be called a way of life.” since beginning operations in the growth and the transition of Kazakh- For the future, the president sug- the road’s quality is the same as frastructure. Under the Nurly Zhol Among other things, the Nur- country has invested more than $7 stan to the category of developed gested creating a permanent platform the Astana–Burabai motorway, economic stimulus programme, ly Zhol programme has a major billion into Kazakhstan’s economy. countries. He mentioned that five within the framework of the unified and will have a maximum allowed which emphasises infrastructure multiplier effect on related areas: areas of institutional reform were Eurasian space to discuss proposals speed of 140 kilometres per hour. development, construction and as- roadside service, transport and More than $5 billion has been in- his campaign manifesto in the recent for the future direction of the conti- They expect traffic on the Almaty– sembly work is planned to cover logistics centres. There is work to vested by the government into Ka- presidential election. nent, increasing integration between Kapshagai route to increase from 7,100 km of roads in the country equip modern campsites, shopping zakhstan’s agro-industrial complex “These are the improvement of all its members. “The Astana Eco- the current 18,000 cars per day to by 2020, and the National Fund of and entertainment areas, medical over the last four years, President of public administration and the rule nomic Forum could become such a 61,000 cards per day. Fares on the Kazakhstan and international fi- facilities, food service, service sta- Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev of law, promoting economic growth, platform,” suggested the President. toll road will be determined later, nancial institutions are to allocate tions, gas stations. This will give announced at the plenary session strengthening the Kazakh identity Chief Business Correspondent and he said. 2.3 trillion tenge (US$12.37 bil- an impetus to the development of of the Foreign Investor’s Coun- and, finally, improving the transpar- Talking Business presenter of the Checks are being done on each lion) for the work. tourism and small businesses, en- cil in Astana, BNews reports. The ency and accountability of the state. BBC, Linda Yueh, who moderated segment of the road, with differ- Among the projects in the Al- sure the growth of the economy, sector is becoming more profitable The implementation of these re- the session, presented the other pan- ent sections being controlled by maty region are roads connecting which, in turn, will contribute to and more important to the nation’s forms has already been adopted and ellists. Those included Xavier Bet- engineering supervision services. Almaty and Astana, Almaty and the successful resolution of the is- economy as a result, he said, par- a concrete action plan titled ‘Modern tel, prime minister of Luxembourg; The checks include tests on build- Ust-Kamenogorsk, Almaty and sues of employment, strengthening ticularly due to the Agribusiness State for All’ has been published.” Helen Clark, administrator of the ing materials. The new standards Khorgos and Usharal and Dostyk. the social sphere as a whole. 2020 state programme. Overall, The President also mentioned UN Development Programme; Ja- $16 billion will be invested into the that a country programme with the cob Frenkel, chairman of JP Morgan sector through the programme, the OECD has been signed as part of the Chase International and former gov- President said, in an effort to make reforms to be introduced, with the ernor of the Bank of Israel; Kenneth Kazakhstan’s agricultural produc- most advanced tools and standards Rogoff, professor at Harvard Uni- tion come closer to its “enormous of public administration in the most versity and former IMF chief econo- potential.” developed countries. mist; and Nouriel Roubini, chairman Nazarbayev also announced that of Roubini Global Economics and a Chairman of the Kazakhstan’s the Astana International Financial professor at New York University. Mazhilis (lower chamber of Par- Centre would be established on the Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of liament) Kabibulla Dzhakupov premises of the EXPO 2017 special- the Organisation for Economic Co- received Ambassador of Saudi ised exhibition. “We have held talks operation and Development, who Arabia to Kazakhstan Ghorom with representatives of the Dubai couldn’t attend the forum in person, bin Saeed Al Malhan to discuss [International Financial] Centre and sent a special video message. bilateral cooperation, particularly agreed that their experience will be Speaker after speaker were re- trade, economic and inter-parlia- completely transferred to Kazakh- turning to President Nazarbayev’s mentary cooperation development, stan. Thus, our focus will be based speech in their own remarks, com- BNews reports. The pharmaceuti- on [introducing] the principles of menting specifically on the Nurly cals, oil and gas sectors were iden- English law, a preferential tax regime Zhol programme and the proposal to tified as promising agricultural and an independent financial court. establish the AIFC. areas. Dzhakupov emphasised Ka- We are confident that the Astana fi- “If I understood the translation zakhstan’s favourable investment nancial centre will be the core of the correctly, the Astana financial centre climate and the country’s interest- financial infrastructure in Kazakh- would have English law at its basis. ed in attracting new technologies. stan, and in the future [will turn into] This and other conditions would There is great potential for eco- a financial hub of the whole Central mean this will be a game changer,” nomic cooperation between Saudi Asian region.” This announcement, Rogoff said in his remarks. The consctruction of the Almaty-Kapshagai road goes full steam ahead. Arabia and Kazakhstan, he said. A5 Business

Wednesday, june 10, 2015

BUSINESS news in brief Foreign Investors Council New Projects The Caspian lowland may contain 60 billion tonnes of hydrocarbon re- serves, Kazakh Minister of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik told the Mazhi- Focuses on Agro Sector Reflect Progress in lis (lower chamber) of Parliament on June 1, the Xinhua news agency reports. The estimate is based on studies carried out by leading ex- Investment, Development EBRD-Kazakh Ties perts, he said. The Kazakh-Russian By Michelle Witte of Reconstruction and Develop- (FAO)], to get the country fully Continued from Page A1 “I think if anything, [regional Eurasia exploration project has al- ment Suma Chakrabarti, who co- plugged in.” financial difficulties] have really ready begun and is generating in- ASTANA – The 28th session of chairs the council, addressed the However, he advised, to really They also represent a country speeded up what we’re doing,” said terest from oil and gas companies the Foreign Investors Council of plenary session saying that Ka- boost agriculture exports, much strategy tailored to what Kazakhstan EBRD Country Director Janet Heck- around the world, Shkolnik said. The Kazakhstan, focusing on the devel- zakhstan could play a key role in more needs to be done in storage, is trying to achieve, particularly in man in the June 4 interview. “It’s terms of diversifying and greening project will be implemented from opment of the country’s agricultur- global food security. transport and trading infrastructure. meant more of an urgency for reform its economy and improving quality 2015–2020 and is estimated to cost al sector, was held on June 4-5 in “Kazakhstan can play a greater Promoting industrial develop- and we’ve seen more of a focus from of life in the country. The municipal $500 million. A consortium has been the Kazakh capital and chaired by role in global food security if it cre- ment in Kazakhstan was also on everyone in Kazakhstan on the re- services loans are indicative of the formed to find potential investors for President of Kazakhstan Nursultan ates the right conditions for com- the agenda of this council session. form initiative, on the importance of EBRD’s thrust to improve services the project, he said. The project will Nazarbayev, who called on foreign panies to increase production. If In his remarks at the plenary ses- reform, the importance of bringing in the regions, Chakrabarti said. use innovative technologies for sub- investors to involve themselves in companies boost productivity, im- sion, Minister of Investment and more investment, both domestic and Delivering better public services, soil and super-deep wells drilling to Kazakh agribusiness and said that prove communication with interna- Development of Kazakhstan Asset foreign, into the country.” he said, is an important step toward The region has been quite badly hit a depth of 15 kilometres. Eighty per- despite economic challenges, his tional markets and build up infra- Issekeshev announced that Toyota doing more difficult institution re- by the downturn in the Russian econ- cent of Kazakhstan’s hydrocarbon country continues to be an attrac- structure, they can produce and sell plans to increase its presence in Ka- form – giving people results they omy, Chakrabarti noted, and while reserves are located in the Caspian tive investment. much more – especially now when zakhstan, and Coca-Cola, Heidel- can touch and use every day is an lending in Kazakhstan had already lowlands. “Despite the difficult external there is a gap in regional and inter- berg Cement and other companies important means of generating the increased due to the new partnership economic environment that we are national markets created by geopo- plan to increase production. The goodwill needed to carry on to more agreement, the EBRD has increased Romania and Kazakhstan want to observing now [and] geopolitical litical turmoil,” he said. Japanese car maker plans to expand difficult work. its lending to Central Asia in general. develop joint projects in energy, tour- challenges, Kazakhstan continues Kazakhstan has made great its presence in Kazakhstan’s market ism, transport, agriculture, research to show growth and attractiveness achievements in its agricultural through projects at the Khorgos- and education, the Romania Insider to investors,” Nazarbayev said at sector already, Chakrabarti added, Eastern Gate Special Economic Chakrabarti: “The critical situation in my reports. State Secretary at the Econ- the plenary session on June 4. “The particularly in wheat and flour ex- Zone on the border with China, as omy Ministry of Romania Bogdan choice [to discuss agribusiness de- ports. But in the context of the cur- well as make inroads in the food in- view is really the Russian economy, when Pandelic and Vice Minister of En- velopment] was not accidental. Ka- rent economic crisis and regional dustry, the minister announced. you talk about this region. ... Sometimes ergy of Kazakhstan Magzum Mirza- zakhstan is the ninth largest country turmoil, diversifying the economy, Issekeshev also discussed other galiyev met in Bucharest for the 11th in the world by area that has unique including in terms of ownership, industrial projects. “Kazakhstan in the West, people aren’t talking enough session of the Romanian-Kazakh agricultural resources,” he said. is key – and rebalancing the econ- is currently working on a cou- Intergovernmental Commission for Among the developments in omy of Kazakhstan is a shared ple of promising projects that are about that. We all know that the Russian Economic and Scientific Coopera- agriculture in Kazakhstan, Naz- goal under the Partnership for Re- part of the country’s ambitious economy is having difficulty, but we aren’t tion. Romanian exports to Kazakh- arbayev announced that the Philip Energising the Reform Process programme to upgrade domestic stan grew by 60 percent in 2014, to Morris Company had established signed between Kazakhstan and industrial sector. These include a talking about the knock-on, spillover impact $84.3 million. Kazakhstan’s exports an agribusiness centre in the Al- the EBRD in May 2014. full-cycle car manufacturing plant into Central Asia enough.” grew by more than 29 percent, to maty region for the study of drip “Change is necessary. New built together with Renault-Nissan more than $3 billion, but are mostly irrigation, greenhouse production, technologies, fresh capital and dy- Alliance and Avtovaz, a fertiliser The solar project, a groundbreak- “The critical situation in my view crude oil for the Rompetrol group, the use of fertilisers and other new namic entrepreneurs need to come manufacturing plant developed which is owned by KazMunayGas. ing Kazakh-British joint venture is really the Russian economy, when technologies. Projects like this to the sector,” Chakrabarti said. “A together with EuroChem, a new that will be co-financed by the you talk about this region,” Chakra- would always receive the support promising industry like agriculture plant for production of pipes built Kazakhstan plans to produce the Clean Technology Fund, follows the barti said. “Sometimes in the West, of the government of Kazakhstan, should be generating greater in- by Italy’s Tenaris, and more,” he AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline brands EBRD’s investment in a major wind people aren’t talking enough about he said. come for Kazakhstan and insuring said, according to Kazinform. He of K5 environmental class, cor- farm in Kazakhstan last year, and that. We all know that the Russian Nazarbayev also announced that it against oil price shocks.” also reported that he had been in responding to the Euro-5 standard will be one of many green energy economy is having difficulty, but we Kazakhstan’s three large agrar- “But there also needs to be a talks with foreign and local compa- by late 2015, Azer News reports. projects, Chakrabarti hopes. “We’re aren’t talking about the knock-on, ian universities would be merged strong domestic private sector to nies, including Tengizchevriol, the The announcement comes from pushing forward with the govern- spillover impact into Central Asia to create a unified agricultural re- really take Kazakh agriculture to Astana EXPO 2017 Company, Abu Kazakhstan’s Development Bank. ment on renewables generally and I enough, in my view.” The situation search and education centre to help global levels,” he stressed. “Do- Dhabi Plaza and others, about ex- The new gasoline will be produced think we’ll do a lot more on energy has currency implications, remit- develop applied science, train spe- mestic agribusiness companies panding their use of local content. in West Kazakhstan at the public- efficiency as well, going forward, tance implications, social and po- cialist and put into practice mod- need to reform from within to at- private Condensate company in “We will continue to work with through credit lines, et cetera.” litical implications, he noted. “This ern technologies. “We intend to at- tract international financing, in- Aksai, which will be modernised investors. We also plan to establish Since signing the Partnership for region does need Russia and the tract the best international partners cluding from the EBRD. These do- and upgraded in order to produce a chain of small and medium in- Reenergising the Reform Process Russian economy to do well. … So to create the centre in the next five the new forms of fuel. Condensate mestic companies need to become dustrial service companies around in Kazakhstan in May 2014, an ar- I hope, maybe, this will be a spur years,” the President said, accord- also plans to produce virgin gas oil more transparent, improve their big projects,” he said. rangement designed to boost reform to some of the reforms [the EBRD ing to BNews. “It will be a useful fractions, vacuum gas oil and tar, corporate governance and finan- The council also reviewed the and channel oil wealth into other office in Russia] is pushing,”- par according to Azer News. The pro- experience for the entire region cial management.” report on the implementation of sectors of the economy, annual in- ticularly in diversifying the Russian ject will cost about $200 million, and the post-Soviet space.” The EBRD is already working instructions from the last session vestment rose by about 80 percent, economy both sectorally and region- with 60 percent of the funding to be The President also cited offers on agricultural projects in Kazakh- and recommendations of council Chakrabarti said in his June 4 speech ally. supplied by Kazakhstan’s Develop- to launch high-quality beef pro- stan, including through credit lines working groups. to the Foreign Investors Council in The new Eurasian Economic Un- ment Bank over a six-year period, duction in the country and noted to agricultural companies. “Thanks Kazakhstan’s Foreign Investors’ Kazakhstan. “That’s a reflection of ion (EAEU) can, over the long term, and is intended to reduce fuel short- that the roads, railways and multi- to the government’s support, we are Council is an advisory body estab- the reform process going well here,” be a force for economic growth in ages in the country and eliminate modal transit projects underway about to launch a new programme lished in 1998 to promote direct he told The Astana Times earlier in the region, Chakrabarti said. “I think the dependence of the region on in the country (which include the called Advice to Agribusiness,” he dialogue between the government the day. the impact of a customs union or any imported fuel. The loan agreement Western Europe-Western China announced. “We are also working of Kazakhstan and foreign inves- The intensification of work within union of economies isn’t going to be was signed on June 2. highway project) would support together to improve global market tors to address key investment is- the country comes at a time of fi- immediate one way or another – I the development of Kazakhstan’s coordination in grain. Last year, the sues and improve the investment nancial turmoil in the region, with think it’s going to be a slow impact Kazakhstan is seeking around $3 agriculture in providing more government invited us to get Ka- climate of Kazakhstan. The coun- the crucial Russian economy hit by over time. Clearly, if you look at the billion in loans from China to build ways for the landlocked country to zakhstan connected to the Agricul- cil currently consists of more than sanctions as well as low prices of European economies, integration two new plants to increase copper export its products to existing mar- ture Market Information System, 30 presidents and chief executive oil, which serves as the backbone over time did help bring institutional and aluminium output, according kets and new markets in China, In- and we are working, in partnership officers of foreign companies and of many regional economies. The change and reform, but it wasn’t as if to the Business Recorder, citing an dia and the Middle East. with the [Food and Agricultural international organisations and EBRD issued lowered growth fore- [countries] transformed overnight. It interview by Kazakh Deputy Invest- President of the European Bank Organisation of the United Nations meets twice a year. casts for Central Asia just last month. took time.” ment and Development Minister Al- bert Rau with Reuters. Kazakhstan’s KAZ Minerals, one of the world’s entrepreneurs and women seeking major copper producers, announced employment in Kazakhstan are go- in March that it would team up with ing to see more opportunities,” she China’s Baiyin Nonferrous Metal Forum Empowers ‘Soft Power’ added. Group to build a new smelter, which Tavankul Karman, Yemeni lau- is expected to produce 300,000 reate of the 2011 Nobel Peace tonnes of cathode copper a year and Prize, made a passionate speech to cost $1 billion. Kazakhstan pro- of Female Entrepreneurs on the role of women in a male- duced 294,000 tonnes of copper last women’s special mission in the de- dominated society. Speaking of year. KAZ Minerals and its Chinese By Yelden Sarybay velopment of society. the situation before the revolu- partner are expected to complete “The President set a task to at- tion in Yemen that year, Karman forming their joint venture by the ASTANA – The International tract women to government and said that women were doubly op- end of the first half of this year, Rau Women’s Forum organised by the business. Every year the issues pressed: first by the ruler Ali Ab- said. “The construction of the plant Kazakh Association of Business they deal with are broadening,” dullah Saleh, who she felt feared will take a minimum of three years,” Women (ABW) was held May 21 she said. the power of women, and second he added. “Building this new copper as part of the Astana Economic Abdykalikova cited the figures by the men in their community. plant in Kazakhstan to process ore Forum. The session, titled “Nurly of the Global Competitiveness In- “When women were begging for from the Aktogai and Bozshakol de- Zhol – new opportunities,” includ- dex of 2014, where Kazakhstan is small things, people treated them posits is a priority project (with Chi- ed a business training workshop in 25th place in the share of work- like beggars. When the revolution na),” Rau said, according to Business and three-hour discussion divided ing women. was in full swing and women start- Recorder. into two parts with panellists and Helen Clark, Administrator of ed asserting their demands, that’s delegates. the United Nations Development when they were beginning to be The next Foreign Investor’s Coun- Speaking at the official open- Programme (UNDP), also spoke treated like people,” she said. cil of Kazakhstan will be dedicated ing of the forum, ABW Presi- as a member of the panel. She The second part of the discus- to the establishment of Astana’s dent Raushan Sarsembayeva ex- served three consecutive terms as sion session was moderated by plained that the title was dedicated Speakers at the International Women’s Forum organised by the Kazakh proposed financial centre. President Association of Business Women as part of the Astana Economic Forum on May 21. Prime Minister of New Zealand Zhanat Berdalina, a member of the Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakh- to Kazakh President Nursultan from 1999 to 2008. board of directors at Samruk Ka- stan suggested focusing on the soon- Nazarbayev’s development pro- the opportunity to be employed or employment. Countries with gen- “The issue of women’s leader- zyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and to-be-opened financial centre in the gramme. She acted as the modera- work for themselves more often der equality are more competi- ship is very close to my heart, hav- Baiterek Holding. next session, and noted that the new tor of the first part of the discus- choose the latter.” tive.” ing been prime minister and 27 The session was specifically international financial centre is going sion session. Active efforts in gender equality Sarsembayeva ended her speech years in the parliament. Delighted dedicated to the economic benefits to use infrastructure created for the “The Nurly Zhol programme allow for social stability, accord- with a statement that received to see a woman state secretary,” of gender equality in Central Asia EXPO 2017. Before the announce- is a roadmap to improving the ing to Sarsembayeva. resonance and ovations from the she said. and Afghanistan. Speakers includ- ment, the President had instructed the quality of life,” she said. “The “Meetings, sharing of experi- gathered audience. Speaking of the numbers of ed Lyazad Ibragimova from the government to use the experience of President’s address highlights the ence, motivating each other and “If soft power takes charge of women in decision-making bod- Damu Entrepreneurship Develop- Dubai in establishing the new finan- role of small and medium-sized raising standards increase wom- the silent revolution, we will reach ies, Clark cited the example of ment Fund, Executive Director of cial centre. At the Astana Economic enterprises and the support they en’s soft power,” said the head of the goal of becoming among the Rwanda, where 64 percent of the KazAgro Holding Liliya Musina, Forum last month, Nazarbayev said need. It’s no secret that SMEs AWB. “Harvard Professor Joseph 30 top competitive countries at an parliamentarians are women. They human rights ombudsman in Rus- the new centre in the Kazakh capital in Kazakhstan have a woman’s Nye calls soft power the spiritual even faster rate,” she said. raise issues that are important to sia’s Sverdlovskaya Oblast Tatya- would be independent, follow Eng- face. Every other entrepreneur is and cultural currencies of social The first panellist to speak was mothers and working women. na Merzlyakova, Israeli business lish law and use English as the lan- a woman. This can be called a si- actors. The President gives impor- Secretary of State Gulshara Ab- “With the Nurly Zhol pro- consultant Natasha Mazor, and guage of business conduct. lent revolution. Women who have tance to maternity and women’s dykalikova, who talked about gramme, I fully expect that women other officials. A6 EDITORIALS

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Growing International Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Religious Tensions Vital to Achieving a Green Economy, Reinforce Need for Astana Says Energy Minister 177.52 megawatts. However, the share of By Alevtina Donskikh renewable energy sources in generating is small. Today, 73.1 percent of facilities op- Religious Congress ASTANA – The Kazakh government erate on carbon and 18.3 percent on gas. between and within religions deliberately has announced its intention to move to a Hydroelectric power plants (excluding e live, for good or bad, in exaggerated and exploited to foster hatred. green economy, with a primary goal of small HPP) make up 8 percent; RES (in- an age of instant judgement. This is now threatening our safety, peace reducing carbon-emitting elements of its cluding small HPP) 0.6 percent. But whether an initiative has and stability across the world. gross domestic product. In 2014, power generation by RES been necessary or successful The sadness is that faith can be seen not That is a challenge for Kazakhstan given faciltiies amounted to 570 million kilo- Woften requires a significant amount of time as a positive but a negative influence on the country’s fossil-fuel-heavy economy, watt-hours. This is 40 million kilowatt- to assess in our complex, changing world. our societies. There is an urgent need to however, that effort demonstrates Kazakh- hours, or 7 percent more than in 2013. Time allows considered judgement to be reclaim religion from those who distort stan’s desire to meet international environ- The field of renewable energy continues to made on whether it still fits current needs its peaceful message and to counter those mental standards and develop renewable grow. The concept of transition of Kazakh- and whether that need has grown. who use it to divide communities and energy sources (RES). Kazakh Minister stan to a green economy predicts achiev- of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik recently dis- It is against these criteria that President countries. ing a 3 percent share of RES in the total cussed the status of that effort in an exclu- Nursultan Nazarbayev’s call early in This need explains why the appeal and energy production by 2020 and 10 percent sive interview. 2003 for an international forum to foster influence of the Congress of Leaders by 2030. What are the indicators and benchmarks Vladimir Shkolnik religious understanding and respect should of World and Traditional Religions has Until the end of 2020, it is planned to of the programme on reducing emissions? be judged. His appeal came against a grown so strongly. The fifth forum, tak- the economy (elimination of emissions put into operation up to 106 renewable en- Energy comes from the national bench- background of worsening religious ten- ing place this week in the specially built of CO2) is the transition to a low-carbon ergy facilities with a total installed capac- marks, which are designated [in Kazakh sions following Palace of Peace economy with the implementation of plans ity of 3,054.55 MW. The plan includes 34 the 9/11 terrorist President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Ka- on energy efficiency, reduction of green- wind farms, 41 hydropower plants, 28 SES and Harmony zakhstan 2050 Strategy]. The strategic ob- attack, the inter- There is a huge amount to in Astana, will house gas emissions and increases in clean and 3 bioelectric power stations. In 2015 national response jective for the transition to a low carbon energy. At the present time, the 15 largest alone, it is planned to put into operation 10 discuss in Astana this week. draw 112 del- economy is defined, as well as alternative against al-Qaida egations from countries that produce carbon have begun RES projects with a total installed capacity and the Taliban Under the overarching and renewable forms of energy. Reduction to develop strategies for decarbonisation. of 145 MW in the Akmola, Almaty, South 44 countries. of energy intensity of GDP by 2020 at least in Afghanistan Kazakhstan supports these initiatives. Kazakhstan, Zhambyl and Kyzylorda re- Among the to 25 percent is a strategic aim. By 2015, and, crucially, theme of the role of religion Specifically, I believe there is an urgent gions. distinguished this figure should be reduced by at least 10 just before need to develop a country strategy on de- Implementation of the planned measures in encouraging peace and figures attend- percent. The most important instrument military action in carbonisation of the economy along with will allow Kazakhstan to become one of ing will be for the implementation of these tasks is to Iraq. development, the congress will the large-scale introduction of low-carbon the leading countries in the development UN Secretary- regulate emissions of greenhouse gases at By the time the technologies. It is necessary to include of green energy. Let me remind you about General Ban the national level through quotas, monitor- first Congress of examine, for example, how to targets for improving energy efficiency, the upcoming mega-event for Kazakhstan Ki-Moon, King ing and reporting, selling emissions and Leaders of World maximum electrification, development of – Astana EXPO 2017. It will be held under build bridges between political Abdullah II of other carbon units. and Traditional Jordan, Presi- renewable energy, diversification of sourc- the slogan “Future Energy,” which once Religions was and religious leaders and es of energy to a possible shift from coal dent Sauli Ni- again underlines our focus on innovation held in Astana in How does the mechanism of distribu- to gas, wherever possible. Complex meas- inistö of Finland in the energy sector. September 2003, how to counter the dangerous tion of quotas for greenhouse gas emis- ures for decarbonisation of the economy as well as senior sions work? the need to pro- are needed to improve the environmental Recently, the head of state said that the appeal of extremism to younger leaders of all the The quota system and trade of green- mote understand- quality and sustainability of the national centre of Almaty should become pedestri- world’s great house gas emissions were introduced in ing between re- generations. economy. an. How do you see this task as a former religions. From our country in January 2013. According to ligions appeared Amongst the urgent conservation meas- Almaty resident scholar and energy-envi- relatively mod- the law, the users of natural resources are even more necessary. Inflammatory talk ures is the development, together with the ronmentalist? est beginnings, it is now a major event on prohibited to engage in activities without about a clash of civilisations had become producers of electricity, heat and other Questions on Almaty environmental the international calendar. obtaining quotas for greenhouse gas emis- all too common. It was no surprise that the large industrial companies the principles protection are extremely relevant. Today, There is a huge amount to discuss in sions. I mean the activities of companies delegations from the 13 countries who at- of a road map of transition to new emis- the number of private cars is three times Astana this week. Under the overarching in the sectors of oil and gas, energy, min- tended that first event agreed the congress sion standards, similar to European stand- higher than in 2000. Poor fuel quality and theme of the role of religion in encourag- ing, chemical industries, greenhouse gas must become a regular forum. ards. Modernisation and installation of low technological standards for exhaust ing peace and development, the congress emissions that exceed the equivalent of 20 Sadly, time has shown the importance gas and dust filters in the generation and gases lead to increased air pollution and will examine, for example, how to build tonnes of CO2 per year. of their decision. We now know that those industrial facilities located near big cit- significant risks to human health. In turn, bridges between political and religious In the National Plan of allocation of quo- who believed that those early years of ies and bringing performance to existing this has a negative impact on the national leaders and how to counter the dangerous tas for greenhouse gas emissions for 2014- the new century would be the height of emission standards in accordance with economy. appeal of extremism to younger genera- 2015, from a total of 166 plant operators, religious tensions have had their concerns the roadmap are also important. [And] if One of the available environmental al- tions. 60 represent activities in the energy field. proven right. In the 12 years since the first possible, conversion of existing coal-fired ternatives to gasoline may be the use of congress was held, religious divisions Underlying all these discussions is the In the current National Plan of allocation of power plants to gas and transfer of urban quotas for greenhouse gas emissions, grad- gas as motor fuel for cars. Its use signifi- and the consequences have worsened and congress’s central purpose from its earliest transport to compressed gas in major cities cantly reduces the total exhaust emissions spread to new parts of the world. days. Its primary goal has always been to ual transition to a more resource-efficient of Kazakhstan until 2020, depending on production of products is encouraged. – carbon monoxide CO, nitrogen dioxide In the Middle East, in parts of Africa help identify and underline the common the gas resources and decision-making on NO2, hydrocarbons CH. and Asia, we have seen how religious be- ground between our great religions and to subsidising gas prices. In the meantime, according to national liefs have been abused to justify barbarism provide a platform to enable and encour- Kazakhstan will take part in the UN The priority area of decarbonisation is de- Climate Summit. How is the preparation statistics, the country has 3,765,500 vehi- and drive conflict. Thousands have died age the widest possible dialogue to help velopment of the carbon trade. This is an ef- cles registered with petrol engines. More and millions have been forced to flee their shape solutions to global challenges. going? fective mechanism to stimulate actions to re- The problem of climate change is an than 70 percent of these registered cars homes. These same distortions have led in These solutions must include, of course, duce emissions, to attract green investments. have got environmental class Euro-2 and many other countries to terrorist outrages providing opportunities for people – and international threat. Kazakhstan official- For example, in 2013 the turnover of the Eu- ly announced its own intentions to take below. Yet on Jan. 1, 2014 environmental and growing prejudice and suspicions particularly young people – to improve ropean market of emission permits reached standard Euro-4 (reducing emissions by between those of different faiths and their lives. Poverty and hopelessness are voluntary, quantitative commitments to 120 billion euros. According to forecasts of reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now 40 percent compared with the standard of backgrounds. the fertile ground in which the extremists Bloomberg New Energy Finance, in 2016 we are engaged in the preparation of Ka- Euro-3) was introduced on the territory of It has not mattered that the differences sow their message of hate and division. the global carbon market will amount to 180 zakh delegation’s participation in the the republic. Within the framework of the between the great religions are far less A world in which respect and under- billion euros. Kazakhstan has significant po- global 21th Conference of Parties to the Customs Union, beginning Jan. 1, 2016 than what unites them. This common standing for the common values of our tential for carbon, which is necessary to use, UN Framework Convention on Climate standard Euro-5 will be valid. ground includes, of course, the decent, great faiths are strengthened is a world in accordance with international standards Change (UNFCCC) that will be held and generous, shared values that are the that is safer and better for us all. At a time of carbon finance. the 11th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyo- In your opinion, what stops environ- bedrock of our societies and our collective where no country is safe from violence mental problems from being solved? And to Protocol, which will be held from Nov. Recently, the ministry together with civilisation. and extremism, we all have good reason to what will ensure the success of the envi- 30 to Dec. 11 in Paris. The primary intent the Green Academy scientific and educa- Instead, we have seen the differences wish the congress well. ronmental prospects? of the forum is achieving consensus with tional centre held a roundtable devoted to The main barrier in addressing these is- 195 countries – parties of the UNFCCC the improvement of legislation in the field sues, in my opinion, is an isolated attitude on development and adoption of a new of a green economy. According to the re- global agreement. It is aimed at achieving sults, it was proposed to develop an action to ecology in the planning of production the stated objective to keep the tempera- plan of the government until 2020 in or- tasks and processes. Therefore, it is nec- ture rise to 2 degrees Celsius. That means der to reduce emissions. At what stage is essary to consider reducing the burden countries should have specific policies this work now? on nature caused by human activities to a and programmes to limit and reduce their Development of the document is in- sustainable level through sound policies, greenhouse gas emissions. cluded in the plan of priority actions of the intelligent technology and intelligent man- Kazakhstan is still in the process of de- government for 2015 with a term of its in- agement. fining its target. According to the roadmap troduction in July. The ministry developed Kazakhstan has already made the deci- defined by intended nationally determined draft amendments to some legislative acts sion to switch to a green course of eco- contributions (INDC) [which involves in- of Kazakhstan on the transition to a green nomic development. The concept of the tended programmes approved at a national economy, which take into account the rec- transition to a green economy is being level], we plan to bring the document to the ommendation to regulate greenhouse gas implemented. This is one of the impor- Council for a Green Economy, chaired by emissions. We are considering expanding tant tools for ensuring sustainable devel- Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov the horizons of the action plan up to 2030, opment of the country. The transition to a in September. After that, we will send it to in view of the goals at the global level. green economy will enable Kazakhstan to the UNFCCC Secretariat. We believe that achieve its goal to become one of the 30 the final decision of the Republic ofKa- As the head of Kazatomprom you sup- most-developed countries of the world. zakhstan on INDC under the new climate ported renewable energy. Have you not At the moment, the policy of system- agreement will be adopted, taking into ac- changed your attitude to it since becom- atic transition to a green economy is being count the outcome of the negotiating pro- ing minister of energy? formed, as well as the council under the cess that will take place in 2015. This area is still a priority for me. De- President of Kazakhstan. In general, all spite the fact that Kazakhstan [has] tra- these will provide a significant contribu- There is a lot of talk about decarboni- ditional fuels, there is a need to develop tion to the solution of environmental prob- sation of the national economies in the clean technologies and energy for reduc- lems. Three pillars of sustainable develop- world. What is its essence and what kind ing greenhouse gas emissions and other ment, such as environment, energy and of plan does Kazakhstan have? pollutants. The country has launched 43 economy should be considered in close Broadly defined, decarbonisation of RES facilities with a total capacity of synergy.

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Wednesday, june 10, 2015 The Time for Courage and Vision for Middle East Peace Is Now solution, but also to take credible estinian Liberation Organization’s lenges and the slow pace of recon- desired goal, both sides must make By Jeffrey Feltman steps to foster an environment commitments, which include the struction in Gaza exacerbate an difficult choices – to refuse to be conducive to a return to meaning- recognition of the right of the State already fragile security situation. swayed by extremist elements on The search for peace in the ful negotiations. This should, first of Israel to exist and the renuncia- Unemployment is massive, es- either side, to embrace cooperation Middle East is, once again, at a and foremost, include a freeze of tion of terrorism and violence. The timated by the World Bank at 43 rather than conflict, to realise that crossroads. Negotiations on the settlement activity. Recent settle- forming of the Palestinian Gov- per cent, and at 60 per cent among lasting peace depends on agree- two-state solution have stalled. ment announcements by Israeli ernment of National Consensus in Gaza’s youth. Public sector em- ing viable arrangements for coex- The region, meanwhile, is threat- authorities are, therefore, alarm- June of last year, opened the way ployees remain unpaid. The virtual istence that will allow for the full ened by violent confrontation and ing. Settlements are illegal under for unity at long last. This was closure of the border crossings sti- development of the peoples within extremism, potentially throwing international law and send the an important first step in what is fles trade and suffocates its people. the two states. the Palestinian-Israeli conflict wrong signal to the Palestinians likely to be a long and complicated Such realities feed frustration and We must turn back from the into greater turmoil. This difficult and the international community process. Almost one year later, the tension in a vicious cycle that un- cycle of violence and confronta- landscape for negotiation makes it about Israel’s intentions. Contin- consensus Government has yet to dermines the path to peace. tion before it’s too late. We at the even more important to continue ued security cooperation between assume full responsibility in Gaza, While the UN continues to play United Nations believe there is international efforts to help bring Palestinian and Israeli authorities including at border crossings. Both a key role in assisting people in still time for both sides to show about a settlement, especially as remains a cornerstone of a peace- sides, while calling for elections, need – including through UNRWA, the commitment and courage nec- we know the enormous human General stands ready to work with ful resolution. have been unwilling to take the po- for example, which provides assis- essary to chart a viable course to- costs of missed opportunities and all in order to encourage a return On the Palestinian side, unity is litical risks necessary to make pro- tance and protection in very diffi- wards a better future. That time is past failed peace initiatives. to negotiations, on the basis of an essential for the viability of any gress on the difficult issues at hand. cult circumstances for some 5 mil- now. In such difficult times, leader- agreed framework. He has also peace agreement. The United Na- The severity of extreme poverty lion registered Palestine refugees ship and vision are essential. A strongly urged the incoming Gov- tions has consistently supported and continuous conflict has placed – what is needed is a lasting solu- The author is United Nations new Israeli Government has now ernment not only to reaffirm Is- efforts towards Palestinian unity a massive toll on the people of tion to this long-standing conflict. Under Secretary-General for been formed. The UN Secretary- rael’s commitment to the two-state within the framework of the Pal- Gaza. Enormous financial chal- In order to achieve this long- Political Affairs.

working on credit lines to SMEs, including in agriculture. Thanks to support by the Kazakh govern- Helping Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Blossom ment, we are about to launch a new tors who were farmers or herders, Food and Agriculture Organisation New technologies, fresh capital programme, “Advice to Agribusi- By Sir Suma Chakrabarti and have an instinctive under- (FAO), to help governments create and dynamic entrepreneurs need to ness”. standing of the bonds that tie a conditions for companies to grow come to the sector. Last year, the government invit- One of the reasons I enjoy com- farmer to his land and to his live- more. Rebalancing the economy, al- ed us to get Kazakhstan connected ing to Kazakhstan is its hospital- stock. President Nazarbayev him- Kazakhstan can play a greater lowing private companies to play a to the Agriculture Market Informa- ity and especially the generous self comes from a family of agri- role by creating the right climate more active role, is our shared goal tion System, and we are working, and delicious meals. I have per- cultural workers and is, in his own for companies to increase pro- under the Strategic Partnership. I in partnership with the FAO, to get sonally enjoyed many examples words, “the son, the grandson and duction and exports – especially would like to stress the role of do- the country fully plugged in. of the local produce: from rice the great-grandson of cattle herd- now when there is a gap in the mestic companies here. We are also involved in large- grown in Kyzylorda to apples ers”. markets created by geopolitical Foreign investment is important scale transport infrastructure pro- from Almaty and of course bread Kazakhstan was the breadbasket turmoil. Agriculture is also key because it brings new technologies jects like roads and rail which are made of Kazakhstan’s high-qual- of the Soviet Union, but at a great for the economy of Kazakhstan and practices. necessary for any sector. ity wheat. price. The farmers’ bonds to their itself. But to realise the full potential of We financed part of the Western So I am especially pleased that land were all but destroyed. Kazakh agriculture, there needs to Europe-Western China corridor, this year’s Foreign Investor Coun- Today, it is time to return private be a strong domestic private sec- crucial for grain exports to China. cil meeting on June 4-5 is focusing transition and to help channel initiative, know-how and entre- Diversification tor. But to really boost agriculture on agriculture in Kazakhstan. some of the oil wealth into other preneurial spirit to agriculture in According to my Kazakh Companies need to reform exports, more needs to be done in We at the European Bank for sectors. Kazakhstan. This will allow the friends, Kazakhstan produces the from within to attract internation- storage, transport and trading in- Reconstruction and Development As a result, we increased our country to play a key role in global best hard wheat in the world, and al financing, including from the frastructure. (EBRD) are already increasing our annual investment in Kazakhstan food security and to diversify its experts confirm this. The country EBRD. They need to become more Agriculture can be very prom- economy. involvement in agriculture and we by about 80 per cent, to over $700 is one of the top 10 wheat export- transparent, improve their corpo- ising, but we at the EBRD also certainly want to do more to re- million last year, focusing on ar- ers and the second-largest wheat rate governance and financial man- know how challenging it is to re- form the sector and to increase its eas that directly improve people’s Food Security and Role flour exporter in the world. agement. And there simply needs form this particular sector in any role in the economy. lives, such as public utilities and The country achieved this while to be more of them. country. There are no easy recipes. Over the past year, we have transport. This brings our total fi- for Kazakhstan most agriculture remains con- But Kazakhstan has found ways to pursued an innovative model of nancing here to more than $7 bil- The simple truth is that the trolled by the state. So maybe turn other big challenges into suc- cooperation in Kazakhstan which lion. world needs more food. Food se- things are fine as they are? Already in the Field cesses. We are ready to be a com- makes me optimistic about taking We are now ready to deepen our curity and sustainable agriculture We know Kazakhstan’s answer The EBRD and Kazakhstan are mitted partner as Kazakhstan takes on new challenges. cooperation in agriculture. Our are at the heart of the global de- to this question: change is neces- already ploughing away in the sec- on this new task. Last May, the EBRD and the main message is that the private bate, in which the EBRD is active. sary. A promising industry like tor. Kazakh government signed an sector has to play a larger role. We launched our Private Sector for agriculture should be generating We provided financing to com- The author is President of the Enhanced Partnership Arrange- Many citizens of Kazakhstan Food Security initiative four years greater income for Kazakhstan and panies like Louis Dreyfus Com- European Bank for Reconstruc- ment to boost reform, re-energise heard family stories about ances- ago, in partnership with the UN’s insuring it against oil price shocks. modities and RG Brands. We are tion and Development. Dr. Eric Maskin: Diversification as Mechanism to Tackle Economic Crisis By Lyazzat Shatayeva the two pieces are equal from my in most cases. Can society be a of wealth for the country. Then it Kazakh economy. It seems to me point of view.” The first child is co-designer and if so, how does will have some insurance against that those steps have emerged out ASTANA – The Kazakh capital happy because he is getting half it become involved in designing fluctuations in oil prices. Coming of the discussions with experts and hosted another Astana Economic of the cake and the second child mechanisms? back to mechanism design, gov- advisors who have attended the Forum, drawing the world’s atten- will be happy because he gets to One way that society takes part ernments can encourage this diver- forum in the past. That’s one ex- tion and bringing together influen- choose his favourite piece and directly is through contract negoti- sification by giving incentives to ample of the benefit from previous tial speakers from Europe, Asia, that solves the problem. That’s a ations. You can think of a contract entrepreneurs who may be moving discussions. Africa and America. very simple example of mecha- as a mechanism for deciding how in other directions. The 2015 Astana Economic Fo- nism design, but it illustrates two people or maybe more than At this year’s forum, your rum, which completed its work the basic features of the subject, two people or two groups struc- Astana has just hosted the speech was on sustainable de- May 22, was attended by more than which is that you could attain a ture a transaction between them. eighth Astana Economic Forum. velopment and addressing the 3,000 delegates, including world’s goal, in this case fair division, If there is a company and a group Many locals believe the govern- problem of unskilled workers and leading politicians, international even though you as the mecha- of workers, they have to decide be- ment may be putting too much increasingly uneven wealth dis- experts in economics, Nobel lau- nism designer don’t have the tween them how long the workers focus on branding the country tribution. What are your recom- reates, heads of international or- necessary information yourself are going to be working each day, and overspending on PR. When mendations in this regard for Ka- ganisations, business executives, Eric Maskin for reaching that goal. what they’re going to be paid and do you think the country’s meas- zakhstan and other transitional media representatives and opin- under what circumstances their urable achievements and positive economies? ion leaders. The forum once again theory. Could you please, in short, On a bigger scale, on a scale of pay can be increased or reduced. trends in the economy will be the I talked about the problem, that provided a platform where guest explain what mechanism design a country and society, where can All of these decisions are typically tools for promotion of its image to this point the current globalisa- speakers exchanged knowledge is? mechanism design be applied? spelled out in a contract, so writ- tion has tended to favour workers and engaged in discussions on is- rather than large-scale promo- Mechanism design is the part It can be applied almost every- ing a contact is in itself an exer- tional events? who have skills, not necessarily sues far beyond economics-based very high-level skills, but at least of economics where we work where. For example, we’re riding cise in mechanism design which You need both. In the long-term, topics, encompassing the broader some skills, and has more or less backwards from the goals to try through the streets of Astana right is undertaken by the people them- you have to produce results, you spectrum of long-term tasks target- left out people without skills. to design a mechanism or a pro- now and Astana from time to time selves, the people involved in the can keep talking; but if you can’t ing sustainable development. This has aggravated inequality in cedure for achieving the goals. has traffic jams. One place where company. produce solid outcomes, after a Dr. Eric Maskin, Harvard Uni- many developing countries. What The example I like to give is di- mechanism design can be used is versity Professor of Economics, while no one is going to listen. At to do about it? Well, the problem viding a cake between two chil- to try to reduce traffic in the city. Kazakhstan’s economy depends the same time, I think it is reasona- was among the forum’s honoured dren. If you were a mother and is not going to go away by itself; guests and gave a speech on sus- There are different ways that you heavily on oil prices and Rus- ble for a government, for a country, you had two children and you the solution is to give low-skill or tainable development at a panel might attack this problem: you sia’s economy; with the two go- to hold large-scale events to get the wanted to divide the cake equal- no-skill workers some training so discussion. In 2007, Maskin re- might impose tolls on some roads, ing down, there is another crisis world’s attention. It’s not just the ly between them, the goal is to they can have opportunities, too. ceived the Nobel Prize for laying or you might decide that all cars looming over Kazakhstan. What matter of displaying your would- But this training is expensive, so make sure that each child thinks the foundations of mechanism de- driven in the city have to be reg- mechanisms, in your opinion, be accomplishments; it’s also a that they are not going to be able that his piece is bigger than the sign theory. During his visit to the istered, or you might require cars should be designed and put into way of getting some ideas from the to pay for it. The employers may capital, Maskin gave lectures on other. That’s a fair division. How to have transponders which keep place to make sure this does not outside about future directions. It’s not have the incentive to pay for the theory at Nazarbayev Univer- do you do that, because you don’t track of where the cars are in the happen again? seems to be that people here, peo- it because if you train me, I can sity and Kazakh Institute of Law, know how the children view the city and charge them accordingly, Oil, of course, has been a boom ple in the government, are open to then go to work for your competi- where he was titled the institute’s cake? It turns out there’s a simple or you might ban certain types of to the Kazakh economy, but re- outside ideas and will try to act on tor and then you’ve lost your in- Honorary Doctor. mechanism that solves that prob- cars from part of the city at certain lying on it almost exclusively is them. vestment. So employers may not On the last day of his visit, lem. You let one of the children times of the day or you might have risky. Economists say that when- have sufficient incentive to do Maskin sat down with The Astana divide the cake and the other some combination of all of these. ever we’re making an investment You’ve attended the Astana training. That leaves the govern- Times to talk about mechanism one gets to choose which piece Mechanism design gives you a set and the prospects are uncertain, Economic Forum a few times. ment or some third party to do the design theory and its application he takes for himself. That means of tools for deciding which com- the best strategy is to diversify Are you seeing any positive out- investments. One way this can in real life situations and share his that when the first child is cut- bination of those different policies and the same principle, I think, comes and benefits for the hosting be done is for the government to impressions on the forum. ting he has to think, “If I cut this will work best. applies here. What Kazakhstan re- country from the previous discus- subsidise job training by giving cake unequally, my brother will ally needs to do is to diversify its sions? a tax break to an employer who You have spent a great deal of take the bigger piece, so I’ll have I assume governments are economy so that it’s developing The President has just announced hires and trains low-skilled work- your career on mechanism design to try very hard to cut it so that the main mechanism designers alternatives to oil as the source a series of 100 steps to advance the ers. A8 eurasia&world

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Astana Hosts UN Media Seminar on Middle East Peace By Malika Orazgaliyeva some of the world’s most pressing the UN’s plan for journalist safety are facing in the new age of digital crises and is watching them closely. and issues of impunity, which was media. “This has become an over- ASTANA – The United Nations At the same time, the mood re- endorsed by the UN Chief Execu- lapping world of journalism, com- (UN) and the Ministry of Foreign garding the Palestinian situation is tive’s Board in April 2012. munications, and activism. Social Affairs (MFA) of Kazakhstan held changing, with growing recogni- This plan was written to create a media platforms have given voice the 23rd International Media Semi- tion of a Palestinian state among free and safe environment for jour- to many individuals who have the nar on Peace in the Middle East on European nations. nalists and media employees, both opportunity to break news in real May 26–27. “We believe this is a move in the in and out of conflict zones and pays time. Social media played a high- Participants exchanged views on right direction and we are working special attention to strengthening profile role in shaping political the ongoing conflicts in the Mid- for a peaceful end to this longstand- peace, democracy and development debates in the Arab Spring. Trust dle East, difficulties in covering the ing issue,” he said. worldwide. Its measures include, in social media as a news source Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the The two-day seminar featured among other things, the establish- is growing fast for the youth in the role of social media in news report- five panel discussions with journal- ment of a coordinated inter-agency Middle East. Should this trend con- ing. ists who had been on the frontlines mechanism to handle issues related tinue, social media may become a The annual seminar brought to- of political and social events im- to the safety of journalists as well more trustworthy source of news gether diplomats, senior UN offi- portant enough to change the tide as assisting countries in developing than television by next year.” cials, journalists, bloggers, activists, in favour of either war or peace. legislation and mechanisms favour- “While creative and social media film-makers, academics, experts Throughout, journalists spoke of able to freedom of expression and can lead to positive impact and in- and policymakers from around the their challenges in reporting on the information and supporting their fluence, these can be hijacked and world to discuss the evolving media UN Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information complex Palestinian experience efforts to implement existing inter- abused by extremists, such as the dynamics in the region. Professors Cristina Gallach (L) discusses future cooperation with Deputy Chair of the which is characterised by war amid national rules and principles. so-called Islamic State. Their brutal and students from Astana’s Naz- Mazhilis of the Paliament of Kazakhstan Dariga Nazarbayeva (R) as Kazakh During the seminar, the Oscar videos and messages were shared Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov looks on. regular and often severe restrictions arbayev University, the Gumilev on the media. At points, they de- nominated Palestinian drama film via social media and spread around Eurasian National University and tunity to review and examine key increased violence against the me- scribed how language and termi- Omar, directed by Hany Abu-Assad the world via digital and regular KAZGUU University also attended media dynamics as they relate to dia lately. She used the “barbaric” nology were instrumental in fram- was shown for the first time in Ka- news media. This is a gruesome re- the gathering. the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and executions of journalists in Syria, ing reader opinions. zakhstan. It was screened at a spe- minder of the power of social media The UN delegation was led the wider, ever-evolving situation as well as problems faced by re- The journalists, who had worked cial UN section at the 2013 Cannes and the need to control messages by Under Secretary General for in the Middle East,” Ban’s message porters in Iraq, the Gaza Strip and at the epicentre of the Israeli-Pales- Film Festival where it won the Ju- using these new channels,” he said. Communications and Public In- said. along the Palestinian-Israeli border tinian conflict, showed the audience ry’s Prize. The audience was very “Governments could substan- formation Cristina Gallach. At the “The UN system will spare no as examples. Even at home, jour- many photo and video reports that impressed with the film and gave it tially increase their efforts to en- opening ceremony, she delivered a effort in supporting the quest for nalists are at risk, as seen in the depict war, chaos, human blood, strong praise. gage with citizens through emerg- message from UN Secretary-Gen- peace. The occupation that started tragic shootings of staff at Charlie fire and bombings. “The power of images, illustra- ing social channels like Instagram, eral Ban Ki-moon. in 1967 must end. But this can only Hebdo in Paris. “Less and less people are taking tions, video and photography has Snapchat, and WhatsApp, as well “I am pleased to convey my happen through a negotiated solu- “Media revolutions have changed part in real journalism. Today, there been rapidly proliferating. A study as the more established channels. greetings to all those taking part in tion. I have repeatedly called on all our world,” she said, with events in are many commentators who had of news consumption in Egypt, For example, the UAE government this United Nations International parties to resume peace talks and the Middle East and Ukraine serv- never been inside of a war zone,” Saudi Arabia and the UAE found in 2014 launched a unified Insta- Media Seminar on Peace in the fulfil the aspirations of their peo- ing as examples of how social net- prominent Israeli broadcast jour- that 75 percent of those surveyed gram account promising behind- Middle East. I am grateful to the ple – the aspirations of Palestinians works influence societies. Terrorist nalist Itai Anghel said. said they are more likely to access the-scenes footage of government Government of the Republic of Ka- for an independent, sovereign and groups also organise their activities In talking about the risks jour- a news story if it is accompanied by work, including ‘on-the-spot in- zakhstan for hosting this event. For viable state and the aspirations of through Internet communities and nalists face while covering mili- video, 83 percent said it improves formation’ from Cabinet meetings. nearly a quarter of a century, this Israelis to live in a secure and safe social networks, transforming the tary action, representative of the their understanding of the story,” And I would like to express our annual Seminar has served as an state,” it continued. web into a weapon. UNESCO Division for Freedom Chairman of the Committee for intentions to utilise emerging social important opportunity to enhance In her welcoming speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of of Expression Saorla McCabe told International Information of Ka- media to engage with people in the dialogue and understanding be- Chair of the Mazhilis of the Palia- Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov noted that her organisation works to pro- zakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Af- Middle East and build closer cultur- tween Israelis and Palestinians. In ment of Kazakhstan Dariga Naz- that Kazakhstan understands that tect journalists in the Gaza Strip. fairs Roman Vassilenko said as he al ties with that region,” Vassilenko parallel, it has provided an oppor- arbayeva said that there has been the Middle East is experiencing In her presentation, she discussed explained the challenges all actors added. ICRC Seeks Increased Dialogue Sweden Marks Its National Day with Kazakhstan on KazAID, in Astana, Seeks to Boost Humanitarian Work Economic Ties with Kazakhstan struction, medical aid – and they With Kazakhstan an important re- eralism and we both are now run- By Michelle Witte have discussed with Kazakhstan gional power, she said, they hope By Dmitry Lee ning for the United Nations Secu- the possibility of joining forces to to open an ICRC headquarters in rity Council non-permanent seats ASTANA – As Kazakhstan de- do more in the conflict-torn region. Astana, to help facilitate dialogue ASTANA – Swedish compa- in 2017-2018. If both our countries velops as a regional player and es- “I think that we will propose a pro- and diplomatic contacts. “[The nies have nearly dominated the are successful, we will become tablishes its national development ject and this will perhaps be one of headquarters agreement] has been telecommunications market in partners. We compete in different aid agency as a donor, international the first projects proposed for Ka- signed, but we’re still waiting for Kazakhstan since the early 2000s. respective groups, so we are not development and aid organisations zAID. We’ll see what will happen. it to be ratified. We hope it will be Kcell, one of the top cell phone competing with each other. We do are keen to establish more strate- At least, we discussed it and we soon!” companies in the country and a take similar stances on the issues of gic partnerships and more dialogue got the request, and [were asked In the Kazakh capital for the subsidiary of the Swedish Telia- disarmament and non-proliferation with the country. Among these is to] submit a project, so we’ll see.” Astana Economic Forum on May Sonera, was established in Ka- of nuclear weapons. the International Committee of the There is also the potential to 21-22, Beerli brought a specific zakhstan in 1998. According to its Red Cross (ICRC). cooperate on projects in Africa, message to the development com- official web site data, as of Dec. Photo by Martina Huber Sweden marked National Day “We have good cooperation with Beerli said. “As we saw with the munity: in your eagerness to work 31, 2013 the company had 14.3 Christian Kamill on June 6 and with your efforts the government of Kazakhstan but [AEF] panel on Africa, that’s also with the private sector and use million of the 17 million subscrib- the infrastructure investments in this day was also marked in Ka- we are trying to get even more a declared interest of Kazakhstan, development aid to harness in- ers in the nation. Tele2, another the coming years. With the impor- zakhstan. Could you tell us how it structured dialogue,” ICRC Vice to invest and to be active in devel- vestment, don’t forget about the telecommunications provider tant role that the railways have for was celebrated here and how it’s President Christine Beerli told opment on the African continent.” world’s most vulnerable people, from Sweden, entered the market Kazakhstan with its vast expans- usually celebrated in Sweden? this newspaper on May 21. “We With the ICRC’s delegations who live in conflict zones that are in 2010 and has rapidly grown its es, we know that Swedish compa- On the sixth of June we cel- think that Kazakhstan is a regional around Africa, particularly in ar- not going to be attracting capital in subscriber database. The telecom- nies have the know-how and the ebrate the Swedish National Day, power with a lot of impact and we eas of violence and conflict, “We’d the near future. munications market, however, is techniques that we hope could be which is also known as the Day would like to have a real strategic be able to produce quite a lot of “The most vulnerable people not the only sector where Sweden of great use here. of the Swedish Flag. On this day, dialogue with the government on insight into situations in the field and the poorest 20 percent of peo- has interests. In an exclusive in- We are pleased whenever we we celebrate the election of King what is going on in the region, but – and that’s also what we were ple worldwide are living in situa- terview with The Astana Times, can to join the process of mod- Gustav Vasa in 1523 and on the also beyond.” discussing with the government of tions of conflict and situations of Swedish Ambassador Christian ernisation on the infrastructure The ICRC has an ongoing dia- Kazakhstan, that we could have a same date in 1809 the country violence,” Beerli said. And where Kamill discussed the current rela- of the country and there are other logue at the ministerial level, structured, strategic dialogue on adopted a new constitution, which tions between the two countries, areas as well besides the railway Beerli explained. “We are very these topics but also of course on these people are – in Yemen, Syria, served Sweden until 1975 when it spoke about prospects and shared sector. We see good prospects in pleased, also, to see the develop- more humanitarian diplomacy top- Somalia or South Sudan – there is was revised. On June 3, we held a his personal view of Kazakhstan. the healthcare sector that is also ment of this KazAID department ics.” no hope, at the moment, of attract- symphony concert jointly organ- a part of the social infrastructure. [KazAID is the working name of Earlier, Kazakh officials had ing investment or raising money ised with the State Philharmonic Could you describe in general In 2014, trade turnover amounted the country’s nascent official de- said the initial primary focus of the through taxation. “That’s where I of Astana; we also launched an to $120 million, where Swedish velopment programme]. We have country’s emerging official devel- think the public money has to go the bilateral relations between exhibition by Swedish artist Ly- exports to Kazakhstan constituted had exchanges on that topic with opment assistance system would first, because there will not be in- Sweden and Kazakhstan including udmila Christeseva the next day the Ministry of Foreign Affairs be on countries in Central Asia, vestment money there and there diplomacy, economy and trade? $80,771,476, while Kazakhstan’s at Kulanshi Art Gallery. It’s a con- before and we think this is a very such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will not be taxes there,” she said. The contacts between Sweden imports totalled $38 million; these temporary art exhibition focusing positive development and I think as well as Afghanistan, which are “Afterwards, we hope, these coun- and Kazakhstan have substantial- include engineering machinery on the notions of femininity and that we will be also in contact with willing and eager to accept such tries will come out of these very ly increased in the last few years and equipment, chemical prod- feminism. My country is consid- this agency.” assistance. difficult situations, and then devel- with the opening of embassies in ucts, metal products, cars, pumps, ered one of the most equal coun- The two organisations are al- Regarding their work in Central opment money, taxes and invest- both Stockholm and Astana. To centrifuges, compressors, appli- tries when it comes to equality ready considering how they might Asia, Beerli said she cannot pre- ment will click in and go further increase trade with Kazakhstan ances and different equipment for between men and women and the work together in the region and dict what will happen in the region, on.” and to promote investments are telecommunications. Besides tel- current exhibition explores these further afield. One of the first pos- but that her organisation is on the Then, of course, development priorities for Sweden. This spring, ecommunications, Sweden is also themes in a very interesting way. sibilities for a KazAID project ground and will go where there is and the private sector can work three important business del- represented in the mining sector might be in Ukraine, Beerli noted. need. The ICRC is in constant dia- together to help countries develop egations have visited Kazakhstan (Atlas Copco, Sandvik, SKF and Could you tell us about your “We heard before that the Kazakh logue with Central Asian countries their economies. But there should and on June 2-3 Swedish MFA’s other companies), power (ABB), impressions of Kazakhstan? government is interested in hav- in which they have operations, not be a dichotomy between hu- Director-General for Trade Eva healthcare (Diaverum) and trans- My family and I consider our- ing a proposition from our side on such as Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, manitarian and development aid, Walder paid a visit to Almaty and port (Scania and Volvo). In total, selves fortunate to be able to live how they could channel help into and on a more strategic and dip- Beerli repeated. “We should not Astana. During this successful there are over 20 Swedish com- in Kazakhstan in the period of big Ukraine.” lomatic level with countries like think of it as a competition. They visit, Sweden joined the charter of panies operating in Kazakhstan; progress, which is easily notice- The ICRC operation in Ukraine Kazakhstan and Russia, she noted. should work hand in hand, because the Green Bridge Partnership Pro- most of them are based in Almaty. able. It’s a pleasure to work in is one of their biggest at the mo- “What we can do is say where where you have the biggest need gramme; the event was highlight- this country. We also have the in- ment, she said. “And the situation we see needs, because our work in these conflict areas you have to ed by a signing ceremony and the In your opinion, what are some tention to see as much as possible in Ukraine is still very difficult, is extremely needs-based and we strengthen the resilience of peo- National Day of Sweden concert of the parallels between Sweden of the different regions. Together with a lot of internally displaced try to be there when needs are the ple. Only afterwards can develop- celebration in the capital. Walder and Kazakhstan? with my family, so far I have vis- people, with a lot of refugees … greatest and where people are the ment come in and … build on the was joined by a business delega- Just like Kazakhstan, Sweden is ited southern Kazakhstan includ- with a lot of destruction after the most vulnerable. And we will try ground, together with humanitari- tion focusing on the railway sec- very active in the sphere of nuclear ing Taraz, Shymkent, Zharkent fighting. The nation is in a really to make proposals when we think an aid. I think there we will have to tor, which is one of the key areas non-proliferation; this is something and Khorgos. We enjoy visiting dire situation.” there is a big need in the region, we discuss much more with develop- that we have identified. We, of we pretty much share. We both cultural events and concerts, mu- The ICRC is helping with water will try to submit a proposal and ment agencies and with donors, so course, note the policies outlined underline the importance of the seums and of course the pictur- supplies, sewage systems, recon- see what will happen,” Beerli said. they see there is a convergence.” by the Nurly Zhol programme and United Nations’ system of multilat- esque vistas of Kazakhstan. B Nation & Capital

Wednesday, june 10, 2015

COUNTRY SOCIETY Sports Roadmap 2020 Continues Historians Collect Documents Astana Pro Team Wins Giro d’Italia to Create Jobs in 2015 of Kazakh Khanate from Foreign B4 Archives B5 B7 Almaty, Astana Mark Int’l Olympic PM Massimov Leads Day as Bid Preparations Intensify Presentation of Almaty’s 2022 Bid By Aiman Turebekova tures Minister of Culture and Sport Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, Mayor ASTANA – Prime Minister of of Almaty Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Kazakhstan Karim Massimov led President of the National Olympic a high-level Kazakh delegation at Committee Temirkhan Dosmukham- the technical presentation of Al- betov, Vice Chairman of Almaty maty’s bid to host Winter Olympic 2022 Bid Andrey Kryukov, Sochi Games 2022 on June 9 in Laus- 2014 Olympic medalist Denis Ten anne, Switzerland. and the recently appointed IOC Ath- After an encouraging Evaluation letes Entourage Committee Member Report of the International Olym- and Chairwoman of the Olympic pic Committee (IOC) on June 1, Council of Asia Women and Sports which noted the relevance of the Commission Natalya Sipovich. bid’s slogan, “Keeping it Real” in In his three-minute speech, part all aspects of the Almaty plan, the of the 45 minute presentation, bid team headed to Lausanne to Massimov highlighted Kazakh present their technical file at the government’s firm support for IOC headquarters. Almaty’s bid, and said it was do- According to the staff of the Al- ing everything possible to support maty 2022 Bid Committee, Mas- it and to guarantee the success of simov, who is also the chairman of the Games. He expounded on past the bid committee, focused on the investment in facilities for winter economic aspects of the bid and ex- sports in the Almaty region includ- plained how Almaty’s bid would both ing those built for the 2011 Winter be economical and meet the require- Asian Games and those being built ments of the Olympic movement. for the Winter Universiade in 2017. The Kazakh delegation also fea- Continued on Page B7

Tens of thousands of residents took part in mass bike rides across the country to celebrate the International Olympic Day nationwide on May 23, as the deadline for a decision on the host of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games approaches. Kazakhstan is hopeful to win the Olympic bid. By Aiman Turebekova national ski jump complex, Almaty Olympics in 2022. Thousands of was delivered by Kazakh National participants finished their bike ride people passed through the streets of Olympic Committee Vice Presi- Kazakhstan, Int’l ASTANA – Tens of thousands of residents of Almaty, Astana, Oral at the central stadium, where vol- the city, thus confirming the com- dent Pavel Novikov. and other cities enthusiastically leyball, table tennis, arm wrestling mitment of people from Almaty city “Olympic Day is a perfect op- took part in bike rides and other and other activities were arranged, to a healthy lifestyle,” said Mayor portunity to attract young people to Partners Launch events May 23 to celebrate Inter- reported Kazinform news agency. Akhmetzhan Yessimov, who also a healthy lifestyle. Let’s keep these national Olympic Day and dem- “Today, we opened a bike ride handed awards to the most active wonderful traditions. Continue to onstrate support for Kazakhstan’s event in the framework of Interna- cyclists in various categories. explore and discover new sports, largest city’s bid to host the 2022 tional Olympic Day, which has a A message of greeting on behalf create, inspire, be active,” read the Sustainable Urban Winter Olympics. special significance for us since our of International Olympic Commit- IOC president’s statement. Starting from the Sunkar inter- city is bidding to host the [Winter] tee (IOC) President Thomas Bach Continued on Page B7 Development Project on May 26. “This is an instrument By Michelle Witte that was developed under the UN Framework Convention on Cli- Re-Building Reading Culture in ASTANA – The UN Develop- mate Change to help developing ment Programme and the Ka- countries develop more sustainable zakh government have launched a agendas. It is funded by a number Kazakhstan One Book Club at a Time five-year, $71.3 million project to of foundations, the largest being generate and support Nationally the Global Environmental Facility ature for two to three years. I want- keting, the science of happiness Astana also began as a more skills- Appropriate Mitigation Actions [GEF]. This particular project aims By Michelle Witte ed to change the situation and thus and other self-improvement ideas. oriented organisation, Kimanoff (NAMAs) for Low-carbon Urban at sustainable development in cit- was looking for fellow readers.” “[These] topics are not covered said. “For the first four months we Development in Kazakhstan. The ies,” Rakhimov said. ASTANA – Amid modern Ka- The reading and writing clubs in universities, they are not in the were reading motivational books: NAMAs are expected to encom- The NAMAs will address trans- zakhstan’s ubiquitous gadgets and popping up have different areas of programme,” he said, explaining ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napo- pass investments in infrastructure, port, energy supply, communal the increasingly slivered style of focus. The Enactus Reading Club why the group was founded. The leon Hill, ‘Never Eat Alone’ by capacity building, awareness rais- energy efficiency and waste man- communication everywhere, some in Almaty, founded two years ago ideas may be covered in a couple Keith Ferazzi. ... In February 2012 ing and technical assistance and re- agement in 15 cities around Ka- of the country’s urban residents are as an offshoot of the Enactus Club, of schools as part of MBA pro- we changed the format of the club duce Kazakhstan’s greenhouse gas zakhstan, Rakhimov said. The list taking the time to step out of the in- (“A community of student, aca- grammes, but not at the bachelor meetings and suggested other kinds (GHG) emissions by 15 percent is being devised by UNDP/GEF formation highway for a while and demic and business leaders com- level, he said. “So, there is a gap: of books to read together (classic, by 2020, a UNDP announcement Projects Coordinator Alexander read, at length, together. mitted to using ... entrepreneurial students get only academic back- biography, history and others).” about the project reads. Belyi, who is looking for cities that “The reason I decided to found a action to transform lives and shape ground in university halls, but not Astana’s weekly poetry club, on “The major idea is to help ur- are interested and that they have reading club is very simple,” said a better, more sustainable world.”) the other materials from business the other hand, is purely about art ban municipalities develop truly development plans in operation. Jeanne Kimanoff, who founded concentrates on skills-based books, books that they could apply to their and expression. Founded 11 years sustainable urban development “It was a surprise to us that some Astana’s Reading Together club in founder Azamat Utenov told The life and career. I want to change this, ago, the club meets on Saturdays to plans and to help them devise fis- towns don’t really have develop- 2011, on May 14. “I wanted to read Astana Times on April 30. They to decrease this gap by cultivating discuss literature and workshop the cal instruments that are going to more myself. At that time, I found started with topics like leadership, reading [business and other] books.” ment plans; they do not really think members’ poems. make these plans attractive to pri- that they might want to change an- myself not reading any sound liter- presentation and storytelling, mar- The Reading Together club in Continued on Page B3 vate investors,” explained Ras- ything,” Rakhimov noted. “So we sul Rakhimov, UNDP programme are targeting those that have both analyst and portfolio manager for desire and capacity.” the Energy and Environment Unit, Continued on Page B4

Kazakh Literature Needs English SUMMER STUDY + ACTIVITIES CAMPS→AMSTERDAM, MALTA & BOSTON AGE:5-19; JUNE 8-SEPTEMBER 5, Translations, Says PEN Club President VISA-SUPPORT↔TOPCLASSTUTORS.ORG→SMART CAMPS erary tradition, but English-lan- sy of Kazakhstan in Washington, Indeed, the success of the By Daniel Massow guage publishers do not typically D.C. on May 21. PEN’s “We the Kazakh People” come looking for it. Moreover, One of the selected authors is project lies in the assumption that Things to Watch & WASHINGTON – Bigeldy Gab- Gabdullin admits, the translation Mukagali Makatayev, a Kazakh English-language readers are not dullin, president of the PEN Club itself is a great challenge: the lyrical poet, writer and translator only interested in their own fa- Places to go of Kazakhstan, arrived in the Unit- natural rhythmic elegance and of the Soviet era. Often called “the vourite English authors, but are ed States recently with a special the unique expressiveness of the Kazakh Pushkin” of our times, also interested, or are capable Astana opera mission. He says he wants to open Kazakh language, the distinctive Makatayev had a tragic fate: He of becoming interested, in Ka- the heart and soul of the Kazakh ethnic ‘flavour’ as well as the his- was censored by the Communist zakh authors, such as the brilliant June 12 at 7 p.m. Romeo and Juliette, ballet people to the American reader torical context pose significant leadership, lost his job and was thinker Makatayev. June 14 at 7 p.m. Traviata, opera through literature. difficulty for a translator. But the expelled from the Writers’ Asso- It is certainly harder to market To achieve that, Kazakhstan’s PEN wants to use the hegemonic ciation of Kazakhstan. Unrecog- translated authors, but that is be- June 17 at 7 p.m. Swan Lake, ballet PEN Club has launched a series role English plays in international nised in his lifetime, he suffered cause readers lack a context for June 21 at 7 p.m. Gala ballet called “We the Kazakh People,” communication to make the cul- hardship and poverty and died sud- picking up an unfamiliar book in June 23 at 7 p.m. From Classical music to Jazz which envisions English transla- ture and ideas of Kazakh writers denly in the prime of his life. Only the first place. To market a trans- tion and publications of works by available to readers throughout a fraction of Makatayev’s poems lated book, Gabdullin says, their the most prominent Kazakh writ- the world. were published during his life- PEN Club will have to find ways to duman recreation centre ers. The series will include the The works by the selected au- time; the majority were published make the book relevant and invit- June 13 at 6 p.m. Kazakhstan Kid’s Fashion Show poems of Mukagali Makatayev, thors, and, by extension, all of the only after his death. Makatayev ing to readers in the West. Given “My Name is Kozha” by Berdibek Kazakh culture, offer an enormous was one of the first poets who bril- the enormous difficulty of the task, Sokpakbayev, “A Lonely Yurt” by number of intellectual and artis- liantly translated into Kazakh the Gabdullin and his partners try to Central park Smagul Yelyubayev, “The End of tic experiences, which will now world’s classic literature: “Leaves be creative in developing all sorts June 20 at 2 p.m. Tai Chi and Qigong session the Legend” by Abish Kekilbayev be available to English-language of Grass” by American poet Walt of strategies. One of them will be and “The Code of the Word” by readers, Gabdullin told an audi- Whitman, Shakespeare’s sonnets, reaching out to companies like Olzhas Suleimenov. ence of more than 100 people at a Dante’s “The Divine Comedy” and Amazon to have translations freely Kazakhs are proud of their lit- special event hosted by the Embas- many others. available online to read. B2 Nation&Capital people

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Almaty Honours Kazakh Historian Persecuted Under Stalin with Memorial Plaque 1953 was followed by a political and architect Shota Valikhanov. By Malika Orazgaliyeva “thaw” that allowed release of The horseman’s height is seven many of those unjustly persecuted, metres and that of his pedestal is On May 15 in Almaty, a memo- and thanks to this Bekmakhanov six metres, weighing a total of 10 rial plaque was dedicated to prom- regained his freedom in February tonnes. The monument was un- inent Kazakh historian Ermukhan 1954. The efforts of his friends veiled on May 10, 2001. Bekmakhanov, who would have and admirers both in Almaty and The monument’s symbolism turned 100 this year. Bekmakh- Moscow allowed him to return to also lies in a historical fact that anov was repressed under Stalin, an active academic life. in one of the notable successes of standing accused of “bourgeois Bekmakhanov’s other notable the insurgency, on 2 June 1838, nationalism” for his research on works include “Kazakhstan’s Inte- Kenessary’s forces captured the the last Kazakh Khan, Kenessary gration into Russia,” “Essays on the fortress of Akmolinsk, which was Kassymov, leader of the anti-im- History of Kazakhstan in the 19th founded by the Tsar’s army eight perialist uprising of 1837-1847. Century,” as well as textbooks for years prior to the event and which The memorial was installed on secondary schools. Bekmakhanov, gave the foundation for the town of the façade of the house where the the founder of the Chair of History Akmolinsk that is today’s Astana. well-known scholar worked and of Kazakhstan in the Kazakh Na- In 2013, the mass grave of Khan lived. tional University named after Al- Kenessary’s guards was discovered “He had a short but very mean- Farabi died in 1966 in Almaty. in the centre of Astana. According ingful life of only 50 years. I am Next month, a movie about Bek- to experts, this is a unique discov- still amazed by how in such a short makhanov called “Amanat” by ery of significant importance for period of time, he became a double prominent Director Satybaldy Nar- the history of Kazakhstan. Ph.D. in different fields. The dedi- ymbetov produced by Kazakhfilm According to Director of the cation of this plaque shows that our will be shown in cinemas across Institute of Contemporary Stud- country remembers and honours its the country. The historical drama ies at the Gumilev Eurasian heroes of all sorts. Today, we are depicts the life of the repressed National University, Mukhit- truly celebrating,” the scientist’s historian, who formed academic Ardager Sydyknazarov, a group son Sermukhan Bekmakhanov said. Participants in a ceremony to install the Ermukhan Bekmakhanov Memorial Plaque in Almaty on May 15. hypotheses about the largest anti- of researchers who were search- Deputy Akim (Mayor) of Al- Tsarist Kazakh uprising of the 19th ing for the remains of Kenessary maty Zauresh Amanzholova noted century led by Khan Kenessary. Khan’s soldiers near an old cem- that the plaque’s dedication is tak- Anna Pankratova, Bekmak hanov Bekmakhanov was born in 1915 study of Kazakhstan history is- The monument to Kenessary, etery near the Molodezhny micro ing place during the 550th anni- was released. Despite his difficult in Bayanaul, which is located in sues is needed” published in the which is a bronze horseman on a district, found a tombstone with an versary of the formation of the Ka- life, he reached great heights in the ​​Pavlodar region. One of his Soviet Communist Party’s official granite pedestal, is located on the Arabic inscription. zakh Khanate and Bekmakhanov the professional world. In order to major researches was a book titled newspaper Pravda. Following that, banks of the Yessil River in Astana. According to a rough transla- turning 100. commemorate this national figure “Kazakhstan in the 1820s-1840s.” a campaign was organised against Kenessary was the grandson of tion made by Sydyknazarov, the “In December 1952, he was and honour his memory, we are It was commended by prominent Bekmakhanov, with him being Abylai Khan and the last Kazakh tombstone was laid in 1838, in the sentenced to 25 years in a labour opening a memorial plaque in his Kazakh and Russian scholars af- stripped of his scientific titles and Khan. He fought for the country’s month of Radjab, during the holy camp for “anti-Soviet activities”. name,” Amanzholova said. ter its publication in Moscow in honours, fired from office, and independence and the freedom of days of abstinence. He reported In February 1954, with help from The event was attended by sci- 1948 but in December 1950 be- finally sentenced to 25 years of the Kazakh people all his life. The that there are about 250 warriors [prominent Russian specialist on entists, public figures, followers came a subject of harsh criticism exile in Siberia starting in Decem- creators of this monumental work resting in the grave, most of them Kazakh history] Academician and friends of the historian. in the article “Marxist-Leninist ber 1952. Stalin’s death in March of art are sculptor Nurlan Dalbai died rather young. Magzhan Sagimbayev Successfully Completes Bike the Earth Project travelers who inspired me every of the loneliness. I could spend with wide eyes and asked a lot of and it made me feel proud. I had to What else would you like to By Yelden Sarybay time with different stories from three or four days completely questions about my country. Often show many the map of the world to share with our readers? their crazy journeys. After all, alone, surrounded by nothing … I was told that I was the first per- point out Kazakhstan. The surprise Be inquisitive, open to every- More than a year after leaving if you’re not traveling, it’s as if It was cold and hot, I got stuck son from Kazakhstan in this or that knew no bounds when they saw thing new. Travel and make new Almaty, Magzhan Sagimbayev you’re reading only one page of in a sandstorm, in hail and snow. returned to the city’s Republic a book. To grow and develop, you Every day there were different place. Especially in small villages how big it is. friends. Do sports and be happy! Square May 16 where he started need to get out and see the world feelings. his 380-day, 22-country solo bicy- and make friends with people who cle tour. have other views and values. This How would you comment on the Sponsored by the Kazakh Geo- prompted me to travel. cycling culture in Kazakhstan? graphic Society and Limpopo Each year more and more peo- sports store, the 27-year-old resi- What role did the Kazakh Geo- ple in Kazakhstan get on bicycles. dent was the architect of the Bike graphic Society play in the pro- Over the past year I have received the Earth trip. His route wound ject? thousands of letters from through- through China, Australia, Cam- The Kazakh Geographic Soci- out Kazakhstan that read, “Thank bodia, Vietnam, Ecuador, Iran, ety played a crucial role in this you for the inspiration, Magzhan; Spain, France, Colombia, Tur- project, not only as a sponsor of thanks to you I bought a bike.” key, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, More and more Kazakhs are be- Serbia, Austria, Portugal, Thai- this trip but as a helper in differ- land, Laos, Malaysia, Hungary, ent situations. It was the perfect ginning not only to cycle but also Bulgaria, Georgia and Azerbai- collaboration, as I got to choose do other sports. The Amateur Tri- jan. In total, the cyclist visited the route and write my diary my- athlon Federation opened this year, 170 towns and more than 200 self. There wasn’t a format I had which I plan to join in the near fu- villages. to write in. I have written about ture. His journey, which began May different things, about my feel- 1, 2014, ended at the Kazakh ings about people, about many What needs to be done to de- Monument of Independence, things, even if it did not relate to velop it? where he was met with flowers geography. But the project was In order to develop a cycling and loud cheers from relatives, a success and I am very happy culture in Kazakhstan, first there friends and Almaty fans who about it! needs to be an infrastructure for it. followed his online journey di- Bike lanes should be built in cities ary. In an exclusive interview How would you describe your and in the future perhaps between for this newspaper, he shared feelings during the trip? them as well. The problem of smog his views on the journey and the My feelings were changing in many cities will disappear. benefits of travelling in such a every day. Mostly I had a smile way. on my face and was full of joy, What do people know about Ka- What made you set out on your but there were difficult mo- zakhstan? trip? ments when I was very tired. About Kazakhstan? Virtually It was curiosity for everything A couple of times I even cried, nothing! Every time I stayed with new. In Almaty, I met a lot of not because of the difficulty but host families, they looked at me

Magzhan Sagimbayev ends his 380-day, 22-country bike trip in Astana on May 16. B3 Nation&Capital Culture

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Kazakh Artists Create Display Space on Sidelines of Venice Biennale being brought up by my Kazakh By Michelle Witte family, born in Uzbekistan and liv- ing in Kyrgyzstan, I got uninten- ASTANA – To counter what tionally confused with my back- some believe to be an underrep- ground, and this inspired me to try resentation of Kazakh art inter- to work and use this rich Central nationally, the International Art Asian mix in my work.” Development Association (IADA) In addition to introducing the created an “Invisible Pavilion” en- world to Kazakh art, the biennale titled “Protagonists” on the side- was a chance to introduce Kazakh lines of the May 1-10 Venice Bi- artists to Venice, Baitassova said. ennale, where Kazakh and Central Most of the artists they invited Asian artists were able to exhibit were young, and only Shadenova their work and their culture. had taken part in the Venice Bien- “Since the independence of Ka- nale before, she said. “I think it’s zakhstan, we have never had our really important to feel the city of own pavilion,” explained one of Venice, which creates its special IADA’s founders, Dina Baitass- context, vibes and energy. It was ova. “It is quite a disappointing also very important to make this fact for a country that aims to be project at the opening of the bien- one the most developed countries nale because it’s a perfect chance globally, but it actually motivates to meet all the most important cu- young artists and art specialists to rators, artists and gallery owners change this,” she said. and generally to see what is pre- “Protagonists” was set up to sented at the international level of showcase young artists at work, as art. It was a kind of pilot project well as to hold workshops, discus- for preparing the future pavilion.” sions and presentations in the for- IADA expects Kazakhstan to mat of an artists’ studio. The Kazakh artists’ group performance on the sidelines of the Venice Biennale. have its own pavilion as soon as This is the second time the 2017 – they have been working to- IADA, a nonprofit organisation for visible, to become protagonists of experience. She stimulated artists bucket, [and] we took the water an individual vision while hop- ward that for two years, Baitassova promoting European and Central contemporary art.” to experience performance and from the canal and slowly spread ing to promote a broader regional said. “There is a real need for a de- Asian artists, has held a pavilion The concept of the invisible pushed them to think on who they out the water between us. Then understanding. “Protagonists” was veloping country to show that it has at the Venice Biennale. “This time pavilion was proposed by French are and what they wanted to show, we moved and started splashing designed to balance the lack of a achievements not only on the eco- we decided to bring seven cutting- art critic and curator Paul Ar- what they have to say in this spe- the water from the buckets into Kazakhstan or Central Asian Pa- nomic or agricultural level, but also edge young artists for workshops denne, Baitassova said. The pa- cific context,” Baitassova said. the ground – something you’ll see vilion this year, but individual art- in contemporary culture. There are around the idea of the ‘invisible vilion would give Kazakhstan’s Aza Shadenova, one of the art- Kazakh grandmothers do before ists were free to signify the region a lot of talented, strong artists in pavilion’ and ‘Protagonists,’ push- young, contemporary, but often ists featured in Kazakhstan’s in- sweeping their backyards. That or not, Baitassova said. the region that deserve to be rep- ing them to create in the context of unrecognised artists a place to be visible pavilion, said one of their was the group performance, which “It was never my priority to resented on such an international the given place and time,” Baitass- visible, even while outside of the goals was to find ways of making brought loads of attention as it in- show my ethnicity in my work up platform. I think that government ova said. “So actually, it wasn’t velvet rope. As for ‘Protagonists,’ themselves visible, and their in- teracted with the visitors that were until I moved to Europe, to Lon- should support this idea and con- presented in a form of a temporary that was suggested by French per- dividual and group performances walking to different pavilions. … don,” Shadenova said. “The thing tribute to this ambitious project.” show in a space but as a series of formance artist Sarah Trouche, supported this. It was a 20 minute action which is, I’ve found this new love for Artists included in the Invis- performances on San Erasmo Is- Baitassova said. “The idea of the performance made a contextual point for our my motherland from the distance, ible Pavilion of Kazakhstan this land, where the artists lived, and in Trouche has travelled to Ka- was to prepare the ground for our invisible Kazakh pavilion and which then affected my work as an year were Shadenova, Askhat the city of Venice during the open- zakhstan twice for IADA art resi- future Kazakh pavilion,” she said. brought the attention we needed.” artist. Before moving here, I was Akhmediyarov, Kamilla Gabdulli- ing of the biennale. They tried to dencies, and worked with Pro- “The artists got linked and con- There can be a burden in coming always concentrating in moving na, Syrlybek Bekbotayev, Ada Yu, be spontaneous, to act and to react tagonist’s exhibitors. “For some of nected to each other by the throat from a relatively unknown region, forward with European thinking, Assel Kadyrkhanova and Alpamys to a problem, to make themselves them it was their first performance with one rope. Each of us had a and a tension between presenting and putting aside my ethnicity. But Batyrov. Astana Event Celebrates Building Reading Culture Poetry of Rena Zhumanova One Book Club at a Time By Yelden Sarybay thing to say about the outside Tatars and Bashkirs of Kazakhstan Continued from Page B1 world, something to share with and Adebiportal.kz. The Russian Centre of Science her readers. Be yourself – this Zhumanova is a freelance journal- The group publishes its own lit- and Culture in Astana hosted a po- is the main credo of the author,” ist and poet whose literary work is erary magazine and says there are etry evening of Rena Zhumanova’s said Assistant Professor of Phi- always related to her main profes- plenty of options for print and on- work on May 25 to mark the launch lology at the Ualikhanov State sion. She is a graduate of the Kur- line publishing in Kazakhstan. But of her new book “Pin Cushion.” University in Kokshetau Natalia mangazy Kazakh National Conserv- finding readers of poetry? That’s The event included speeches by Loktionova. atory, a musicologist and a teacher another matter, laughed poet and other prominent poets and journal- Poet Anuar Omar said he was of Birzhan Sal Kokshetau College group member Boris Ipatov, 24, in ists as well as reviews of the work pleased by the fact those who un- of Music for nearly twenty years. an interview on April 29. “Maybe by the Kokshetau native. derstand and appreciate the lofty In 2012, Zhumanova was in- some people are interested in read- “If a person is talented, he is tal- ideas of poetry and art in general cluded on the shortlist of finalists ing such things, but I wouldn’t ented in everything. If the human had gathered together in the hall, for the annual Russian Poet of the say that there are many. ... Some soul is singing, it is expressed not calling them the creative intelli- Year award. Zhumanova’s works of them are just our friends, some only in music but also in poetry, gentsia of Astana and Kokshetau. have been published in regional of them are fond of poetry and are leaving an impression for life,” “Pin Cushion” is the first pub- print media, the Kokshetau literary interested in such literature. ... But Members of one of Astana’s poetry and literature clubs. said Deputy Head of Rossotrud- lished collection of poems by Zhu- and art magazine, St. Petersburg’s we can’t say that there are a lot of nichestvo in Kazakhstan Sergey manova. Some of the poems were “Fires Harbour” poetry almanac people in Kazakhstan who are fond attend their monthly meetings regu- wait for government to support the Zhuravlev, opening the event. turned into songs and performed and other publications. of poetry.” larly, Kimanoff said; 15-25 come culture of reading books. Any per- “I noticed fresh ideas in the by artists from Kokshetau. A work titled “Twenty Son- “When we write, we want people to Enactus’s meetings, according son who is concerned about it can poems of Rena Zhumanova, The presentation was organised nets to Shokan Ualikhanov” by to read us, but we don’t expect that to Utenov. But that hasn’t assuaged make a contribution by himself – by some interesting techniques, po- by the Friendship Centre of World Zhumanova attracts particular at- it will be really [a lot of] people. So Kimanoff’s worries about the state first of all reading a book, or simply etic discovery and inner irony. Women, with the support of Ros- tention and has received positive when people tell us or write us that of literature in the region. making a gift of a book to friends, Music flows through and fuses sotrudnichestvo in Kazakhstan, the reviews from the famous Kazakh they have read [our work] it is al- “In my opinion, literature is one parents, colleagues or anyone.” into her poetry. Rena has some- media centre of the Association of writer Bakhytzhan Kanapyanov. ways unexpected … and we feel re- of the indicators of the cultural de- And rather than losing literacy to ally cool,” said Narkes Orazbayeva, velopment of a society. Unfortu- technology, Utenov points out, Ka- 26, another member of the group. nately, nowadays, very few people zakh readers’ gadgets are bringing They meet because poetry is im- in Kazakhstan and in the rest of the them stories they might not have portant to them, Orazbayeva said. Commonwealth of Independent encountered before. “Thanks to The primary purpose is their own States read and talk about books. smartphones, people read more on Renowned British Composer Performs growth and self-expression. “But Even fewer people are interested their gadgets. Many people used to then, we do some evenings, we try in writing and publishing books,” read only when they went to beach, to do some projects … with these she lamented. (The most recent in- or laid on the sofa, or when they events, we want to say that poetry formation UNESCO has for books bought a book. But now you can Kazakh Pieces in Almaty, Astana is important itself, because in our published in Kazakhstan is from just click and download any book or and to learn about traditional Ka- best in combining Kazakh, Scottish opinion, in literature in general and 1996, when the country published audiobook, so you can listen in traf- By Julia Rutz zakh instruments. and contemporary music, without in poetry, there are all the experienc- 1,226 new titles. Kazakhstan’s Na- fic,” he said. The first outcome of these trips compromising original character,” es of people, relationships of people, tional State Book Chamber says Low-cost ebooks are also a digi- The Almaty Symphony Orches- was a performance of Jenkins’ com- Art Director of the Kazyna Choir and so on.” Accessing other peoples’ 5,033 new titles were published tal boon, he said. “I meet students tra, directed by well-known vir- positions with Kazakh melodies at Galymzhan Berekeshev said. experiences through literature is im- in 2013, the most recent year for very often – they can’t afford to buy tuoso violinist Marat Bisengaliev, Abai National Academic Theatre It was also said that Bisengaliev portant for everyone, she said – it which data was available). a book they would like for 2,000– recently performed Abai, Shaka- of Opera and Ballet on Nov. 12, expressed his willingness to coop- helps readers avoid mistakes. Neither Utenov nor Kimanoff 3,000 tenge (US$10.76–US$16.14), rim and Tlep by Karl Jenkins, a 2013 in Almaty. This premiere was erate with the choir not only dur- They’re not the only people in think literature and reading are sup- but they can find it online for free, British composer named one of the also accompanied by performances ing concerts, but also in the near Astana interested in poetry – there ported enough in Kazakhstan. And or at least cheaper.” most famous of modern times ac- from Seishin’s art ballet troupe, future in recording new tracks. The are seven other poetry clubs, the neither intends to wait for someone “I would really want to support cording to Classic FM Radio. The the Kazyna Choir and the Kazakh Kazakh violinist is famous for his members said, though many focus else to turn that around. In a country the reading culture of Kazakhstan’s performances took place in Astana singer Sitora Nazarova. progressive new ideas in music, on Kazakh language poetry. “It’s that is still awakening to the power citizens,” Kimanoff said. “I hope on May 10 and Almaty on May 13. The Almaty Symphony Orches- which he showcases in his perfor- kind of surprising,” Ipatov said. of civil society, these and other read- that the Astana reading club mo- Karl Jenkins, who is an honor- tra and Marat Bisengaliev recorded mances. His orchestra was the first “Before, I didn’t know that there ing clubs are a small part of a larger tivates its members to read and to ary member of the Royal Academy their debut CD in cooperation with in Kazakhstan to use LED instru- were so many poetry and litera- process of bringing art and culture read more. … The importance of of Music, the University of Car- Deutsche Grammophon records. ments and touch-screen displays ture clubs in Astana. I just thought into individual hands. literature is invaluable. A book can diff, the Royal Welsh College of The CD includes new works from instead of sheet music, making in- it was, like, a dead place for poets, “Look at www.ibookyou.kz – it is be your friend, your teacher, your Music and Drama, Trinity College Jenkins such as Abai and Shaka- the-dark performances possible. for literature and writers. It’s kind of a group of enthusiasts (not the gov- coach, your partner. Reading devel- Carmarthen and Swansea Univer- rim that were composed for folk Jenkins is not the only musician surprising that, yeah, there are a lot ernment) who created this website, ops your imagination and creativity. sity, gave new life to the melodies, and orchestral instruments as well that the Kazakh violinist has co- of such places and clubs and small with blogs, and last year they started Classic literature supports your cul- which nearly every Kazakh learns as for choirs. A year ago, the same operated with. It is expected that societies.” organising book exchange parties tural development. Historical books as a child. Before he started to programme was given at Carnegie Bisengaliev will present his joint The Reading Together club has in cafes,” Utenov offers. “I went to make you an educated person. Bi- work on his Kazakh projects, the Hall in New York City. projects with Kazakh composer grown over four years, starting from Almaty and there were many people ographies motivate and inspire you. British composer visited Kazakh- “We are very interested in being Sairambek Zhaksenbi, also known four people at their first meeting to at 10 a.m. on Sunday there to ex- Fantasy turns on your creativity. stan several times in order to dive part of Marat Bisengaliev’s pro- as Sairash and British composer now including more than 700 on the change books with each other. So, in There are so many ways literature into the world of nomadic music jects. I must say that Jenkins did his Nigel Hitchcock in the near future. group’s Facebook page. About 30 my opinion we shouldn’t expect and can enhance your life.” B4 Nation&Capital COUNTRY

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Supreme Court Revises Kazakhstan to Supply Requirements for Judges Housing for Orphans able housing for orphans has also it is expected that only 5 percent of By Julia Rutz been addressed in East Kazakh- them will receive new housing in stan. In 2011, then Regional Akim the next three years. One hundred apartments will (Governor) Berdibek Saparbayev “Three new [housing structures be purchased for orphans in the established a complex plan to with] 216 apartments each will be Almaty region. The decision was provide medical, educational and put into operation this year in Pav- made during the regular session social support for orphans of the lodar, but less that 20 percent of of the regional maslikhat (city region. One of the most important these apartments will be given to administration) on May 20, an- parts of the plan became a Mai- orphans. Only 42 children will be nounced the press service of the yrim charity auction, which pro- able to start living in a newly built Akim (Governor) of the Almaty vided opportunities for orphans to house. It is also not planned to start region. The administration has al- find apartments. During the past construction in 2016 and 2017 be- located 646 million tenge (US$3.5 four years, the auction has em- million) from the regional budget braced 1,861 orphans and 1,911 cause of the absence financial sup- to realise the project. charity organisations, which allo- port,” explained Mukanov. According to the head of the cated 211 million tenge (US$ 1.1 The highest number of apart- regional Department of Economy million) and 243 apartments to ments given to orphans in the and Budget Planning Nafisa Saty- support children in need. Pavlodar region was in the city baldina, the development of the According to Deputy Head of of Ekibastus (145). In Aksu and social sphere of the region remains the Pavlodar Regional Board of Pavlodar, orphans have received on top of the agenda for the next Education Sayan Mukanov 2,995 58 and 47 apartments respective- few years. children are now on the waiting ly. The Kichirsk district allocated The matter of providing afford- list to get an apartment, however, only 15 apartments for orphans.

The Supreme Court building in Astana. Roadmap 2020 Continues months of training including in- ies, noted Supreme Court Judge of By Yerbolat Uatkhanov terning in regional courts. the supervisory judicial division “The Supreme Court was per- on civil and administrative cases ASTANA – Requirements for suaded of requirements for spe- Nurzhan Kayipzhan, as reported judges were revised recently by the to Create Jobs in 2015 cialised training, which will make by Azattyq. By Julia Rutz Kazakh Supreme Court with due sufficient improvement of future Former Supreme Court Judge consideration of five institutional judges’ qualification possible. It is Utegen Ikhstanov agreed with The intermediate results of the reforms of President Nursultan necessary to develop separate state Kayipzhan’s statement that judges Road Map 2020 programme’s im- Nazarbayev. The new standards standards for training judge candi- must be examined, but noted it is plementation were announced dur- were sent to the National Mod- dates in order to improve the prac- necessary to think about the inde- ing a recent Central Communication ernisation Commission for further tical aspect of the training,” said pendence of Kazakh courts. He in- Service press conference in Astana, review. chairman of the supervisory board dicated district judges were elected including the funds allocated for The prerequisites of candi- on Supreme Court criminal cases by the people in Soviet times and various projects and job creation date training include a master’s Abai Rakhmetullin, according to suggested the importance of rein- projections. degree in law from the Institute the Azattyq radio website. stituting the practice. According to the Vice Minister of Justice, a Kazakh language The Supreme Court has offered “We need to provide real inde- test similar to the one used for to address the issue of professional pendence of the courts. They have of Health Care and Social Develop- A Corps civil servants and a valuation of judges’ activities once it under the Constitution, but it ment Daulet Argandykov, this year compulsory internship. Other every five years for those who isn’t developed in practice. Courts the government allocated 37 billion tenge (US$199.1 million) to support exams and psychological tests have less than 15 years of work have to be governed only by leg- Daulet Argandykov would need to be passed after the islation. Also, junior judges have the project. experience, he added. them will get permanent jobs,” said where every fourth citizen of work- practicum. A proposed one-year low salaries and very low retiring The government also plans to All the changes would provide the vice minister. ing age is unemployed,” said Argan- period in the courts when the in- proximity and openness of the pensions, which are several times repair 520 buildings in rural ar- lower than the low retiring pen- eas and continue the construction According to Argandykov, the un- dykov. Rakhmetullin: “The Supreme sions of police and public prosecu- of 30 health clinics in rural areas. employment rate in Kazakhstan fell Talking to journalists, the vice tion office employees. It is neces- These measures are expected to from 6.6 percent in 2008 to 5 percent minister noted that blue collar oc- Court was persuaded of requirements sary to think of this problem,” he create 4,000 new jobs. More than last year. During the same period, the cupations are particularly in demand said, as quoted by Azattyq. 10 billion tenge (US$53.8 million) number of economically active peo- on the market now. for specialised training, which will make Fourteen years ago judges in Ka- has also been allocated to provide ple increased by 500,000 and amount- “We are constantly monitoring the sufficient improvement of future judges’ zakhstan were selected as the result microcredit opportunities for self- ed to nine million citizens. The em- available working positions on the of a contest, which was considered employed and unemployed citizens. ployed population in the country market. We have also conducted a sur- qualification possible. It is necessary to to be “a public and multiple stage,” According to the vice minister, Road increased from 7.8 to 8.5 million. vey with a participation of about 5,000 according to Rakhmetullin. Today, Map 2020 also offers professional “For comparison, according to the employers to determine their need for develop separate state standards for training Kazakh judges are selected as the training programmes. European statistic agency Eurostat, labour forces. The most popular occu- judge candidates in order to improve the result of the qualification examina- “As part of government and in- the unemployment rate reached 11.3 pations are drivers, mechanics, weld- tion held by the Institute of Justice dustry programmes Nurly Zhol, percent in 2014. Of course, the data ers, tractor drivers. Particular shortage practical aspect of the training.” of the Academy of Public Admin- Business Road Map 2020 and the vary by country. For example, in of labour forces is observed in the field istration under the President. After Unified Programme on Regional Eastern Europe, the unemployment of agriculture and in the construction dividual would perform the du- courts and improve the quality the examinations, candidates are Development, more than 320,000 rate reached 18 percent, in Germany industry. These trends will continue ties of an assistant judge would of the defence of rights and legal considered by the Supreme Court citizens of Kazakhstan will be em- only 5 percent. Traditionally, the remaining over the next five-year pe- be followed by a second twelve interests of citizens and legal bod- board. ployed this year and about half of worst situation has been in Greece, riod,” concluded the vice minister. Kazakhstan, International Partners Launch Five-Year Project to Spur Sustainable Urban Development Continued from Page B1 small investors. The project is higher consumption level, and funded primarily by the govern- more GHG-intensive lifestyle Almaty is a priority city for ment of Kazakhstan, which has and infrastructure. With average the project, Rakhimov said. “Al- contributed nearly $31 million of per-capita emissions of around maty would be logical to continue the total funding so far, according 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per working in [because] we already to the UNDP. year, Kazakh urban settlements have a project on transport, and it They’ll also be working with are placed among the most GHG- makes sense to just scale up and other local and international intensive municipalities in the show that Almaty, despite being technical partners, Belyi pointed world,” the UNDP project an- [Kazakhstan’s] biggest city, can out. “We are working with com- nouncement said, versus seven also be the most advanced in sus- panies providing energy-saving tonnes per capita per year in tainable development.” Almaty’s equipment and technology, [but] Prague and 4.89 tonnes per capita money, capacity for implementa- we are not talking only about per year in Tokyo. “Main sourc- tion and status as Kazakhstan’s technical [purchases and instal- es of GHG emissions in Kazakh informal entrepreneurial capital, lation]. We pay great attention to cities are public and residential with the concurrent investors, the training of technical staff of buildings, transport and waste make it an appealing partner, domestic buildings and organi- management,” the UNDP said. Rakhimov said. The project has sations on using energy-saving The project, which was sup- also received a great deal of at- equipment. We also cooperate posed to launch last year but tention from South Kazakhstan, with non-commercial organisa- was delayed by the 2014 govern- he reported, and industrial North tions. … Training target groups ment reshuffle and then the April Kazakhstan also holds promising and promoting of low-carbon presidential election, will now potential partners. The final list of practices in city household is im- be included in the UNDP’s next cities will be completed by Octo- portant for us too.” five-year mandate to work in Ka- ber, he said. The project is driven partly by zakhstan, for 2016–2021, which After the cities are chosen, the need to address Kazakhstan’s addresses urbanisation issues. UNDP/GEF experts will work urbanisation. “As [Kazakh citi- “One of the key pillars of our with cities to define needs and zens] increasingly migrate from mandate of our activities is going A heating substation, an example of low-carbon urban municipal solutions supported by the UNDP/GEF. goals, Rakhimov said, while si- villages and smaller towns to the to be sustainable urbanisation,” multaneously looking for finan- largest cities … it is estimated Rakhimov said. “What we ex- about municipalities’ develop- communal infrastructure or urban for this particular one – it’s going cial instruments. The project has that by 2030 up to 66 percent pect from this particular project ment plans, [and that] within this transport are areas that might be to be a sort of a pilot.” drawn interest from the Eurasian of the population will be urban. is [that it will] provide us with a NAMA project we’re going to of particular interest for private The project is already up and run- Development Bank and the De- Urban settlements have a dispro- basis to operate in sustainable ur- test financial instruments with investors. And that’s going to ning, Rakhimov reports, and at the velopment Bank of Kazakhstan portionately larger impact on the banisation for the next five years, private investors. We will get an help us in implementing our own official inception meeting in the au- so far, he said, but they will be country’s GHG emissions than and when I say basis, I mean understanding of whether com- projects for the next five years. tumn, they expect to present detailed looking for a variety of large and rural populations because of their [that] we need more information munal housing, for example, or So we do have high expectations work plans for the 15 selected cities. B5 Nation&Capital SOCIETY

Wednesday, june 10, 2015

khans had a sophisticated chancel- lery of their own. The letters had the seal of Abylai Khan, indicating Historians Collect Documents of Kazakh authenticity. The conference also included a presentation of little-known pa- pers of traveller Henri Moser, now Khanate from Foreign Archives stored in a Swiss museum in Bern, Khanate to independent Kazakh- Kazakh steppe lived under Geng- which shed light on the develop- who visited the Kazakh steppes By Lyubov Artymovich stan is not only of particular rel- his Khan’s code of laws, as well as ment of the Kazakh Khanate. Cop- four times in the 1870s. He met evance in scientific terms, but also those left by Kassym Khan, Yes- ies of photographs and miniatures with sultans Zhanturin, Seidallin ASTANA – Issues of the for- has great social significance today. sim Khan and the Tauke Khan’s were found in foreign archives and Baimukhamedov and as a sign mation and genesis of the Kazakh The new reading of the history and Zheti Zhargy (Seven Laws) code. thanks to the “People in the stream of hospitality, they gave the travel- Khanate were reviewed May 22 evolution of the Kazakh Khanate In the Kazakh Khanate, religion of history” programme, which was ler many decorative items from the during the international scientific- will facilitate deeper understand- did not interfere in politics. Khan initiated two years ago by Presi- yurt. A photo of those gifts is still practical conference “From the ing of the history by the younger did not hamper in the affairs of dent Nursultan Nazarbayev. kept in the Bern museum. Kazakh Khanate to independent generation and the formation of the mullahs, or the judge, the mul- “The manuscripts and other doc- In the British library, Kazakh Kazakhstan” hosted by the Naz- historical consciousness in modern lah did not interfere in the affairs uments we found illustrate that the researchers found 16 thumbnails arbayev Centre. society,” said conference modera- of the Khan or Bi and everybody Kazakh Khanate of the 15th-18th from the Kazakh Khanate era which The symposium was attended tor Professor Burkitbai Ayagan. minded his own business. There centuries was a state with a defined were part of Tavarih-i Guzida-i by members of Parliament, dip- Mazhilis Deputy Kamal Burkh- was a delimitation of authority. It territory and established ethnic Nusrat-namé, the prominent his- lomatic corps, officials, analysts anov, a known historian himself, is important today, too,” he said. composition. The term ‘Kazakh’ torical manuscript on Central Asian and scholars, including members noted the Kazakh Khanate had Burkhanov added Kazakh wom- had not only a political meaning history from the 16th century. of the Assembly of the People of many interesting aspects in its po- en never wore the hijab. but also an ethnic one. Along with Meruert Abusseitova The conference was accompanied Kazakhstan, in addition to repre- litical, social and religious systems “Islam came to us with a book, the progress of political and trade by an exhibition of books dedicated sentatives from Russia, Ukraine, which could be relevant in modern not with a sword, so the Kazakhs relations, its diplomatic relations to the Chinese emperor, a most to the Kazakh Khanate and artist Uzbekistan, Turkey and Italy. The society. today ought to live by their own were evolving, too,” Abusseitova valuable gift for the nomads and Rakhimzhan Kassymzhan’s exhibi- event was organised by the Foun- “The Sharia rules were not ap- customs and traditions,” he con- argued. rulers of different countries. The tion of black-and-white drawings dation of the First President of Ka- plied in the Kazakh Khanate. None cluded. She showed a copy of a unique drawing was created by a Chinese entitled “Nomads of Eurasia.” zakhstan and the Institute of His- of the Kazakh Bi [a leader of clan Professor of the Almaty-based picture, the original of which is court painter of Italian origin. tory of the State, with additional who also served as judge] used Suleimenov Institute of Oriental kept in a museum in France. It Correspondence between Aby- This article first appeared support from the Nur Otan Party. the stoning practice against his Studies Meruert Abusseitova pro- depicts the moment of diplomatic lai Khan, the prominent 18th cen- in the Liter newspaper and is “Insight into the historical path fellow countrymen and never cut vided valuable copies of archival protocol: the ambassadors of the tury Kazakh ruler, and the Chinese translated and reprinted with of the nation from the Kazakh off someone’s hands and feet. The documents, unique historical finds Kazakh Khanate brought a horse emperor suggests that the Kazakh permission. National Council for Combating Conference Remembers Victims Corruption Reviews Progress, of 20th Century Oppression It is estimated that 14 million not happen again. From the past, By Michelle Witte people moved through the Gulag we should learn a lesson,” said labour camps from 1929–1953, Professor Yesim Garifolla of Asta- Discusses New Approaches ASTANA – A conference in and some 5 million people were na’s Gumilev Eurasian National corruption prevention laws, are be- National Public Council, due to memory of the victims of 20th sent to Kazakhstan over the years University, an institution named By Farida Akhmetova ing expanded. certain organisational deficiencies century repression and starvation of repression, Kazinform reported. after Lev Gumilev, who himself At the meeting, the participants in the programme, its effectiveness in Kazakhstan was held on May According to the akimat, 100,000 spent time in the Gulag. 31, Kazakhstan’s Day of Remem- A May 20 meeting of the Nur also summarised the efforts taken has been compromised. Serious people were sentenced in Ka- One of Kazakhstan’s first acts brance of Victims of Political Re- Otan Party’s National Public between 2011 and 2015 in com- improvements in corruption levels zakhstan between 1921-1954 and as an independent country was pression and Hunger, in the capi- Council for Combating Corrup- bating corruption. A performance around the country have not yet 25,000 executed. Among those to move to rehabilitate victims of tal’s Palace of Independence. tion, chaired by Member of the analysis revealed that after the been achieved. imprisoned were well-known Ka- political repression through a law Mazhilis (lower house of Parlia- “The purpose of such a confer- adoption of this document, a se- According to the National Pub- zakh cultural figures and politi- passed in 1993. Since a presiden- ment) Kairbek Suleimenov, was ence is to understand the lessons of ries of organisational and practi- lic Council, the greatest number of cians, including writers and social tial decree on the holiday was convened to coordinate anticor- the history of political repression corruption offences between 2011 activists Shakarim Kudayberdy- passed in 1997, May 31 has hon- ruption efforts between state and cal measures aimed at improving and famine in Kazakhstan from re- and 2013 were committed in the uly, Beimbet Maylin, Myrzhakyp oured those who were lost through non-government entities between the efficiency of anti-corruption liable sources, to pay tribute to the akimats (local administrations) Dulatov, Saken Seifullin, Sanjar 2015 and 2025. Five institutional programmes, legislation, public victims of the totalitarian system oppression and famine. and their divisions. The Ministry Asfendiyarov and Ilyas Dzhansu- reforms proposed by the head of awareness and policy were imple- and to promote unity among the Victims of political repression of Internal Affairs took a dubi- gurov; educator and intellectual also receive financial compensa- state were also covered. mented. However, only five of the ethnic groups living in Kazakh- Akhmet Baitursynov; politicians ous second place and the Ministry tion. The Strategy 2050 website Draft bills titled On Combating programme’s 10 indicators were stan,” said Astana Deputy Akim and intellectuals Turar Ryskulov of Agriculture was third. A large reports that between 2003-2014, Corruption, On Public Control and achieved. (Mayor) Yermek Amanshayev in and Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpayev; On Access to Information were As time goes on, the population number of offences occur in the his opening remarks at the event, one-time cash payments total- tax and customs authorities, the and many others. discussed at the meeting. Current- is becoming more and more aware according to the akimat website. In the 1930s and 1940s, entire ling 2.9 billion tenge (US$15.6 Ministry of Defence and Border ly, the bills, which are designed of the laws surrounding corruption The 20th century was a diffi- nations and ethnic groups were million) were made to victims of Patrol. Regionally speaking, South to radically change Kazakhstan’s matters. However, according to the cult period for the Kazakh people, deported to Kazakhstan, includ- repression, and 1.8 million tenge Kazakhstan, Zhambyl and Almaty Amanshayev said; a time of hun- ing Koreans, Kurds, Iranians and (US$9,680) has been allocated lead in corruption, as well as the ger, war and repression. Kazakh- others, and during World War II, from the 2015 national budget for East Kazakhstan region, Astana stan was the site of some of the Germans, Greeks, Chechens and this purpose. Retired or disabled and Almaty (city). biggest labour camps of the Soviet Ingush people, among others, were victims of repression also receive Speaking at the meeting, Chair- Gulag system and contained 953 also displaced, in numbers esti- additional state support. The num- man of the Agency for Civil Ser- camps and settlements. Within a mated to exceed one million peo- ber of recipients as of May 1 this vice Affairs and Anti-Corruption, few dozen kilometres of the city ple. year was 35,793 people, according Kairat Kozhamzharov outlined is the former women’s camp, “The Communist regime reck- to Strategy2050.kz. new approaches towards prevent- ALZHIR, which is an acronym for lessly … led a relentless, vulgar Other events in the capital to ing corruption, which are outlined Akmola Camps of Wives of Trai- policy, and as a result more than 3 commemorate victims were held in the Action Plan for 2015-2017. tors of the Motherland. Within a million people of Kazakhstan were at the Alzhir camp museum and They focus on strategy. few hours are the remains of larger lost. Such pain and tragedy do not at Nazarbayev University. Events As a result of the dialogue, a camps, such as Karlag in Karagan- go away. We need to talk about it were also held in cities around the resolution aimed at improving the da and many others. now, so that such a tragedy does country. fight against corruption was adopt- ed and a number of specific recom- mendations were given to various ministries, the Agency for Civil Service Affairs and Anti-Corrup- Kairbek Suleimenov (c) convenes a meeting to coordinate anticorruption efforts. tion and the akimats. 11 Transplants Conducted this Year As Doctors Urge New App Allows Viewers Learn Societal Change The National Coordinating Cen- donors are living relatives of pa- Kazakh Language on Smart.tv By Shynar Ospanova tre for Transplantation of Organs tients who need an urgent trans- The Soyle.kz app made its de- app called Balasoyle.kz designed and its regional centres and offices plant. In turn, the cadaveric dona- By Ainur Kuramyssova but in December 2014. The de- for children of preschool age. Four heart transplant operations in Astana and Almaty have been tion is not as highly developed in velopment cost 20 million tenge “It has fairy-tale cartoons in have been conducted in Kazakh- established to ensure coordination the country and for this reason, a A mobile application for the (US$107,625). More than 20,000 the Kazakh language, games and stan this year,said Director Gener- of the country’s transplant servic- large number of healthy organs study of the Kazakh language people have become regular users exercises. The site is available al of the National Scientific Medi- es, noted Baigenzhin. The country that could save many lives get developed by Soyle.kz has been of the service and 350,000 more without registration. About 3,000- cal Centre Abai Baigenzhin at the has 37 donor hospitals and nine buried, he said. adapted for Smart.tv televisions, have expressed interest in the por- 4,000 children are currently using First Congress of the Turkic World transplant centres licensed to con- “We need to talk about that according to a May 20 announce- tal. the app,” said the director of the Transplantation Society held May duct transplantations. openly again and again, because ment by Director of the State Lan- In addition, there is a functioning fund. 20-22 in Astana. The country has also created a there is no other way to change guage Development Fund Azat “According to the official data unified electronic register of do- the situation. Every minute a per- Shaueev. for 2014, 138 people in Kazakh- nors and recipients which auto- son dies because of the absence of “From today, anyone who wants stan need a heart transplantation mates the process of creating the needed organs for transplantation. to learn the Kazakh language can every year, about 250-300 need list of those who are awaiting the On the other hand, every minute do so on Smart.tv televisions for liver transplants, 1,384 people new operation. The website www.trans- people die on the roads or because free. We have created all necessary kidneys, 37 patients are awaiting plant.kz also provides information of household injuries and their conditions for this,” said Shaueev a new pancreas and five people about donation and transplantation bodies go into the ground. Our ob- at a Central Communications Ser- new lungs. At the same time, since procedures and allows patients to jective is to connect these two is- vice briefing. 2012 Kazakhstan has performed consult with medical profession- sues in order to help people who “In order to improve the learning 445 kidney transplantations, 76 als. need help and who can be saved,” portal, we have enhanced the test- liver and 21 heart transplant opera- According to famous Kazakh said Pya. ing programme, added the option tions. Eleven of such transplanta- heart surgeon Yury Pya, the coun- The doctor also spoke about an to view errors and correct answers, tions have been done during the try is experiencing a shortage of upcoming, complex heart-lung op- linked authorisation through social past four months of the current donor organs, as society is not eration that he will conduct for the networks, developed an online chat year,” he said during his speech at ready to accept the practice of first time in his professional prac- platform and a library,” he said. the congress. voluntary organ donations. Most tice. B6 Nation&Capital Tourism

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Almaty Dolphinarium Launches Mexico to Open with Charity Show Embassy in ture and Recreation, according to tainment shows, the dolphinarium the new dolphinarium has six ani- By Dmitry Lee Staragin. will hold scientific shows that will mals and mammals: a Pacific bot- “It will be a permanent, year- recount in detail the secrets of mar- tlenose dolphin named Nicole; two Approximately 700 children at- Kazakhstan in 2015 round, large and beautiful build- itime wildlife and night shows in- Black Sea bottlenose dolphins: tended the grand opening of the ing that will meet all maintenance volving different artists and diving Kate and Yumi; two South Ameri- “Abdykalykova thanked the am- new Almaty dolphinairum on standards [for mammals]. Within sessions, including a dolphin thera- can fur seals Anfisa and Vasilisa; Staff Report bassadors of Mexico, Venezuela, May 12 that was accompanied by [the next] six months we will py programme for the treatment of and a sea lion named Zlata. All of Congo and North Korea for support a charity show, Tengrinews.kz re- move there. Now, the building autistic children and children with them were transported to Almaty Mexico plans to open its embassy of Astana to host EXPO 2017, as ported, citing Vitaly Staragin, pub- is being prepared. ... We employ infantile cerebral paralysis (ICP). from Odessa, Ukraine. in Kazakhstan this year, according well as the ambassadors of Mexico, lic relations and marketing director highly-qualified specialists and “When we move into a station- As previously reported by Ten- to a May 20 announcement during Venezuela, El Salvador and North of the dolphinarium chain Nemo. use modern equipment. The wa- ary facility, we will bring a beluga grinews.kz, the dolphinarium in the presentation of credentials to Korea for support of Kazakhstan’s The facility is currently located ter is cleaner than in the sea, and dolphin. From time to time, we the Central Park of Culture and Secretary of State of Kazakhstan candidacy as a non-permanent in the vicinity of the Almaty-1 the content is ideal [for the mam- will bring new fish and mammals, Recreation is expected to be 1,000 Gulshara Abdykalykova by the non- member of the UN Security Coun- train station but will soon be relo- mals],” said Staragin. and it will be a surprise for our au- square metres with a 750 seating resident ambassadors extraordinary cil for 2017-2018,” the Akorda cated to the Central Park of Cul- In addition to the facility’s enter- dience,” Staragin said. Currently, capacity. and plenipotentiary of Mexico, Ven- statement on the event read. ezuela, Congo, the Democratic Peo- ple’s Republic of Korea, Sudan and El Salvador in Kazakhstan. Mexico is the During the meeting with Ambas- second largest sador of Mexico Marta Elena Bár- cena, the secretary of state stressed trading partner that Mexico is the second largest trading partner of Kazakhstan in of Kazakhstan Latin America after Brazil. Trade in Latin America turnover between the two coun- tries in 2014 totalled $120.8 mil- after Brazil. Trade lion. She expressed confidence that turnover between the establishment of direct diplo- matic relations in connection with the two countries in the planned 2015 opening of the Mexican embassy in Kazakhstan 2014 totalled $120.8 will deepen bilateral political and million. economic, as well as social and hu- manitarian relations. Kazakhstan The sides noted the deep mutual has opened its diplomatic presence interest in expanding contacts on in Mexico City last year but it has a wide range of issues, including yet to appoint its ambassador there. cooperation in the financial sec- As Abdykalykova stressed, in tor, the oil and gas sector and the the context of globalisation, the mining industry, food production, development of cooperation in alternative energy and others. political, economic, commercial, The secretary of state expressed scientific, cultural and other areas the hope that the activities of the meets the national interests of both ambassadors of these countries countries. In this regard, the level will contribute to continuing coop- of cooperation contributes to the eration between their countries and level of diplomatic success. Kazakhstan. ‘Good Life’ Food Festival Organised by Ritz-Carlton Brings Together Int’l Chefs Bay will throw a real confection- By Dmitry Lee ery show titled Chocolate Truffle, and will talk about the delights and Almaty residents had a rare enjoyable culinary experience of chance to try various international the chocolate and desserts. Camp- cuisines, and took part in master bell will also hold a ‘Pink After- classes and simply enjoyed good noon Tea’ ceremony with sweets. company at The Ritz Carlton, Chef Meloche has been cooking Almaty on May 20-24, as the re- for the hotel chain for over 10 years nowned chefs of the hotel chain and currently heads the restaurants have gathered in Kazakhstan’s at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. The largest city for the Good Life Food chain offers a wide selection of au- Festival, the hotel’s press release thentic dishes from the Middle East stated. inspired by the special culture of “We are glad to have the Ritz- the Bedouins. Meloche will cook a Carlton cooks in Almaty. For us it four-dish specialty dinner for true means a lot to be able to talk about connoisseurs of haute cuisine. the world’s culinary trends within Chief Ferraioli from Bahrain the walls of the hotel, to develop is a student of the holder of two a culture of haute cuisine, to sur- Michelin stars Oliver Glowig spe- prise our guests and to share new cialising in Italian cuisine. He will knowledge [with them],” said Joe hold a master class ‘The Story of Ghayad, general manager at the Risotto’ where he will shed light Ritz-Carlton, Almaty. on peculiarities of preparing one The distinguished invited chefs of the most popular dishes in Italy. of the festival included Jan-Oliver The ending note of the festival Henschel from The Ritz-Carlton, will be a gala dinner and a Sunday Berlin; David Campbell, virtuoso brunch in a company of all the in- pastry chef from Sanya, Yalong vited chefs. Bay, China; Erik Meloche, a chef The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Compa- from Dubai; and a cook from Bah- ny LLC, Chevy Chase, Md., cur- rain Alfonso Ferraioli. rently has 83 hotels in America, The Ritz-Carlton Berlin is fa- Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa mous for its Brasserie Desbrosses and the Caribbean. More than 30 and chef Henschel, the inspirer and hotels and projects are at the stage leader of the Brasserie will unveil of development worldwide. The some of the cooking secrets of the Ritz-Carlton is the only company Desbrosses. Henschel will also host in the service sector to receive a master class for the visitors on the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige how to prepare for a real banquet. National Quality Award twice The virtuoso pastry chef from in 1992 and 1999, according to The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, Yalong www.ritzcarlton.com.

Ritz Carlton chefs at the Good Life Food Festival in Almaty on May 20-24. B7 Nation&Capital Sports

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Astana Pro Team Wins Giro d’Italia Kazakh-Australian By Dmitry Lee General Manager and London 2012 Olympic Champion Alek- The Astana Pro team won the sander Vinokourov said after the team category of the May 9-31 race. Women’s Doubles Giro d’Italia in Italy after two of On June 6, Giro d’Italia stage the Astana Pro Team racers fin- winners Aru, Landa and Tiralongo ished the 21-stage-race second jointly with their teammate An- and third securing the win for the drew Seitz and General Manager Team Reaches French Astana Pro team. Vinokourov met with fans in Asta- Thirty-seven-year-old Italian na, Kazakh TV reported. Paolo Tiralongo won stage nine, “It is my first time in Kazakh- his compatriot Fabio Aru, 24, won Open Final, Loses in stan. I was in Milan before. I visit- the 19th and the 20th stages, while ed EXPO 2015 and the Kazakh pa- Spaniard Mikel Landa, 25, surpris- vilion. It was amazing, of course. ingly won mountainous stages 15 I will try to learn more about Ka- and 16. All three ride for Astana Three Set Match zakhstan and will come here more Pro Team. frequently,” Landa said. Spanish Alberto Contador, 32, “This is my third time in Kazakh- of the Russian Tinkoff-Saxo team stan and every time I come here, I finished first. It was the second win feel happy. I am happy to see the at Giro d’Italia for the Spaniard in faces of the fans who support us. In his career. His first victory was cel- Astana Pro Team riders meet with their fans in Astana on June 6. Now their the future, I will try to show better ebrated as part of the Astana crew focus is on Tour de France on July 4-26. results,” Aru commented. in 2008. The Astana team is now focus- “We did not give up without a our history that we have won five thought that he could help; my re- ing its training on the July 4-26 fight; this has never happened in stages. Landa took two stages, we gards to Fabio,” Astana Pro Team Tour de France. PM Massimov Leads Presentation of Almaty’s 2022 Olympic Games Bid Continued from Page B1 also commented, “We are on the Universiade. Almaty is a safe choice with the Associated Press reporting final stretch of this exciting race. in terms of venues and infrastructure. that the team has impressed IOC “Kazakhstan has been pursu- The successful visit of the Evalua- We feel like a team in the hockey fi- members with its focus on specifics ing our Olympic dream for many tion Commission in February was nal of the Olympics now, fully con- such as snowy winters and relative years, in fact this is our second bid accompanied by incredible win- centrated, motivated and very much affordability of the games concept. (L-R) Dellacqua, Shvedova at the Roland Garros doubles final on June 7. for the Winter Games,” said Presi- ter weather and lots of fresh, pure looking forward to present our won- According to media reports, the dent Nursultan Nazarbayev ahead snow. We worked hard to improve derful city and the nature surround- Chinese delegation presenting Bei- By Dmitry Lee “[Reaching the] Final of [Ro- of the event as quoted in a press the concept based on the recom- ing it to the IOC membership.” jing’s bid later during the day was land Garros] is also a good result! release by the Almaty 2022 Bid mendations we received from In turn, Sipovich, who is also a led by Vice Premier Liu Yandong The Kazakh-Aussie duo of Ya- Thanks to [Casey Dellacqua] for Committee. He added, “We have Chairman Zhukov and his great member of the Almaty 2022 Bid who attended the event in Lausanne roslava Shvedova and Casey Dell- great weeks. We will get it next invested heavily in winter sport for team and reduced our operational Committee, said, “Kazakhstan is as part of her European tour. acqua, ranked fifth in the world for time and thanks to our team and the past fifteen years to increase budget by over half a billion dollars a sporting nation committed to the Massimov, during his two-day doubles by the Women’s Tennis [everyone] who support us and our venue capacity and our hosting to improve our already excellent ideals of the Olympic Movement. stay in Lausanne on June 9-10, was Association (WTA), reached the believe in us!” Shvedova wrote experience. … Almaty 2022 rep- plan. And this plan is what we will We applaud the Agenda 2020 initia- also reportedly scheduled to meet June 7 French Open doubles final, in her Instagram account after the resents a great step forward for the present to the IOC membership and tives and are committed to follow the with IOC President Thomas Bach. but lost to a Czech-American duo match. people of Kazakhstan and the Cen- the representatives of the Interna- IOC’s lead on these matters.” The final voting to determine the in three sets. Doubles winner and tournament tral Asian region; a region that has tional Federation on June 9.” In a phone interview for this sto- host of 2022 Winter Olympics will singles runner-up Safarova said never hosted the Olympic Games. Kryukov added, “We know we ry out of Lausanne, Kryukov said take place at the 128th IOC session after the match, “I was a little bit Almaty and all of Kazakhstan are have a great offer for the Olympic the presentation went very well in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where SHVEDOVA: sad, but it was exciting for me to looking forward to showing the Movement – the most efficient and and said he was quite optimistic 99 voting members will cast their “[Reaching the] be here in the final,” according to world our hospitability, diversity convenient Winter Games concept about a good impression it made ballots in secret to choose between www.espn.go.com. “I was very and uniqueness.” in over thirty years. Seventy percent on members of the IOC. Almaty and Beijing. The winner will Final of [Roland pumped to at least get one title out Andrey Kryukov, Vice Chairman of our venues are ready today and 80 News reports following the presen- be determined by a simple majority Garros] is also a of those two. I’m really happy it of Almaty 2022 Bid Committee, percent will be ready by 2017 for the tation seem to confirm the sentiment of votes. happened.” Safarova lost to Serena good result!’’ Williams of the U.S. in the singles final on June 6. Williams secured After winning the first set, Shve- her 20th Grand Slam title despite dova-Dellacqua gave up the next the flu struggle the day before. two (3:6, 6:4, 6:2) to Lucie Safa- Earlier in May the Shvedova- Astana Arlans Oust Russian Boxing rova of the Czech Republic and Dellacqua duo won the Spanish Team to Advance to WSB Finals American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Open. By Dmitry Lee Kudriakov in the flyweight catego- In the second segment of the International Boxing Association ry (52 kilogrammes). Lightweight semi-final, the Russian team made (AIBA) World Champion Daniyar ASTANA – The Astana Arlans Kairat Yeraliyev (60 kilogrammes) a tremendous effort to come back Yeleussinov beat Iagub Nuriev by Almaty, Astana Mark beat the Russian Boxing Team defeated Andranik Grigoryan to and equalise the situation; how- a split decision. Russia finally won 5:0 and 4:1 (9:1 on aggregate) in make the score 2:0. In the welter- ever, their efforts were futile, as a bout in the light-heavyweight two encounters at the Daulet Na- weight (69 kilogrammes) category, the Kazakh team had won the first category when Eduard Yakushev tional Tennis Centre in Astana on Samat Bashenov dominated Avak bout and had already qualified for eliminated Nurdaulet Zharmanov Int’l Olympic Day as Bid May 23–24 in the semi-final of Uzlian; in the next bout, light- the final. The Russian team had on points, but super heavyweight the fifth World Series of Boxing heavyweight (81 kilogrammes) only a show to fight for, and fight Ivan Dychko of Arlans brought the (WSB) season to advance to their Meiirim Nursultanov stopped they did. final victory to his team by beating third WSB final, which will see Sukhrob Sidikov. Finally, heavy- Flyweight Olzhas Sattibayev Ruslan Shamalov. Preparations Intensify them square off against defending weight (91+ kilogrammes) Vasiliy defeated Karen Arutiunian, and Arlans have had a nearly per- Continued from Page B1 and Kazakhstan’s National Olym- champions the Domadores from Levit’s opponent Vitaly Kuduk- lightweight Zakir Safiullin scored fect season, winning 15 of their pic Committee in Lausanne, the Cuba. hov was disqualified in the fourth another victory for the Kazakh 16 bouts. The team will be look- In the capital, the celebration nation’s senior officials will join In the first round, Kazakh Temir- round for foul play and Levit was team by beating Artur Subkhanku- ing forward to winning its second of Olympic Day was opened by the presentation, Urazakov added. tas Zhussupov beat Russian Vadim announced the winner. lov. Welterweight 2013 Amateur WSB title in the final. Kazakh Minister of Culture and The proposal will be given online Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly. and everyone will be able to ask According to the city adminis- questions about the application tration website, Olympic champi- and concept of the games. ons, world champions and other outstanding Kazakh sportsmen With several other and politicians, as well as college and high school students attended potential bidders the festive race. Wheelchair ath- letes also participated in the event, pulling out of the covering a distance of 100 metres. running, only Beijing For the participants’ entertain- ment, 4,000 servings of ice cream, and Almaty remain. beverages, Olympic symbols, and, The IOC will choose of course, certificates were provid- ed for the runners. the host city July 31 at The detailed dossier prepared by its meeting in Kuala the bid committee will be present- ed for the IOC members’ scrutiny Lumpur, Malaysia. next month, announced Director of the State Fund Directorate of Inter- “In Lausanne, Almaty Mayor National Sports projects of Almaty Akhmetzhan Yessimov will join Ilya Urazakov during a special the team. … Timur Kulibayev and May 20 press conference. the newly-elected head of the na- “A technical report will be provid- tion’s paralympic committee Kairat ed from June 9-10 at the headquar- Boranbayev expressed a desire to ters of the International Olympic attend the event. Now we are clari- Committee, which is in Lausanne fying this list. … It is important to (Switzerland). Almaty and Beijing show that our bid is supported [by (China), the contenders to host the senior officials],” he said. Olympic Games in 2022, are to pre- With several other potential bid- sent their applications to all mem- ders pulling out of the running, only bers of the IOC,” he said Beijing and Almaty remain. The IOC In addition to representatives of will choose the host city July 31 at its Astana Arlans boxers devastated Russian Boxing Team 9:1 on aggregate May 23-24 to reach WSB final. Arlans managed to win 15 of their 16 bouts this season. the Almaty 2022 bid committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. B8 Nation&Capital capital Wednesday, june 10, 2015

ests.’ And he showed that very simply, without slogans.” Blogger Takes Conversation to Real World, Another speaker was a local man whose father had been a fighter pi- lot during the Cuban Missile Cri- sis in 1962. It is these stories that Opens Community Gathering Place in Astana Kumar seems passionate about into business for himself. Three sharing. “These people live here, By Michelle Witte years ago, he said, he wound his actually, and we don’t know them, business up and started travelling, which is really bad,” he said. “I ASTANA – Blogger Adlet Ku- to Japan, India and eventually to want to try to bring simple stories mar has opened an island in the Saudi Arabia and Mecca. from simple people here.” middle of landlocked Astana – a Now, he explains, he wants to And the politicians and high of- place he hopes will be an oasis for do something settled, to be in one ficials he wants to invite – he wants travellers, a meeting point for peo- place. to reveal them as “simple people,” ple from different walks of life and “It was my dream to open here in as well. An official at Kazakhstan’s an island of free expression in an the middle of Astana a place where Ministry of Oil and Gas is an avid otherwise buttoned-up capital city. people can feel free,” Kumar said. fisherman – Kumar wants to invite Freedom Island, as his new venue He has big plans for his island: he him to speak about fishing, just fish- is called, is a multipurpose meeting wants to launch a Speaker’s Corner, ing. He hopes to bring a high-rank- place, a combination of cafe, cow- and perhaps to create a club, so mem- ing executive from KazMunayGas orking site and music and discus- bers can have first dibs on tickets to sion venue across from Astana’s different events; he wants to bring who is also a well-known dandy to Diplomatic Quarter. The door, set musicians to the intimate venue. speak at a planned event about tai- among a row of offices and cafes, Appropriately, the new venue loring, formal dress and protocol. opens into a vast kitchen – the place launched May 30 with a Cuba- As for the potential controversy in Speakers and guests at the opening of Freedom Island on May 30. Adlet Kumar is second from left. in the home where most relaxed themed gathering. Cuban Am- opening a venue dedicated to free, in- conversation happens. There are And I hope that this will be one of pending on the number of hours. man beings, as they are. And not on bassador to Kazakhstan Carlos formal speech, Kumar brushes it off. cakes and cookies out, and tables the channels of communication be- Meeting and resting rooms can be topics like politics and economics, Enrique Valdés de la Concepción “I already attracted attention years wait for guests to seat themselves. tween the power and the common rented for 1,000 tenge (US$5.37) but on fishing or where they like to addressed the audience, discuss- ago with my book, which describes The venue is purposefully homey, people on a modern level.” per hour and up. They have a link go on vacation or what they cook ing Cuban-American relations the period when we moved from Al- Kumar explained. He wants to cre- In the open kitchen and seating with local tailors, Kumar reports, or what movies they like – some- and the ongoing normalisation, maty to here,” he said. He criticised ate a space where people from many area, guests can work or talk, or the so travellers can handle last-minute thing to show that they are human about which he was very posi- the system, and nothing happened walks of life can interact freely. venue can be turned into an events sartorial emergencies. beings, so people can see that.” tive, Kumar reported. “For us, it to him, he said. “It’s more like self- “People are very closed here – hall. Beyond are living rooms or Freedom Island is in some ways Kumar, who is also known as was nice to see real Communists censorship, or people are afraid of all with ties, very official,” Kumar meeting rooms, and a smaller mu- a reinterpretation of an intellectual writer, blogger and Facebook per- … true believers,” he said. “It’s something like a [boogeyman] from said in an interview with The Asta- sic and meditation room. salon. “If you want to see some civ- sonality Ajijiro Kumano, author nice, because they really believe, children’s books.” Just expressing a na Times in his new venue on June Guests are welcome to coffee and il servant, at the moment, you have of “City of Flying Bags,” a criti- but their minds are open, they 2. “But on the other hand, many of tea for free, and hungry visitors can only the opportunity to see him in cal look at Astana’s society in the understand. For example, when point of view is not something any- them have their own opinions and request sandwiches or other small his office or to see him in a press years soon after the relocation of the ambassador talked about rela- one has cause to be afraid to do. points of view, and it looks like our snacks at no charge, though Kumar conference, which [doesn’t allow the capital, knows both sides of tions with the U.S., he was very “I am for the state, I am for good country is moving somehow, slow- says he hopes people who eat will for] any kind of free talk,” Kumar that coin. After a career in Ka- positive. But at the same time, he governance,” Kumar explained. ly, to some kind of real democracy. leave a donation. The only payment explained. “But here, we want to zakhstan’s Foreign Service and showed that they would do eve- “And I know there are many people So hopefully, people will begin to is for time: 600 tenge (US$3.22) to make some kind of platform where then KazMunayGas, he got frus- rything step by step. ‘We won’t in the government, in the system, express their views, to feel freer. 900 tenge (US$4.84) per hour, de- they can express themselves as hu- trated with bureaucracy and went rush, we have our national inter- who want to change it for the better.”

Astana’s Water Rescue Service also issued some basic rules for swimming at public beaches this Astana Akimat Issues Swimming Safety Guidelines summer. They include warn- areas not designated for swim- limit for safe swimming is as fol- diving in such water, convul- Akimat. Of these, 16 were swim- ings not to swim beyond desig- By Michelle Witte ming, the akimat noted. lows: water, 18 Celsius; air 22 C sions, vascular spasms, reflex ming in unauthorized areas, and nated areas, not to swim while Though the beaches are now – for healthy, strong people. Swim- contractions of the respiratory four had climbed into hydraulic ASTANA – The Akimat (city ad- intoxicated, not to swim or dive opened, the akimat warns that ming at such temperatures is dan- muscles are possible, which can facilities, they reported. This year, ministration) of Astana has issued in unfamiliar areas, not to carry a list of safety guidelines to coin- swimmers should remain cautious gerous … for children and people lead to fainting, respiratory fail- five deaths have already been re- cameras or other objects into the cide with the official June 1 launch about air and water temperatures. with weakened health,” it warned. ure and cardiac arrest,” the aki- ported, including someone who had water while swimming, not to of swimming season, reminding “Beach season is opened every The water in the upper layer mat said. climbed over a dam. Two of the dive from unauthorised areas and local swimmers that 14–25 people year on June 1,” the akimat report- of the Yessil River, which runs Last year, 25 people died in the dead so far this year are children. not to swim from embankments die in the water each year. Most ed. “It is better to swim in specially through the capital, is currently water around Astana, the Water The akimat reports that up to three or dams. accidents are due to swimming or equipped places: beaches, pools only 15 C, and the temperature Rescue Service of the Astana De- quarters of annual deaths are among Astana has two outdoor public boating while intoxicated and that and places patrolled by lifeguards. of deeper waters is only 5–7 C. partment of Emergency Situations people under 30, and 20–30 percent pools and one river area designated nearly all fatal accidents occur in The acceptable lower temperature “When swimming, especially reported, according to the Astana are children and adolescents. for swimming. United Arab Emirates Embassy Donates Funds to Help Visually Impaired Children portunity for adaptation in a social The OCC has been operating By Dmitry Lee environment,” said UAE Ambas- since September 2014 and offers sador to Kazakhstan Suhail Matar a wide range of professionals, The Embassy of the United Alketbi in his opening remarks. such as logopedists, defectology Arab Emirates in Kazakhstan pro- “[The] mission of our represen- specialists, psychologists, cho- vided financial assistance during tation is to establish solid relation- reographers, exercise therapy the June 1 Children’s Day to the ships for the [benefit] of our young specialists and other caregiving Ophthalmologist’s Correctional generation. We are brotherly na- specialists. The centre’s psy- Centre (OCC) for Visually-Im- tions. That is why we support each chologists also help children’s paired Children located at gymna- other in all spheres. [That] is [the] parents cope with the chal- sium No. 71. primary goal for both countries!” lenges they’re facing as parents. “Having lost their sight under he added. In total, more than 50 children different circumstances, our chil- The embassy’s support will help of pre-school age with speech dren lose hope in their life. And children access eyeglass lenses and visual impairment undergo all the efforts of the teachers in that are used in researching short- medical checks in the centre free cooperation with the parents can sightedness, farsightedness and of charge, based on the state’s give them hope for a bright future. squinting, synoptophore used for quota. Creation of such kinds of centres squinting diagnostics and treat- The Children’s Day event at could help to orient many children ment, and for remedial orthoptic the centre event was highlighted in their life. That is why I would exercises. The funds will also pur- with traditional Kazakh national like to thank the administration of chase medical equipment for the dances, folk songs, piano music the city, also the education depart- care of visually impaired and blind and accompanied by colourful ment in Astana, which supports the children, according to the UAE mascots for the children’s enter- centre and gives the children an op- Embassy press release. tainment.

UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan Suhail Matar Al Ketbi (C) with students and teachers at Opthalmologist’s Correctional Centre No. 2 for Visually-Impaired Children in Astana on June 1. C DIALOGUE FOR PEACE

Wednesday, june 10, 2015

At the iniative of President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions was established in 2003 to serve as a platform for open dialogue between nations of different religions across the globe. This year the Congress themed “The Dialogue of Religious Leaders and Politicians in the Name of Peace and Development” will bring together numerous religious representatives and world politicians. President Nazarbayev (pictured above) will meet with religious leaders and President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon and King of Jordan Abdullah II on June 10-11. Astana is expecting over 500 delegates from 44 countries. Religious Dialogue Is Needed A Jump Start for Sustained for Peace and Development Peacebuilding By Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stan which ensures that different By Rev. Robert Chase relations. Since 2011, multifaith ethnic groups have their say in the members of the U.S.-Pakistan In- As we look around our troubled national Parliament. Building on the For most Americans, Kazakh- terreligious Consortium (UPIC) world today, we see more intercul- successful experience of interfaith stan seems like a faraway place, have gathered on four separate tural and interfaith tensions in differ- harmony at home our country seeks indeed. But Americans can be occasions (three times in Pa- ent parts of the world. Unfortunately, to promote the powerful message quite myopic, blind to much of kistan) to build relationships, religious differences are often exag- of peace and the virtue of diversity what goes on in the world be- shatter stereotypes and, together, gerated and exploited to incite hatred worldwide. yond its borders. Actually, from create and implement an action and violence. The upcoming Fifth Congress tak- a world perspective, Kazakhstan agenda that seeks to reduce ten- This practice has become a dan- ing place in Astana on June 10-11, is right in the center of things. sions between the two countries. gerous weapon in the hands of those 2015 will discuss many acute is- Located on the old silk route, American-Pakistani relations who deliberately distort people’s be- sues including the responsibility of straddling Asia and Europe, Ka- are filled with mistrust, misun- liefs for their deceitful ends. That is religious leaders and politicians, the zakhstan is home to well over derstanding, violence and fear, the case of the so-called Islamic State influence of religion on the youth. 100 ethnic groups, a wide vari- and yet UPIC has produced posi- or Daesh that has been skillfully us- We expect that many high-ranking ety of cultural expressions and ing sectarian rhetoric to justify its vi- guests will come again to our capital tive outcomes. Lasting relation- national organizations can take prac- religions. olent actions. Regrettably, somehow and will continue negotiations for the ships, educational exchanges tical steps to promote mutual under- By relinquishing its Soviet Zoroastrians and native spiritu- ISIS has found the way to capture the sake of peace and security. between scholars and students, standing, harmony and cooperation. stockpile of nuclear weapons alists discuss how religious lead- imagination and manipulate the feel- It is our firm belief that we should studies of ancient texts between Unity in diversity is the principle in 1995, Kazakhstan firmly de- ers might influence governments ings of many youngsters around the step up efforts to overcome hatred, Jews and Muslims, and media that the Congress adheres to. This un- clared itself as a nation in search and societies, infusing political world. prejudices, stereotypes and bias. We outreach to change public per- derlying principle helped our nation of nuclear non-proliferation and and economic policies with the Against this background, the should take into consideration that ceptions have been only some of to endure and we seek to transcend it global peacebuilding, and so it is ways that promote global securi- initiative of the President of the the outcomes of this project. As across sectarian boundaries and divi- other civilizations, cultures, religions a fitting place for gatherings that ty and interreligious understand- Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan that have no less ancient and impor- religious leaders gather in June sions. We firmly believe that interac- promote the things that make for ing. Nazarbayev to host the Congress tant history do exist. And they cannot in Astana, their challenge will tion for the sake of peace, security peace, including cultural diversi- Cynics may ask: why bother? of the Leaders of World and Tradi- be destroyed by any power or will. and progress for all people regardless ty and religious pluralism. Under Why get together in endless dia- be to experience the Congress tional Religions has become more Every society is unique and every na- of their religion, race, ethnicity is in- the leadership of President Nur- logues laced with diplomatic not as an end in itself, but as a important than ever. tion has the right to choose its way of dispensable. sultan Nazarbayev, the nation’s niceties, where nothing of sub- launch pad for sustained change, The Congress offers a platform development with one precondition: Today our world is in dire need of commitment to interreligious using religion – which so many for frank, inclusive and constructive development towards democracy and stance is actually discussed? forums that facilitate genuine dia- harmony is highlighted every How does it benefit you? And say is a source of division – as dialogue on the most acute issues on logue stemming from the recognition progress. the instrument that makes for a the international agenda. For that It is worth mentioning the words of three years at the Congress of more importantly, how does it of identities and the respect for reli- Leaders of World and Traditional benefit the world? lasting peace in our violence- reason the forum has a wide geo- gious plurality and cultural diversity, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, plagued world. graphic scope and a rich tapestry of “Let us never forget that what divides Religions; the fifth such gather- Two answers come to me: the a dialogue where its stakeholders can ing of which will take place June first is brief, so simple that it is participants. It engages representa- listen, hear and talk to each other. us is miniscule compared with what 10-11 in the capital city, Astana. often overlooked. As long as we The author is the found- tives of Islam, Christianity, Juda- It is well-known that prevention is unites us. Working together, we can Two important things hap- are talking together, we are not ing director of Intersections ism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, always better than cure. Peaceful dia- achieve all our goals for peace, pros- pen at the Congress. First, peo- shooting at each other. As long International. Prior to that, Shintoism, Zarathustrianism and logue is more valuable and has long- perity and physical and spiritual well- other religions. being”. ple from different cultures and as we take the time to get to Chase served as director of standing and far-reaching effect than communication for the 1 mil- It is essential that the forum brings any military action. countries come together to seek know “the other” at a deep level, lion member United Church of together not only religious, but also That is why Kazakhstan launched The author is the Chairman of concrete ways of building peace, it becomes harder to isolate and political leaders, heads of interna- the interfaith dialogue in Astana as far the Senate of Kazakhstan and the justice, and understanding across aggregate an entire people – a Christ. He is an author and an tional organizations. Faith leaders back as in 2003. This initiative was a Head of the Secretariat of the Con- national borders. Sadly, in a day nationality, a race, a culture, a award-winning video produc- have strong influence, reaching out part of our peaceful solution to ten- gress of the Leaders of World and when political extremists domi- religion – and demonize them. er/director with more than 100 to the hearts and minds of the people sions and turbulences existing across Traditional Religions. He served nate the headlines, this does not The second answer is drawn productions to his credit. Rev. especially of the young ones. Some- the globe. Our country has been an as UN Under-Secretary General, happen as often as we would from an actual example of an ef- Chase is an ordained minister times they hold the key to reconcilia- anchor of stability and security in our Director-General of the United hope. Secondly, people come fort underway among religious in the United Church of Christ. tion and enduring peace; they can be part of the world, a model of inter- Nations Office at Geneva, Prime together across lines of faith. leaders from Pakistan and the This opinion was originally authentic voices calling for tolerance religious accord. We established the Minister and Minister of Foreign Muslims, Christians, and Jews; U.S. – two nations not particu- published by Patheos and oth- while politicians and heads of inter- Assembly of the People of Kazakh- Affairs of Kazakhstan. Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains; larly known for their harmonious er publications. C2 DIALOGUE FOR PEACE

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 The Meeting that Leads to Unity Welcome, Congress! By Yerzhan Hajji Malgazhyuly testify to the existence of Allah. means the necessity to put spiritual By Bishop Yuri Novgorodov These feelings will sooner or later values in the first place. The head of our state, Nursul- lead to a belief in the supernatu- Today, society is increasingly In June, Astana for the fifth time tan Nazarbayev, defined spiritual ral. A proof of this is history itself. in need of moral values. In these will receive the Congress of Leaders consent as the main goal of our in- After all, even if there is a person times of spiritual crisis, all hopes of World and Traditional Religions. dependent state, bringing together without faith, there is no society rely on religious leaders and in- Of course, some questions arise leaders of world religions in Ka- without religion. Thus, initially in tellectuals. Providing care for the and different opinions are being ex- zakhstan’s capital and turning it the spiritual world the Almighty suffering is the obligation of Mus- pressed about its necessity, effective- into a symbol of peace and unity. Creator planted into the human lims. ness and timeliness. There is a wide The upcoming Congress of Lead- soul a sense of faith in the Crea- Great Kazakh enlightener range of views; sometimes they are ers of World and Traditional Reli- tor of all the worlds. He took from Akhmed Baitursynov said, “To- diametrically opposite. However, if gions will implement these good us the promise that we will know day is a child of yesterday and a we group all opinions and questions, intentions. Him as the Creator of the universe. father of tomorrow.” Our common there will be only two: Do we need The event is designed to help This is the root of all these words homeland and universal values, the Congress? Is it important? preserve the faith and unity of of our ancestors. “We are originally based on the unity and religious I am not a historian, but looking our people and the peoples of the Muslims,” it is said in the Holy harmony of the people of Ka- back for two or three centuries, the world and their integrity, take les- Qur’an, (The Prophet Muhammad zakhstan, this heritage will shape following thing can be observed: sons from unreasonable actions p.b.u.h.). When your God took from our future. These memorable and since the French Revolution, the that destroy the peace of civilians, religion. In different parts of the the loins of the children of Adam light moments, unity of religions, states rapidly secularised. ready a lot. Anyway, it is a chance condemn all manifestations of ex- world, there are various dubious their posterity and made them tes- friendship and peace between the The economy was dominated by which should not be overlooked. tremism and radicalism using reli- organisations exploiting faith for tify against themselves (by asking a peoples will be written in golden the market; therefore there was a Someone will say, “Yes, it is all gion as a cover as well as prove to political purposes. Radical organi- question), “Am I your God?” they letters in our history. struggle for the possession of re- good, but what exactly does it give to the world that Islam is a religion of sations rejecting traditional reli- replied, “Yes (we bear witness that In conclusion, one should note sources and sales market. Obviously, Kazakhstan and to me?” Let us see. unity and accord. gious notions have moved to open you are our Lord) and we (God) the agreement and understanding very often it was cloaked in the like- The security of each person and the I am deeply convinced that the extremist actions. have witnessed (your response) to between the leaders of traditional ness of concern for “the happiness country as a whole has always been reasonable judgments and inform- People advocating the establish- the Day of Judgment,” you will not religions, as well as delivered ad- of mankind.” However, the religious and are major concerns of the coun- ative presentations of religious ment of a caliphate in Iraq and Syr- say, “We did not know that.” dresses and decrees, have opened factor in confrontations and conflicts try’s leader. Of course, that is if he is leaders, which will be announced ia sow discord and foment religious Thank God, in our country all new opportunities for the interna- became smaller and smaller. It seems a genuine leader. We were lucky; our at the congress, will further strife. A significant part of their conditions are provided for the tional community in solving com- that the 20th century, at least its first President is genuine with a capital strengthen interfaith harmony organisation is young people who religious needs of believers. Our mon problems. three quarters, almost buried this letter. He is not just a politician, he is and understanding. The congress, understand religion not as rational head of state in his annual ad- A major achievement is that au- problem. In 1970s-80s, if someone also a statesman. I distinguish these which is held triennially in our knowledge, but with a false sense. dresses to the nation constantly thoritative representatives of re- would say that in the future the era of two concepts. A politician is mainly vast and hospitable country, will There is no doubt that those actions focuses on the spiritual life of the ligions who have participated in conflicts and wars under the guise of interested in the following election. give a new impetus to the work of of the insurgents mean an open people, strengthening family val- the congress have set a common ideological struggle for the truth of A statesman cares about the interests the Spiritual Board of Muslims of confrontation of traditional religion ues, preserving unity and charity goal, common values and common faith will revive, the vast majority of of the country. For him, it is a su- Kazakhstan, which brings together and have become alien not only to events. Because our main areas of agreement in the first place. society would not accept it seriously. preme concern. 70 percent of the country’s Mus- Muslims, but to all humankind. focus are the spiritual and religious Participants in the congress are Nevertheless, the end of the 20th and President Nazarbayev has man- lims and manages more than 2,500 When it comes to faith, some spheres, we are investing our ef- struggling with problems such as the beginning of the 21st century aged to make Kazakhstan an am- mosques, as well as contributes to people who lack the knowledge forts in the spiritual development the use of force in relation to re- have shown that “he laughs best who bassador of peace and mediator for the further development and con- and misunderstanding in terms of of our people. I firmly believe that ligion and the nation and the divi- laughs without consequences.” the conflicting parties. He made our servation of religious harmony and religion express wrong judgments in order to ensure the success- sion on religious, ethnic and lin- There are a series of armed con- country a platform for negotiations. stability in our state. and negative conclusions. ful economic development of our guistic signs insulting the nation, flicts, increasing number of violent His brainchild, the Congress of At the second Congress of Lead- The word “religion” is a broad country, we need to develop a spir- as well as the extremist actions. acts and growth of confrontation on Leaders of World and Traditional ers of World and Traditional Re- term and intimate notion. This not itual path. Opinions and statements do not ethnic grounds. Unfortunately, all of Religions, is one of these platforms. ligions in 2006, the leader of our only means the worship of God. Our country ranks first in the remain only in words, but turn into these things happen under the guise A dialogue, even if it is a long, diffi- nation, Nursultan Nazarbayev, Religion is the perfect model of number of houses of worship concrete actions via implementa- of religious slogans and religious cult and sometimes unpleasant one, is raised the issue that is a concern lifestyle, the path that leads to hap- among the countries of Central tion of documents, concepts and rhetoric. the only way to preserve peace for all. to us all. The head of state said, piness in both worlds. Religion is a Asia. Religious buildings of all published addresses. Certainly, the vast majority of In a few days, a lot of guests will “When the media relish bullying great force that creates in people’s traditional religions are operated High-ranking individuals, poli- people involved into these things visit us. For all of us, it is a unique other confessions and religions’ hearts a sense of charity, morality, on an equal footing. ticians and presidents of leading are downright adventurers and plain opportunity to expand knowledge sacred feelings, it becomes clear faith and nobility and eliminates Kazakh people consider peace countries supported these initia- gangsters. However, we should not about the world and make new con- that these journalists will sooner the negative action. “How could I as the main wealth and exalt and tives of Kazakhstan. Every year, close our eyes to the fact that in the nections and friends “without leav- or later have to face the mockery be ignorant if I was called a man,” worship the concept of “mutual the number of members of the mass there are a sufficient number ing home.” This is an opportunity to of their own beliefs. What is sa- said the great Kazakh thinker Abai understanding and concordance.” delegation, as well as participants of people who were deceived by the see the representatives of religious cred for one cannot be the subject Kunanbayev. As history shows, religious figures in the congress, is growing. It is false teachers. They believe they kill communities, see diverse religions’ of ridicule to another. This simple In Arabic, “din” (religion) means chose the path of compliance and worth noting that the talks and ex- for God. palettes personally, not from text- rule, unfortunately, is infringed not “gift,” “solution,” “report,” “pun- unity. They believed that the unity change of views of about 100 rep- Even more frightening is that some books and to touch it. only by journalists and politicians, ishment,” “Sharia,” “obedience,” of the people is the most precious resentatives from 40 countries at leaders of the religious communities I really want our citizens, especial- but often by the spiritual shepherds “worship,” “law,” “path,” etc. In gift. the same table is good proof of the are scouring the world in search of ly young people, to have an opportu- who refer to other religions in a accordance with a terminological Our Venerable Prophet Muham- maintenance of international secu- weapons and calling for war. nity to contact with the diversity of perfunctory manner.” interpretation, religion is a set of mad (peace and blessings of Allah rity and efficiency of the congress. The fifth congress in Astana is spirituality, attend, observe and learn Rapid development of technol- laws and rules that were revealed be upon him) has strengthened the We can say with confidence that a meeting of religious leaders and from the congressional activities and ogy has led to global changes in by the Creator through His envoys foundation of the unity of Islam. the Congress of Leaders of World politicians. It is a dialogue about empathise. society and contributes to the de- and prophets governing a system The Envoy of Allah showed great and Traditional Religions has responsibility of participants for the I have an honour, on behalf of the velopment of the era of global of lifestyle of humankind, which example of rallying tribes and made a huge contribution to inter- fate and peace of their followers, as world community of the Lutheran transformation in the conscious- is the spiritual pillar of the human clans in the name of a common religious dialogue. well as humanity as a whole. Church, to express gratitude to the ness of people. That consecutively soul. Only the Creator of all the goal, which is a clear orientation We have witnessed a great re- The congress serves as a reminder people of Kazakhstan and its Presi- confers a great responsibility on worlds delivers religion to us. Re- point for every manager in his ad- sponsibility of religious leaders, to each of them, not only about their dent Nazarbayev for his relentless us, the representatives of the spir- ligion is a huge road, illuminating ministrative work. The congress the media and politicians on the personal responsibility, but also pursuit of peace and say, “The things itual board. the meaning and purpose of human of religious leaders also pursues way of establishing peace in the about consolidated responsibility. you do are important and necessary!” Currently, the world is going life, raising a human to worship his this goal. world, which has been the focus of This is an attempt to establish very To me, it is especially pleasant through an economic crisis and God. Islam specifies the path of Folk wisdom says, “True wealth the congress over the years. necessary dialogue. This is an oppor- because it is addressed to my home- is faced with the problems of po- mercy and contentment of the Al- is not in abundance, but in unity.” Let our independence be perpet- tunity to hear each other. This is an land. That is why I say, “Welcome, litical, national and religious char- mighty in both worlds. It governs Almighty God commands human- ual and our future be pious. Let us opportunity to try to understand each Congress!” acter, too. In the new era, for the the way of life, all the actions of ity, “Do not go divided!” have our prayers accepted and our other. This is an opportunity to stop I wish peace and prosperity to our first time humanity is facing reli- humanity in the right direction. Every sensible person realises intentions clean. the bloodshed. country and all people of Kazakh- gious clashes, ethnic hatred and The main feature of religion that the recognition only of wealth I do not think that everything will stan. God bless our country! global problems unseen before. is its revelation by the Almighty leads to the aggravation of prob- The author is Supreme Mufti immediately change for the better by We have seen a negative change through His messengers and an- lems such as the financial crisis, and Chairman of the Spiritual all means. However, I am sure that The author is a bishop of the of consciousness of young people gels. Humans were created with injustice between people, family Board of Muslims of Kazakh- it will not pass without a trace and Evangelical Lutheran Church in as a result of the politicisation of the instinct of worship, willing to discord and social dislocation. It stan. some shifts will occur, which is al- the Republic of Kazakhstan.

the temple of Queen of Peace. It is there that through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the daily prayer Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional is delivered for the benefit of our homeland and peace in the world. Twelve kilometres away from Oz- ernoye, at the hill of Akhymbettau Religions Is Sign of Hope for the World (“The Volyn hill”) there is a cross, By Archbishop Tomasz Peta The Palace of Peace and Harmo- tude, we think about sound policy ditions exist for everyone to seek a monument to all the innocent ny in Astana is a witness to the fact of leaders of our country led by God, to become a person of con- victims of repression times. The “Kazakhstan, you are the land that the Kazakh capital has really our President, policies aimed at science. inscription on the pedestal of the of a meeting, you are a bridge be- turned into an important meeting cooperation and accord between The development of spiritual be- monument proclaims in four lan- tween Asia and Europe, between place. all people of Kazakhstan, regard- ginning, which accompanies ma- guages (Kazakh, Russian, German people of different nationalities I think that the very fact of the less of their ethnicity and religion. terial development, testifies to the and Polish) the following words: and religions.” meeting of representatives of all We are pleased to witness the full development of our society. Glory to God These and other similar words world religions is a major achieve- strong will of the Kazakh people Since the bird cannot fly using only Peace to People spoken in Astana fourteen years ment of the Astana congresses. and of all ethnic groups living in one wing, and one cannot build a The Kingdom of Heaven to Martyrs ago by Pope John Paul II still reso- From meetings are born acquaint- our country to live and work in happy life, relying only on material Gratitude to the nate in our hearts. ances, mutual understanding, new peace. goods: “Not by bread alone doth Kazakhstan people On the one hand, the Pope had ideas, friendship, desire to cooper- The role of religious communi- man live.” Our two wings are spir- Prosperity to Kazakhstan. presented to the world a model of ate in a spirit of truth and love. If ties in the provision of public con- itual and material benefits, prayer With these words, we ask the relations between different eth- Almighty to let Kazakhstan, un- there are no meetings, visible or sent is very important, as belief and labour. nicities and denominations in our der the leadership of our respected invisible walls between people be- in God forms the conscience of a The beauty of Kazakhstan is country. On the other hand, he President, to continue on the path gin to grow. Therefore, the Astana urged us to keep going further, say- man. Religion is not just a collec- manifested in the beauty of na- of peace and harmony, and serve as ing, “Kazakhstan, you have a mis- meeting is an important element in tion of traditions. Above all, it is a ture and buildings but even more an example to all nations that the building trust and hope in contem- sion to be a bridge.” ideas might have encouraged our human meeting with the God, the in beautiful families where there path of peace can achieve a lot, but During his visit, John Paul II was President Nursultan Nazarbayev porary world. action of God in the human heart is love, respect for the elderly, the the path of war brings loss of eve- praying for Kazakhstan and bless- to initiate holding the Congress of In August 2007, by the invitation and of human life. A person forti- disabled and all those suffering, rything. ed it. Blessing Kazakhstan, the Leaders of World and Traditional of the Father General of the Order fied by God, can take responsibil- respect for every person, includ- We are confident that the Con- Pope said, “We stand before you in Religions in 2003 in Astana and of Conventual Franciscans the ec- ity for his or her life, the lives of ing those who still reside under the gress of Leaders of World and Tra- a special minute of mankind’s his- then the following ones. On the eve clesiastics of Kazakhstan, repre- families and country. Even in the mother’s heart. ditional Religions in Astana will tory, at the beginning of the third of the First Congress the Vatican sentatives of Islam, Orthodoxy, Ca- midst of difficulties, a believer The Catholics of Kazakhstan become permanent and the capital millennium, when humanity has a Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo tholicism, and Lutheranism visited can remember that he is in God’s represent a modest group of people of Kazakhstan, situated in the heart desire to be one family, but, it nev- Sodano spoke in Astana: “Let the the Vatican and Italy. Welcoming hands and not lose hope. scattered throughout the country, of the Eurasian continent, will il- ertheless remains divided, wound- Spirit of Assisi be the spirit of Asta- us at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Ben- Thus, the community of believ- and they are trying to contribute to luminate more and more the light ed by many conflicts and wars. We na” [referring to the first great in- edict XVI called the visit a “sign of ers help their members to be people the spiritual and material develop- of hope and peace in the search for stand in a special place on Earth – terreligious meeting in history, i.e. hope” and noted “dialogue must al- of conscience, as conscience is the ment of our beloved Kazakhstan. truth, kindness and beauty. in the centre of Eurasian continent, the World Day of Prayer for Peace ways take place in truth and love.” main guardian of public peace and In the village of Ozernoye in the in a place where representatives of in Assisi, Italy, on Oct. 27, 1986]. It was another meeting “in the spir- order. North Kazakhstan Oblast, which is The author is Roman Catholic many nationalities and religions Now, we are looking forward to it of Assisi and Astana.” Thank God that in our country the spiritual centre for the Catho- Archbishop of the Metropolitan live next to each other.” the fifth congress, which Astana We thank God for the gift of we have freedom of religion and lics of Kazakhstan, there is an altar, Archdiocese of Saint Mary in the One can guess that the papal will host on June 10-11. peace in Kazakhstan. With grati- conscience. In this way, the con- “The Star of Kazakhstan,” sitting in city of Astana. C3 DIALOGUE FOR PEACE

Wednesday, june 10, 2015

the spiritual traditions of citizens at the state level will create a unique Kazakh model of interethnic and Congress of Religious Leaders Is Result interreligious harmony. Its progres- sive nature lies in the fact that the government constantly strives to ensure social peace in the country, of Kazakh President’s Initiative which allows citizens to live with By Arystanbek Mukhamediuly For now a dozen years since the meetings was poor attention to in- Our leader proved capable of dignity, work and accumulate posi- convening of the first congress in terfaith dialogue, as it is one of the deeply understanding the problems tive experiences in the field of hu- It is fair to say that each historical 2003, the inter-religious summits key aspects for a dialogue of civili- and prospects of the transformation man relations. phase, every new historical epoch have demonstrated to the world a sations. of society and defining the strategy Today, looking back we can defi- enriches humanity with new social true vocation of all religions, com- “We believe that leaders of dif- of a strong and prosperous state nitely say that the balanced imple- and spiritual experience. The exam- mon moral and ethical principles, ferent confessions whose activities based on the principle of [the Rus- mentation of the key provisions ple of Kazakhstan, which is right- and their enormous peacekeeping have a direct and diverse impact on sian historian and philosopher] Lev such as respect and support to the fully seen as a respected interna- and humanitarian potential. the minds of people will be able to Gumilev’s thesis that “ethnic diver- best traditions of world and tradi- tional centre for dialogue between In this regard, it is important say the final word on the majority sity is the best form of human exist- tional religions, the creation of con- all world and traditional religions to emphasise that the initiative of of current conflicts, which I must ence.” President Nazarbayev thus ditions for the development and free today, proves that. convening a congress of spiritual say have mostly religious and eth- turned the principle of “ethnic and use of the languages of all ethnic On June 10-11, Astana will host hierarchy belongs to the President nic overtones,” the President of Ka- confessional diversity,” which was groups, the preservation of their cul- the fifth Congress of Leaders of Nursultan Nazarbayev, who tire- zakhstan said. perhaps considered the major weak- tures and traditions, have allowed World and Traditional Religions, lessly stresses the need for intercivi- It is time for decisive action, fate- ness of our country, into a strategic the President of Kazakhstan to con- with 112 delegations from 44 coun- lisational and interfaith dialogue at ful decisions and beginning of a resource for the development of our solidate and unite citizens of our tries expected to attend. the highest level. long and complex process of inter- young state. country into a single community. The uniqueness of the upcoming As recognised by spiritual hier- faith dialogue. As result of its success, Kazakh- Kazakhstan by its own example interreligious summit lies in its key search for a joint response to the archs, the Kazakh leader’s global The following interfaith sum- stan has avoided interethnic and clearly has demonstrated that the di- theme – “The Dialogue of Religious threats and challenges of the glo- initiative to create a unique inter- mits in 2006, 2009 and 2012 proved inter-confessional conflicts. The ef- alogue and peaceful coexistence of Leaders and Politicians in the Name balising world. religious dialogue platform has that more than ever it is important fective result was achieved by virtue different ethnic groups and religions of Peace and Development.” The All people of good will are ex- opened a new path to the world to show the world the spiritual and of a consistent and balanced policy is possible. The best tool for this is matter is that the interactive plat- pecting that from the very heart of community for a dialogue of civili- moral foundations of the potential pursued by our country in the reli- a painstaking and accurate work of form of the congress will see for Eurasia a clear message of strength- sations. of all religions. It is necessary to pre- gious sphere, modesty, deficiency of the country’s leadership to harmo- the first time the meeting of- spir ening peace and harmony for na- In meetings with the leaders vent the appeals of the prevalence of protection from the government in nise the various interests of all the itual and political leaders sharing tions and states will come. of world and traditional religions immorality about the clash of civi- relation to any religion. In the mean- people of Kazakhstan. the same understanding of integrity We believe that dialogue among participating in the first congress, lisations and religions, expressed in time, inter-religious harmony and International politicians and ex- of the world and a sense of commu- spiritual hierarchs and politicians President Nazarbayev noted that the contrasting beliefs, further politici- tolerance were always considered perts commend our model of in- nity in the face of the globalisation at a new stage of history can be de- idea of a dialogue of civilisations is sation of theological disputes and the core values of Kazakh society. terethnic and inter-confessional ac- of conflicts and their turning into a scribed as the essence of a sort of not something new and the inter- attempts to discredit one religion in It is important to note these cir- cord and consider it a valuable case shakeup of the world order. anchor point, a crucially important national community has done a lot the name of another one. cumstances as Kazakhstan has his- to study for implementation in the During the plenary and breakout element to ensure long-term secu- of work in this field and made sig- Our country is doing everything torically formed as a multi-ethnic public life of other countries, in- sessions of the congress, the partici- rity in a rapidly changing world. nificant contribution to the general to make this important platform and multi-faith country with a rich cluding highly developed countries pants will have a detailed discussion The mandate of the Congress of progress of humanity by addressing of leaders of world and traditional religious landscape. Islam and Or- too. of how effective the decisions of re- Leaders of World and Traditional the threats for peace and security, religions to become the core of co- thodox Christianity in our country We look forward to the start of the ligious and political leaders are in Religions is to become an important confidence-building at the national, operation of spiritual hierarchy and are the religions that form the back- fifth Congress of Leaders of World ensuring a conflict-free future; how link in the chain of international ef- regional and international levels, as politicians to bring the priority of bone of our culture. They determine and Traditional Religions, the para- sufficient the international com- forts to harmonise relations between well as development of common moral values and humanistic ideals the traditional life of the people and digm of which was clearly noted by munity’s tools are for countering civilisations, societies and people, ethical standards. back to the heart of the human com- significantly contribute to spiritual President Nazarbayev: “Religious the changing threats to peace; what rapprochement of cultures and reli- The head of our state clearly munity, to combat extremism and development of society. leaders should encourage politi- the mechanisms are to prevent the gions on a platform of dialogue for outlined the thesis that despite the terrorism. The government recognises the cians to take the road of peace and countering of one religious world- the future of all humanity. importance of the capacity, value As a result of the global initiative first day of Kurban Ait (Eid al-Ad- harmony. The wealth of this world view with another which certainly The congress aims to establish a and outcomes of the work that had of the Kazakh leader, Astana leads ha) and Orthodox Christmas as of- created by God must be present at brings tensions. These and other direct dialogue between the leaders previously been done, they couldn’t a cohort of subjects of international ficial days off in Kazakhstan. all levels of the global political sys- questions will be debated at the con- of major religions to ensure coop- stop the ongoing conflicts in the law today, which promotes dialogue The established effective model tem.” gress, and the participants will seek eration between representatives of world on religious matters and had between leaders of different world of relations between the state and re- I am sure the Astana congress of answers to them. different denominations to convert not achieved the main goal, that is and traditional religions and de- ligious organisations in our country spiritual hierarchs, a product of the As a whole, convening another prevailing hostility and confronta- to halt the slide of the world com- nominations. is based on democratic principles, global initiative by Kazakh Presi- inter-religious summit in Astana tion of the modern world to mutual munity into a possible clash of civi- These achievements are insepa- respect for the rights and freedom dent Nazarbayev will provide a new will be another significant contribu- understanding and peacefulness. lisations. rably associated with the history of of believers, on partnership and an impetus, new breath to the benefit tion by Kazakhstan to the shaping Moreover, by virtue of the congress, President Nazarbayev drew the the formation of statehood of our effort for mutual understanding, tol- of all societies and nations of our of a new paradigm of international the real conditions for opening new attention of religious leaders to the country when President Nazarbayev erance and careful attention to the planet. security, one that is based on main- horizons of cooperation between fact that the main omission of nu- in the result of his hard, daily work feelings of believers. taining efficient dialogue between different religious communities are merous international forums, vari- managed to keep balance, peace and The preservation and protection The author is Minister of Cul- religious leaders and politicians in being created. ous summits, seminars and other stability in our country. of identity, culture, language and ture and Sports of Kazakhstan.

who consistently pursues a policy aimed at ensuring peaceful labour of citizens of all nationalities and Kazakhstan Provides Unique Opportunities religions for more than twenty years, should be highlighted. “Traditional Islam and Chris- tianity are the two wings of the for Religious and Cultural Communities Kazakhstan bird that is flying over cannot be overstated. It is note- fourth congress visited the open- 1871 with the centre in Vernyi. It the expanses of Central Asia,” the By Metropolitan Alexander worthy that the capital of Kazakh- ing ceremony of the monument consisted of 26 churches. The first President said during his visit to stan, the state that provides unique to the victims of hunger, visited priests arrived in Zhetysu from the Cathedral of the Dormition On June 10-11, Astana hosts opportunities for the communities the museum-memorial complex Russia on a voluntary basis. (Moscow) on Christmas holiday the fifth Congress of Leaders of of many religions and cultures, be- ALZHIR, where they prayed for At the beginning of the 20th in 2012. World and Traditional Religions. comes the venue for the religious the souls of the innocent people century, 391,000 Orthodox Chris- The full revival of the Orthodox Three years ago, I had an oppor- summit once again. who were tortured there. A newly tians lived in Central Asia and 306 Church in Kazakhstan is reflected tunity to take part in the fourth Kazakhstan perceives this di- established Alley Rouhani Zhara- churches were acting here. Move- in the following figures: if in 1956 forum attended by 85 delegations versity, which is a source of end- sym – Spiritual Harmony near the ment of Orthodox immigrants to only 55 parishes were operating in from 40 countries. That time, the less divisions and internal strife in grand arch Mangilik El – Eternal Kazakhstan had several waves over Kazakhstan, at the beginning of participants of the congress were many countries, as its advantage nation in the capital became the the past two centuries. Among the 1999 there were 212 parishes and very impressed by the speech of and wealth. memory of the congress. immigrants were: military, Cos- eight monasteries. Over the past President of Kazakhstan Nursultan “In my view, multiculturalism, The fifth Congress of Leaders of sacks, artisans and farmers of the decade, these positive statistics Nazarbayev and His Holiness Pa- ethnic and religious diversity are World and Traditional Religions second half of the 19 century; peas- have improved further. triarch of Moscow and All Russia not challenges to society, but huge will be devoted to the dialogue of ants of Stolypin reforms; deported The Orthodox feast of Christ- Kirill. advantages. In the 21 century, tol- religious leaders and politicians in and exiled citizens of the atheistic mas (Jan. 7) became one of the At the congress in 2012, there erance becomes a key factor of the name of peace and develop- Soviet Union and developers of the officially recognised holidays in were a lot of discussions about For centuries, Muslims and development and growth of an in- ment. We expect that the forum Virgin Lands of the post-war era. Kazakhstan. the most pressing challenges of Christians peacefully coexisted in novative economy. We should not will be a significant milestone in All of them found a shelter and sal- In May 2003, the Holy Synod our time – terrorism and extrem- the Middle East. The history dem- ignore the fact that over the last bringing together all the healthy vation from starvation in the hospi- of the Russian Orthodox Church ism under the flag of religion. His onstrates that in traditional edu- 30 years, countries that have dif- forces of the world community in tality of Kazakh families. decided to establish the Metro- Holiness the Patriarch said: “Inhu- cation, the presence of different ferent ethnic and cultural diversity combating the threat of terrorism, However, it should be noted that politan District in Kazakhstan of mane acts, whose victims are in- religious communities promotes achieved the greatest success. To- in opposition to the lack of spiritu- those Orthodox workers, who ar- a new special form of dioceses’ nocent civilians – is not only the spiritual development of tolerance, day’s world needs a synthesis and ality and moral vices. rived to the expanses of Zhetysu association in order to coordinate result of the evil intentions of the lays good relations between Mus- development of such experience. Christianity in Central Asia has and Saryarka, often tried to find religious education, publishing, bandits, which we condemn. This lims, Christians and members of In this regard, the congress could historical roots. The first mention here not a temporary shelter, but social and other public activities of is the consequence of a religious other religions living side by side act as a leading interactive plat- about the presence of Christians a second home – a beloved father- dioceses in Kazakhstan. vacuum, lack of a faithful pic- in the same environment. In or- form aimed at the ideological and here, namely, in the city of Merv land, where strength, skills and tal- Today, Christianity is the sec- ture of the religious tradition. The der to respect your neighbour, you spiritual construction of fair world on the territory of today’s Turk- ents were needed. The monuments ond largest religious direction in states fight terrorism, destroy hos- should know him well. Unaware- order foundations in the 21 cen- menistan belongs to the scholar of selfless work and inspiration of Kazakhstan. Almost all churches tile fanatics and it is right because ness and lack of communication tury,” President Nazarbayev said. Biruni. According to his report, Orthodox settlers in Kazakhstan and chapels have Sunday schools, society has the right to defend it- provokes suspicion and specula- The central theme of the fourth there was a Christian community became a miracle of architecture. which educate both children and self. Nevertheless, it is necessary tion. congress was “Peace and harmony founded in the beginning of the For example, St. Ascension Cathe- adults. to solve the problem at its root: There are terrible figures, for ex- as the choice of mankind.” In its third century. At the beginning of dral in Almaty, industrial plants, The Orthodox believers in Ka- to give people the opportunity to ample, in the Iraqi city of Mosul framework, a significant historical the fourth century, the Nestorian construction sites, universities and zakhstan look at the future with op- peacefully practice their ancestral there were 45 Christian churches. event, such as the first meeting of church archdiocese was based in theatres. timism and hope. They are aware faith, develop their national cul- Today there is not a single one. the Council of Religious Leaders the capital of the Sogd kingdom In 2016, the Orthodox Church of of the blessed land, their homeland ture embodied through the dispen- More than 400 Christian churches took place. It was created on the Samarkand. Kazakhstan will celebrate its 50th that was abundantly covered with sation of a family and participation were destroyed in Syria over the initiative of President Nazarbayev The new Christian presence on anniversary since the repose of St. the blood of martyrs and confes- in construction of social relations.” past four years. If this continues and unanimously supported by the the territory of Kazakhstan is con- Sebastian of Karaganda, the saint sors of the 20th century, where by Unfortunately, we see that over in the Middle East, soon there will leaders of world and traditional re- nected with Russian settlements, whose name is dear to the entire God’s providence they were des- the years the danger has seriously be no Christian presence in the re- ligions. The council consists of 14 which arise as a result Kazakh- Orthodox world. He was the one tined to carry out their mission. increased. The absence of a tra- gion. The ancient Patriarchate of prominent religious leaders of the stan’s becoming part of the Rus- who most clearly expressed with We believe the activities of the ditional religious education leads Antioch, which survived the most world. The aim of the council is to sian Empire. his life the attitude of Russian im- congress of Leaders of World and to the development of aggression difficult times of the Middle Ages define priorities and mechanisms In 1854, on the territory of Zhe- migrants to a new homeland. Traditional Religions in Astana and display of the darkest human may cease to exist in the 21centu- for dialogue and cooperation with tysu, in the place of one of the Interfaith peace and harmony will certainly have a positive effect passions. The Middle East rages. ry. On a regular basis, we hear dif- other forums and international Kazakh settlements, was founded in society require tireless efforts on the further development of the We have a deep compassion for ferent information about massive organisations, whose work is fo- Fort Vernyi with the church on its of leaders and representatives of spiritual life of our citizens. Christians and members of other killings of Christians in Nigeria, cused on the dialogue of cultures territory. In 1866, the first church- various religious faiths. In this religious movements of Syria and Pakistan and North Africa. and economic interaction. es and prayer houses were opened regard, an outstanding role of the The author is the Metropolitan Iraq, where a horrific genocide In such circumstances, the value Also historically significant was in Turkestan and Shymkent. first President of independent Ka- of Astana and Kazakhstan of the takes place. of forums like the one in Astana the fact that the participants of the Turkestan Eparchy was formed in zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, Russian Orthodox Church. C4 DIALOGUE FOR PEACE

Wednesday, june 10, 2015 Congress of Leaders of World and Dialogue Is The Traditional Religions: New Horizons Way Forward By Dr. Kala Acharya is that we should work unremit- religion. However, on average, By Dr. Abdullah Fahad Allheedan tingly for the good of mankind.” youth today are neutral about re- To know the religion of another An interfaith dialogue, through ligious issues, getting absorbed by In 2003, President of Kazakhstan person means identifying one- congress or summit, is one of the the materialistic and consumerist Nursultan Nazarbayev introduced self with the other person’s sense ways to find out once again the society. In some cases, a few of his initiative for dialogue of religious of being a Hindu, Muslim, Jew, true spirit of each religion. But them are obsessed by the superior- leaders. In 2008, the late Saudi Ara- Christian or whatever faith the this should not remain a theoreti- ity of their religion and the obses- bian King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz person belongs to. It requires that cal task. It also needs action. Ref- sion may give rise to fundamental- called for the need to have dialogue we empty ourselves completely ormation of religion is a debatable ism. Some may even fall prey to the among Muslims, Christians and so that we receive from others. issue. However, instead of pointing extremists’ agenda and join camps Jews. Thus, the first step consists in get- out lapses in others’ religion, one where they get military training These two calls came at a time ting acquainted with others’ faith. can recognise the virtue in them. for carrying out acts of violence when peace initiatives stalled and Then, from acquaintance we have the tension in the whole world es- against another, all religions would One should not at least condemn in other countries. Politicians and we can suggest a set of means that to move into the second step that calated. Both initiatives are inspired disappear and what will remain others’ religion. The reverence to religious leaders coming together help the international community is appreciation of what is beautiful by Islamic principles and reflect the would be sheer materialism. various forms of worship must be should make an effort to dissuade to pass through this crisis and other in other’s faith: charity in Christi- desire of Muslims to live in peaceful Against this background can we shown at the right time and right the youth from taking such suicid- problems that face humanity. These coexistence and positive interaction anity, brotherhood in Islam, open learn to recognise the enormous place. We all know that coexist- al step. It is also absolutely neces- means are: with the followers of other religions mindedness in Hinduism! From potential of religion to refine man, ence is not a subject to be merely sary to put an end to such trainings 1. To give religious organisations and different cultures. These calls appreciation we go into the third to make him more considerate, talked about; it is something that in all parts of the world. The poli- the proper place and increase cooper- are based on the support of senior step, which is respect and from re- kind and sympathetic towards oth- needs to be practiced. And while ticians should ban such trainings ation between international organisa- clerics and imams in Saudi Arabia spect we move towards harmony. ers? we over-emphasise religious free- and the religious leaders should tions and religious organisations and and Kazakhstan, which represent It is like the natural growth of a The answer is yes, depending dom, we must not forget the words use their influence to discourage encourage more tolerance, participa- plant that comes from the nothing- on what aspect of religion attracts of Victor Hugo: “The liberty of such unruly youth from treading an indispensable support in Mus- tion and consultation to contain the ness of the seed, like the empty us. There is nothing wrong with one individual ends where the lib- the path from which there is hardly lim societies that believe that the attempts of some elements that are mind and sprouts into a huge tree focusing on theological or ritual erty of another individual begins.” any return. This should be the out- decisions of their rulers are based trying to blow up the global struggle. with so many branches, no branch discussions, however, if we miss An ideal person is not one who come of the Council of Religious on Islamic principles. Those prin- 2. To continue the dialogue and inferior and no branch superior. the moral precepts, the manner can but one who does act on Leaders, Congress of Leaders of ciples state that all heavenly mes- follow the example of the Prophet What makes us indifferent about and the spirit in which the masters what he believes. Nursultan Naz- World and Traditional Religions sages came down to guide people to (PBUH), the four caliphs and those others’ faith is our ego and our in- of a religion lived, we miss the arbayev, President of the Repub- and the sincere engagement of worship God in the manner enacted who follow the way of Islamic his- sensitivity. We have lived on this core of religion. Mahatma Gandhi lic of Kazakhstan, is the one who President Nazarbayev. by the Almighty and to remove the tory like Nour Elddin and Saladin, earth for more or less a million said, “Ours has become an age of does. He has held the Congress of The desire for a deep unity and scourge of poverty, injustice and who defeated the Crusader racism years; yet we are as primitive as we hypocrisy and insincerity. Men, Leaders of World and Traditional for a right understanding of reli- racial discrimination as it called to with mind, tolerance and compas- were before. We kill one another, to whatever religion they belong, Religions and opened a new page gion is expressed in the following uphold human values that promote sion, not with spear and sword. try to snatch power and we use re- care only for the external aspects in the history of mankind. He has verse of the Shvetasvatara Upani- social justice. 3. We should acknowledge that ligion to serve selfish ends and not of religion, and give the go-by to also established the Council of shad, the Hindu scripture (4.1): These initiatives for a dialogue of violations of international law, hu- for our yearning to experience God all its fundamental principles. In Religious Leaders. His initiatives “He who is one, and who dispens- cultures and religions are based on man rights and infringements on the in our hearts and in His creation. their lust for accumulation, they have created an atmosphere of es the inherent needs of all peoples key principles: rights of peoples and its holy values If such hostilities were to break forget that they cause, or are like- goodwill amongst religious lead- and all times, who is the beginning A. Rejection of apartheid and and incompliance with UN resolu- out over and again in our global ly to cause, harm to others.” And ers. Now, the question that lingers and the end of all things, may He abandoning the idea that there is one tions create an environment that village, the world that we inhabit what is the sum total of moral pre- in the minds of all of us is: What unite us with the bond.” race superior to another. All people encourages terrorism. The result is today, we would be destroying oth- cepts in world religions? Mahatma next? are equal and enjoy the same de- more serious, as these international ers without realising that thereby Gandhi says, “A moral rule is a Today, in many countries, we The author is the Director of gree of humanity; that is, they do not delinquent behaviours are used as an we would be destroying ourselves statement of a condition of social find a few youngsters who genu- K. J. Somaiya Bharatiya San- claim to be superior to each other by excuse by groups of extremism and too. If each religion is up in arms welfare and the highest moral law inely and sincerely practice their skriti Peetham, India. race, colour or sex. violence to justify their actions. We B. The diversity and differences must recognise that in our time, the in ethnic and human communities influence of each country on the oth- are normal and should result in ers has increased and grown and that an understanding and cooperation the behaviours of a country affects among them. directly and indirectly on the inter- C. The variation and diversity of hu- nal situation in many other countries. man communities according to their The world has actually reached the origin or religion is allowed by the stage of the global village, where Almighty and it is therefore necessary some of its parts are affected by what for the owners of wisdom and reason, is happening in any other part. in spite of their differences, to strive to 4. Violence and extremism phe- find a common ground through which nomenon has become a cross-border they can achieve mutual respect and global dilemma and not specific happiness for mankind. to some people or race or religion D. The need to face common so- and this entails that all states should cial challenges in a world deluged come together to siege and fight it in material life that suffers from the according with the Islamic princi- disintegration of family relationships ple (help one another in Al-Birr and and the breakup of ethical values and At-Taqwâ [virtue, righteousness and call for cooperation to alleviate those piety], but do not help one another in problems by sharing experiences that sin and transgression [Al-Mâ’idah]). may contribute to finding effective The more justice, fairness, tolerance solutions. and dialogue are expanded in the The initiatives for a dialogue of states, institutions and individuals’ cultures and religions have been behaviours, the more extremism is met with desirability and welcomed narrowed. by all world leaders. In the speech The efforts of Islamic institutions delivered by President Barack Oba- in Saudi Arabia against extremist ma in Cairo, the U.S. president said, ideas have become a well-known “Faith should bring us together and experience, as the initiatives and the this is why we have established ser- support of the Government of the vice projects in America to bring Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques together Christians, Jews and Mus- by King Salman bin Abdul Aziz lims and for that we welcome the and Crown Prince Muhammad bin efforts of the Custodian of the Two Nayef bin Abdul Aziz have the great- Holy Mosques King Abdullah to est impact on the success achieved establish a dialogue between reli- in the country against terrorism and gions.” extremism and to spread the values Ever since the second congress in 2006, the event has been hosted by the Palace of Peace and Harmony (the Pyramid), gathering religious leaders at its famous round A statement of Rabbi David table signifying the equality of all participants. Follow the latest updates under the hashtag #AstanaCongress. of tolerance, dialogue and peace. Rosen, Director of Interreligious The Council of Senior Religious Affairs of the American Jewish Scholars in the Kingdom has issued Committee who previously served many statements that condemn vio- as chief rabbi of Ireland, affirmed lence and terrorism and urge solving the importance of dialogue between international problems in the light of religions.“Religion is mostly the the principles of peace and justice problem, so it should be the key to ordered by Islam. The Ministry of the solution, or at least part of it, Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawa and I think that the reason for the and Guidance also exert huge efforts failure of many initiatives to find a to combat extremism and promote political peace is that they ignored moderation and to clarify the true the religious dimension,” he said. image of Islam as a religion of love, It has been 12 years since Presi- peace and justice. dent Nazarbayev introduced his initi- Our world today is divided into ative for dialogue of religious leaders two worlds, one for the extremists and eight years since the late King both in Muslim and non-Muslim so- Abdullah of Saudi Arabia started an- cieties who want to destroy the plu- other needed initiative for dialogue ralistic nature of our beautiful world to overcome extremism in the world. and one for the moderates who want Still, waves of extremism continue to live and let live. Fortunately, the to plague our world, as shown in the world of moderates still has enlight- atrocities recently committed by IS ened, wise and courageous leaders extremists against Saudis. Yet, the such as those of Saudi Arabia and only solution we see is to continue Kazakhstan who are interested in fighting back extremism with dia- spreading peace, development and logue .In this regard, I highly praise solving all international problems the courageous step by Kazakhstan through dialogue and cooperation. for deciding to include political lead- ers in the fifth Congress of Leaders The author is a Supervisor of of World and Traditional Religions, the Knowledge Exchange Pro- a decision to expand rather than de- gramme and Consultant to the crease the level of dialogue. Minister of Islamic Affairs, En- Further and in light of the Islamic dowment, Dawa and Guidance ideals of peace, justice and realism, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia