CAREC Institute Participates in High-Level ESG Seminar in Astana

Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, Deputy Director Two of the CAREC Institute, participated in the high-level seminar “Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG): Strategies for Sustainable Development” held from March 24 to 26, 2025, in Astana Kazakhstan. The three-day event convened policymakers, business leaders, and technical experts to explore global and regional ESG implementation dimensions.

During the seminar, Dr. Akizhanov led two key sessions. In one session called “Social Responsibility — Diversity, Human Rights, and Community Engagement,” he discussed why social responsibility matters. He stressed the need for inclusion, respect for human rights, and working closely with communities to support long-term growth. In another session titled “ESG Regulatory Landscape and Reporting Standards,” he guided a discussion on ESG rules and reporting. This included a fireside chat about how banks and other financial institutions can help put ESG ideas into action in the region.

Throughout the seminar, Dr. Akizhanov emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, ethical leadership, and teamwork across sectors to make ESG part of regional development. He also took the chance to share some of the CAREC Institute’s key efforts, such as the Annual Research Conference, the CAREC Think Tank Development Forum, and the Visiting Fellows Program. He explained that these programs play a big role in bringing countries together, building stronger institutions, and supporting innovative, research-based policies in the CAREC region.

“ESG is not just a policy framework—it is a transformative approach to how we shape our economies and societies,” said Dr. Akizhanov. “The CAREC Institute remains committed to supporting regional cooperation and knowledge exchange in this critical area.”

The seminar ended with a clear message: ESG is becoming more important in shaping policy and investment choices. Participants agreed that ongoing collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and civil society is essential to build a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable future for Central Asia and the wider region.