Kazakhstan’s carbon neutrality roadmap to 2060 discussed by GPI experts

On October 10, 2025, at the Sustainable Development and ESG Council of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented a revised draft of the Roadmap for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060. GPI Group experts, business representatives, and industry associations participated in the discussion. The document includes 179 measures across key economic sectors and aims to practically implement Kazakhstan’s climate strategy.

Context and Key Participants

The meeting opened with a welcome from the new Council members, highlighting the high public demand for an ESG agenda. CEOs of companies and institutions, representatives of parliament, and business associations attended. Council Chairperson Yulia Yakupbayeva noted that the expanded membership strengthens expertise and accelerates the development of initiatives.

Position of the Ministry of National Economy

Vice Minister of National Economy Asan Darbayev presented the draft Roadmap as the primary instrument for practical decarbonization. The document defines the areas, indicators, and expected effects, and creates a common language for regulators, businesses, and financial institutions.

179 measures to achieve carbon neutrality

The Roadmap framework covers energy, industry, transport, housing and utilities, agriculture, and waste management. Each block includes measures to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy sources, and implement low-carbon technologies.

Collection of proposals and deadlines for submission to the Government

The Ministry of National Economy has launched a proposal and comment collection process. After analyzing the comments, the document is planned to be finalized and submitted to the Government by the end of October 2025. Businesses are encouraged to actively participate in refining the indicators and implementation mechanisms.

The Role of the Sustainable Development and ESG Council

The Council serves as a platform for industry consultations and the resolution of contentious issues. According to Yulia Yakupbaeva, over 300 experts have been involved in the development process over the past eighteen months. The Council is ready to participate in interdepartmental support for the implementation of the Roadmap following its adoption. GPI Expert Contributions

The GPI team focused on aligning national measures with companies’ corporate ESG strategies. Experts proposed solutions for methodological transparency, accessibility of source data, and linking climate goals with sustainable finance requirements and procurement in green supply chains.

Business Proposals and Industry Focus

Participants proposed strengthening measures to combat unfair practices and ensure comparability of indicators across industries. Industry representatives noted the need to adapt internal carbon regulation mechanisms to ensure a level playing field for competition and investment predictability.

Anti-Greenwashing and Improving KPIs

Special attention was paid to setting up indicators: clear definitions, uniform calculation methods, and data quality control. Strengthening disclosure requirements and independent verification is intended to reduce the risks of greenwashing and increase investor confidence.

Sustainable Finance and Investment Needs

The roadmap envisages expanding sustainable finance instruments: targeted loans, bonds, grant programs, and co-financing mechanisms. Clarifying investment needs and funding sources is necessary for launching projects over 5-10 and 10-20 year horizons.

The Importance of the Roadmap for Kazakhstani Companies

The document sets a clear regulatory framework through 2060 and helps businesses plan for asset decarbonization, production modernization, the transition to renewable energy, the digitalization of emissions accounting, and preparation for international reporting.

Next Steps and Approval Schedule

Proposals from Council members will be collected by October 10, 2025, and then submitted to the Ministry of National Economy. Separate meetings are planned with the Ministry of Energy on energy issues and with the financial regulator on sustainable finance issues. The final draft is planned to be submitted to the Government by the end of October 2025.

Related GPI Services

GPI Group provides services for developing ESG strategies, decomposing goals into management KPIs, preparing non-financial reporting, and raising sustainable finance. The team helps develop decarbonization roadmaps that take into account industry specifics and regulatory requirements.