Yakupbayeva: The Global ESG Agenda Is Developing Rapidly

As part of the “Corporate Governance — New Challenges” forum held on December 8, a session titled “Environmental Protection” was held, moderated by Assylbek Zhangulov, member of the Advisory Council of the “Qazaq Independent Directors” Association and Board Member and Managing Partner of Green Technology Hub (AIFC). The event brought together corporate secretaries and company experts to discuss key issues and challenges facing the corporate world in the field of sustainable development.

The session’s speaker was Yuliya Yakupbayeva, Partner at GPI Group, Chairperson of the ESG Council under the “Atameken” National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and Chairperson of the Green Urban community.

“The global ESG agenda is developing rapidly. Companies in Europe, China, the United States, and other leading countries no longer ask themselves ‘Why is this necessary?’ — they are implementing and scaling specific technologies, building green supply chains, and monitoring KPI performance.

Kazakhstan must keep pace with these trends, because without the corresponding competencies, processes, and non-financial reporting, we will not only be unable to attract financing from abroad, but in the coming years we will also fall out of supply chains to these countries,” noted Yuliya Yakupbayeva.

In her remarks, Yulia Yakupbayeva shared insights from COP28, spoke about the role of the ESG Club and the recently established Sustainable Development and ESG Council under the “Atameken” National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and invited the companies present to take a more active part in the agenda of these organizations.

The main topics of discussion were current trends in ESG and the outcomes of the COP28 conference. Session participants focused on how corporations can effectively integrate sustainable development principles into their operations — not only in compliance with regulatory requirements but also as a strategic competitive advantage.

The event highlighted the need for strong coordination and interaction among all stakeholders — business, government, and society — in order to achieve global sustainable development goals.

The session’s speakers included Gabit Musrepov, Partner at KPMG in the Caucasus and Central Asia; Bakhyt Yessekina, member of the Council on the Green Economy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Director of the “Green Academy” Scientific and Educational Center; and Gulzada Shakulikova, Chairperson of the Management Board and Rector of the Safi Utebayev Atyrau University of Oil and Gas.