OSCE Centre in Astana supports conference on energy for sustainable development
ASTANA, 21 May 2014 – An OSCE-supported international conference “EXPO-2017 – Energy for Sustainable Development” in the framework of the Seventh Astana Economic Forum took place today.
The event was co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the National Company Astana EXPO-2017, the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global development and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
The conference brought together more than150 government officials and parliamentarians, representatives from the business and scientific communities, civil society, academia, international and non-governmental organizations and renowned international and national experts from various countries. They discussed issues related to energy for sustainable development and the green economy, the educational role the world expositions play in advocating innovations, promoting green investments and fostering international scientific and technological co-operation.
The discussion also focused on the contribution of world expositions to the industrial and innovative development based on the green growth principles. The participants reviewed some of the previous EXPOs experiences and lessons learned, opportunities presented and related risks in this regard. A special emphasis was placed on features, advantages and benefits of EXPO-2017 in Astana that will be held under the motto “Future Energy,” most notably in the context of the UN Sustainable Energy for All initiative and Green Bridge Partnership Programme.
Rapil Zhoshybayev, Commissioner of the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan said: “EXPO-2017’s infrastructure will be built in order to ensure its further full utilization in the most effective way. The EXPO in Astana is not just a three-month international exhibition. Its legacy will foster the country’s development in the future.”
“We believe that EXPO-2017 will serve as a strong impetus for the development of science, as an incentive for innovative technologies and investments as well as the leverage to enhance the role of civil society in strengthening environmental security,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.
The event is part of Centre’s activities in support of Kazakhstan’s transition to a green economy.