Gender Equality as a Key to Sustainable Development: Women’s Role in Climate Adaptation Discussed in Astana

On October 30, 2025, Astana hosted a national consultation on the integration of gender perspectives into biodiversity conservation and sustainable use processes.

The event was held as part of a three-day seminar dedicated to the interconnection between biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

The session was attended by Zhuldizay Iskakova, Deputy Chairperson of the National Commission for Women Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In her remarks, Iskakova emphasized that gender equality and women’s participation in decision-making processes are becoming an integral part of Kazakhstan’s national sustainable development strategies.

“Gender balance in the management of natural resources and the development of a ‘green’ economy is as important today as in any other area of state policy. The National Commission is open to cooperation with environmental experts to jointly adapt strategic documents in environmental and climate policy, making them more inclusive and gender-sensitive,”
— stated Zhuldizay Iskakova.

The discussion fostered a constructive exchange of views, during which participants explored potential areas for further collaboration between experts and the National Commission. They also agreed on joint plans to integrate gender approaches into environmental and climate programs.

The seminar was organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).