In Turkistan, within the framework of the 2nd Central Asian Financial and Banking Forum “Banks and Fintech,” a panel session titled “ESG, Green Finance, and Sustainable Development” was held, bringing together representatives of the finance sector, international financial institutions, consulting firms, and companies from the real sector of the economy.

The session was moderated by Sabina Akzharova, Vice President for Communications and International Cooperation of the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs. Among the speakers were Arnur Ibrayev, Head of the Sustainable Development Center at Bank CenterCredit, as well as representatives of leading international and national organizations covering the consulting sector, the banking industry, and international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Altyn Bank, KPMG, EY, and KZ Recycling.

During the session, participants discussed the development of the ESG agenda in the finance sector, the implementation of sustainable development strategies, green financing instruments, as well as issues related to borrowers’ ESG maturity and the verification of non-financial reporting. Special attention was given to key barriers, including data availability, regulation, and the economics of sustainable projects.

Following the discussion, it was noted that ESG in Kazakhstan and the region is moving into a practical phase and is becoming an important element of banking activities, while simultaneously increasing its influence on companies in the real sector and shaping new market standards in the field of sustainable development.