May 18, 2026
On
the instruction of the Head of State, Prime Minister of the Republic of
Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov took part in the 13th session of the World Urban
Forum (WUF-13) in Baku. The event is held under the auspices of UN-Habitat, a
global platform for discussing the challenges of rapid urbanization and its
impact on cities, society, the economy, and climate.
In
his speech, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan highlighted the importance of the
global agenda for sustainable urban development. Today, more than 63% of
Kazakhstan’s population lives in cities, which are becoming the engines of
economic growth and centers of attraction for human capital.
“Ensuring
comfortable living conditions and opportunities for decent employment, as
emphasized by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, remains one of the key
priorities of state policy. That is why we are implementing a people-centered
approach in which comfort, safety, accessibility and environmental
sustainability serve as the foundation for ‘cities for citizens’,” Olzhas
Bektenov emphasized.
In
January 2026, Kazakhstan adopted a new Construction Code that established
unified standards for architectural design and integrated urban planning. In
addition, urban development centers have been established in all regions of the
country.
The
Prime Minister noted that sustainable urban development requires a
comprehensive response to modern challenges, including technological
development and artificial intelligence, water security, climate change, and
increasing the resilience of urban infrastructure. Consistent work is being
carried out in these areas. One example of a new approach to urban development
is the Alatau City project, which is being formed as a center of advanced urban
growth. The urban cluster is focused on attracting international investment,
introducing modern management technologies, and innovative solutions to create
a comfortable, sustainable, and technological urban environment.