He added that the Astana International Forum was established to address four major global issues, namely: foreign policy, security and sustainability, energy and climate, and economy and finance, noting that global peace and stability are currently under threat due to tensions between major world powers, and other international issues continue to put pressure on shaky international regimes and alliances, such as nuclear disarmament and the refugee crisis. He indicated that the rise of nationalism and populism in many countries continues to complicate international relations, making it more difficult to find common ground on issues that require a coordinated global response. President Tokayev added that the second major challenge that requires global coordination is climate change, as its consequences have a devastating impact on the planet such as rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions and the loss of biodiversity.
He stressed that the world’s dependence on fossil fuels makes it increasingly difficult to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change, stressing that the crucial role of the oil and gas industry in ensuring energy security and in the energy transition cannot be overlooked, as the energy transition is a complex issue that must be dealt with carefully to ensure that developing countries are able to improve.
In reference to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Tokayev said that it had led to severe global economic downfall, with many countries, businesses and individuals struggling to survive, adding that the rise of inequality in income and the ongoing trade tensions between major world powers has led to instability in the global economy. President Tokayev expressed that although these challenges may seem daunting, they can also be seen as opportunities for global cooperation and progress, highlighting that Kazakhstan has a long history of enhancing international relations since it acts as a bridge between East and West. He expressed his hopes of the outcome of the forum in building new bridges, overcoming shared challenges, charting new diplomatic, economic and political paths, and contributing to building a more stable, equitable and prosperous world.
The current state of the global economy indicates the importance of events such as the Astana International Forum. Over the past three years, the global economy has witnessed major shocks such as the Ukraine war and the outbreak of COVID-19, in addition to the current geopolitical tensions in Europe that continue to seriously affect the global economy, transport and logistics links and the cost of energy and food prices. Disruptions in supply chains have also affected inflation rates, increased food insecurity and had other negative effects on the global economy.
Millions have also fallen into poverty as a result of the sharp rise in the prices of basic food rations, especially in poor countries that rely heavily on imports for their food. Around 10 million people fall into extreme poverty, and the United Nations forecasts that 181 million people in 50 countries will fall into a food crisis in the near future.
Source: Qatar News Agency