Roundtable: Energy Transition in Kazakhstan: From National to Regional Policy Actions

Organisers:
Institute of Public Policy and Administration, University of Central Asia & Department of Political Science and International Relations, Nazarbayev University

The roundtable aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities of energy transition in Kazakhstan, drawing insights from two recent studies that provide an in-depth analysis of both expert and public perceptions of current energy transition policies. By examining these perspectives, the discussion will explore the gaps between policy intentions and societal expectations, identifying potential pathways for a just and sustainable transition. The event will bring together key stakeholders—including policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives—to deliberate on the economic and social implications of Kazakhstan’s shift away from fossil fuels. The roundtable will serve as a platform to foster dialogue on policy improvements, inclusive decision-making, and strategies for economic diversification to ensure a smooth transition for all affected communities. Bridging national strategies with regional policy actions will be a key focus of this discussion, ensuring that energy transition efforts are tailored to local contexts while aligning with broader national and international commitments.

Moderator: Dr Madina Junussova, Senior Research Fellow, University of Central Asia

Agenda

15:00 – 15:10 | Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Speaker: Representative from the Ministry of National Economy
• Moderator: Introduction to the roundtable objectives and key themes

15:10 – 15:30 | Study Presentation

• Speaker: Dr Jessica Neafie, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Nazarbayev University
• Topic: Energy Transition Governance: Opportunities and Threats on the Road to a Sustainable Future in Kazakhstan

15:30 – 16:00 | Study Presentation

• Speaker: Saniya Soltybayeva, PhD Candidate, Nazarbayev University
• Topic: Decarbonisation, Just Transition and Economic Diversification in Kazakhstan

16:00 – 16:20 | Panel Reactions & Open Discussion

• Moderator: Dr Madina Junussova, Senior Research Fellow, University of Central Asia
• Q&A session where participants can comment on study findings and governance challenges

16:20 – 16:40 | Interactive Group Discussion & Solution Workshop

• Facilitator: Dr Mira Maulsharif, Professor at the School of Humanities, Narxoz University
• Breakout Groups: Participants will brainstorm strategies for inclusive and just energy transition policies

16:40 – 16:50 | Presentation of Group Insights & Policy Recommendations

16:50 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks & Networking

• Summary of key takeaways

BIOS

Dr Jessica Neafie is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University, specialising in environmental policy, foreign policy, and economic influence in Central Asia. Her research explores the intersection of international investment, infrastructure development, environmental policy, and public perception, mainly focusing on China’s engagement in the region. She has published extensively on geoeconomics, strategic narratives, and environmental governance, including works in International Politics, Area Development and Policy, and The International Journal of Water Resources Development. Dr Neafie’s recent studies examine China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Kazakhstan’s foreign policy strategies, and public attitudes toward Chinese investment in Central Asia. Dr Neafie finished her Ph.D. at the University of Oregon (USA) in 2020 and served as a Non-Tenure Assistant Professor at Western Oregon University. She also has an M.A. in Climate Science and Policy from Columbia University (2012), an M.A. in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Westminster (UK, 2009), and a B.A. in Asian Studies and Political Science from the University of Florida (2003).

Dr Madina Junussova is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Administration  (IPPA) and an Urban Development Lead for Graduate School of Development, as well as a CERGE-EI Foundation Teaching Fellow. She holds a PhD in Public Policy from Carleton University, Canada. Dr Junussova has 20 years of practical and research experience in urban and regional planning and policy analysis. She is an active member of the International Society of City and Regional Planners. Dr Junussova contributed to the OECD Urban Policy Review: Kazakhstan in 2017. Since 2022, as a part of the UCA IPPA team, she has  created and developing the SIPA Regional Knowledge Network on Sustainable Infrastructure in Central Asia. Since 2023, she has been a UNECE Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition member and since 2024,  a Principal Investigator for the Naryn Urban Resilience Program.

Dr Mira Maulsharif is a Professor at the School of Humanities at Narxoz University and holds a PhD in Sociology from Al-Farabi University. Mira is a social analyst with 26 years of academic and research experience. She has worked in various think tanks and universities in Kazakhstan, researching the socio-economic status of ethnic groups living in rural areas, strategies for managing private households in cities and the rural regions of Central Asia, and social and economic empowerment of rural youth.

Saniya Soltybayeva is a PhD. Candidate at the Nazarbayev University. Her research interests are mainly in the field of local economic development. She is particularly interested in studying how external shocks affect the urban resilience in Central Asian countries exploring their social, economic, and political outcomes.

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