Vienna, May 26–30, 2025 – Kazakhstan delegation, comprising elected officials, is participating in the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes at the invitation of IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

The conference gathers over 600 delegates from 81 IAEA Member States, including more than 80 mayors from cities with developed nuclear infrastructure. Kazakhstan delegation includes Bolat Abdraliyev, Akim (Mayor) of Kurchatov; Mukhit Turysbekov, Akim of Sozak District of the Turkistan Region, Baglan Sugirbayev, a deputy of the local maslikhat, as well as representatives from the National Atomic Company "Kazatomprom".

As part of the conference, a national exhibition booth showcasing Kazakhstan’s achievements in the nuclear sector was presented with the participation of Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the international organizations in Vienna.

Kazakhstan is actively advancing the creation of a national nuclear cluster—a strategic initiative aimed at developing a complete nuclear technology cycle, from uranium extraction to the design, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power facilities. This initiative is a key step toward strengthening the country’s energy independence and promoting sustainable development.

The inclusion of representatives from the Turkistan Region and the city of Kurchatov highlights the strategic importance of these areas: the Turkistan Region is home to a significant portion of Kazakhstan’s uranium reserves, while Kurchatov hosts the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan - a premier research institution with unique reactors and nuclear infrastructure.

During a dedicated session titled “Nuclear Communities and Mayors in Focus”, Akim Abdraliyev of Kurchatov emphasized that Kazakhstan is on the brink of a historic development - the construction of its first nuclear power plant. He noted that, amid rapidly rising energy demand and the global imperative to decarbonize, nuclear power is increasingly seen as a reliable and low-carbon source of base-load energy. He also reaffirmed that nuclear safety and public trust remain top priorities for both the government and the people of Kazakhstan.

The IAEA conference will continue through 30 May 2025. At its conclusion, participating mayors and local government representatives are expected to adopt a joint declaration, reaffirming their shared commitment to open and constructive engagement with citizens, lawmakers, national governments, and industry leaders. The declaration will also underscore the essential role of nuclear energy in supporting the well-being of individuals, communities, and nations.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-vienna/press/news/details/1006150?lang=kk