Astana:The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has become one of the founding members of the Global Carbon Market Network, a new international platform established with the support of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

According to Trend News Agency, the initiative was announced at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. It aims to strengthen links between carbon and financial markets, improve transparency and trust, and facilitate cross-border transactions.

The network's founding members include organizations from various regions, such as Climate Impact X, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Indonesia Stock Exchange, Global Carbon Council, Verra, and Voluntary Carbon Market Company.

On the sidelines of COP31, AIFC also organized an expert discussion titled 'Voluntary Carbon Market Infrastructure, Standards and Financing.' This session brought together representatives from international organizations, carbon market infrastructure providers, financial institutions, and the private sector to discuss mechanisms for advancing climate finance and voluntary carbon markets in Central Asia.

Participants examined investor requirements for climate projects, ways to structure projects to attract capital, and opportunities to develop demand for carbon credits and International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) certificates in the region.

Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer of the AIFC Authority, emphasized the need for an integrated ecosystem for the voluntary carbon market, highlighting the importance of connecting climate projects with financial markets in Central Asia. He stated that the AIFC is ready to support Kazakhstan's climate investment projects by providing financial infrastructure, international expertise, and access to investors.

The AIFC reiterated its commitment to supporting sustainable finance, international cooperation, and the development of an ecosystem for climate projects in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.