OSCE and Kazakhstan Strengthen Co-operation on Emergency Management and Disaster Risk Reduction

On 26 December, the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Ambassador Alexey Rogov, met with Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations, Batyrbek Abdyshev, at the Ministry's Crisis Management Center to review joint achievements and chart future co-operation in disaster risk reduction and emergency response. 

The discussions highlighted the tangible results of the partnership between the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the Ministry for Emergency Situations. Through the partnership, two critical digital tools have been successfully implemented: the Digital Safety Passport and Interactive Maps sub-systems. These innovations have been integrated into the Ministry's geographic information system (GIS ES), substantially enhancing the country's capacity to forecast and monitor emergency situations.

Deputy Minister Abdyshev congratulated Ambassador Rogov on his recent appointment and expressed appreciation for the Office’s continued support. He emphasized that initiatives on future co-operation are discussed on working and higher levels, and highly relevant to the Ministry’s strategic priorities, particularly noting strong interest in the planned capacity-building seminars on satellite imagery interpretation and the programme to certify Caspian Sea divers according to international standards.

During discussions, the Ministry shared insights into its expanding operational capabilities, including conducting an average of eight drone operations daily – the highest volume among all State agencies, and provided practical examples of their use in rescue and monitoring scenarios as well as the integrated use of Artificial Intelligence. The Ministry’s technical expertise in unmanned aerial systems has positioned it as a resource for other government bodies requiring complex drone-assisted operations.

The sides also addressed emerging security challenges linked to climate change, with the Ministry actively monitoring global patterns in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. 

Ambassador Rogov noted that the partnership demonstrates how international co-operation can deliver practical tools that enhance public safety and strengthen institutional capacity in emergency management. He reaffirmed the OSCE's commitment to supporting Kazakhstan's efforts to further modernize its civil protection systems and build resilience against emerging challenges.

Looking ahead, both sides outlined priority areas for future co-operation in the coming years, including automated monitoring systems for natural hazards, research on glacial and landslide-dammed lakes, seismic hazard assessment, and detailed seismic zoning maps. These priorities will form the basis of a multi-year co-operation framework to be developed in the coming period.

The Office will continue implementation of planned activities, including upcoming capacity-building seminars and technical assistance programmes.

The initiatives, implemented in close co-operation with the Ministry for Emergency Situations, underscore Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening its emergency management systems and demonstrates the country's dedication to adopting innovative digital solutions and international good practices in civil protection and disaster risk reduction.