I am honoured to participate today at the Kazakhstan Energy Week, where we gather to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: “Global Energy Security”.
Allow me to refer to the renowned author Mr. Parag Khanna, who stated ‘In the 19th century, the world was Europeanized. In the 20th century, it was Americanized. Now, in the 21st century, the world is being Asianized’. Our purpose here is to contribute to the advancement of Asia's future.
In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring the stability and accessibility of energy resources has become a paramount concern of the international community.
Since its inception in 1992, CICA has made remarkable progress in achieving its stated objectives, with a view to ensuring peace, security and stability in Asia. The main objective and thrust of the CICA is to enhance cooperation through multilateral approaches. In order to achieve this objective, the CICA takes the necessary steps for the implementation of confidence-building measures aimed at enhancing cooperation and creating a conducive atmosphere of peace, confidence and friendship. Such measures are taken in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, CICA’s Almaty Act and international law.
CICA focuses on undertaking a number of activities in various priority areas to build confidence among Member States. Energy Security is one of the important priority areas under the CICA’s economic dimension of interactions. According to the updated CICA Catalogue of Confidence-Building Measures for Member States, the aim of the energy security priority area is to take necessary steps to ensure energy security cooperation in the CICA region. This includes developing and enhancing the efficiency and safety of energy routes and ensuring the energy supply's security. Moreover, it seeks to foster cooperation in the field of pipeline security among interested countries. The coordinator country for this priority area is the Republic of Korea, with India as the co-coordinator.
The CICA region comprises diverse countries with varying levels of development, political systems, and interests. Energy security can contribute to regional stability by fostering cooperation, trust, and confidence-building measures among member states. This, in turn, reduces the potential for conflicts and enhances regional harmony. Collaborative efforts among member states include implementing measures to enhance the efficiency and safety of energy transportation routes and ensure the availability of energy in global supply chains. It requires cooperation on various fronts, including infrastructure development, risk mitigation, and crisis response, to safeguard the uninterrupted availability of energy resources for the region's economic and strategic needs.
Within the CICA framework, energy security underscores the importance of regional cooperation to ensure the reliable and uninterrupted supply of energy resources and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. These objectives highlight the significance of addressing energy-related challenges and risks through collective efforts to maintain geopolitical stability and promote regional economic development.
From an economic development perspective, a secure and sustainable energy source is essential. Industries, businesses, and households depend on energy to function effectively. Energy shortages or disruptions can lead to economic setbacks and hinder growth prospects for countries in the region. Furthermore, energy routes, including pipelines and transportation networks, can serve as geopolitical tools. Countries may seek to control or influence these routes to gain political leverage, which can lead to conflicts or tensions. Ensuring energy security involves managing and mitigating such geopolitical risks.
Relying on a single energy source or supplier can make a country vulnerable to price fluctuations, supply disruptions, or political pressure. Diversification of energy sources and suppliers reduces these risks and enhances resilience.
During the sixth CICA Summit in 2022, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented a series of forward-looking proposals, among them being the establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity and the planning of a high-level environmental conference in 2024. These visionary initiatives will strengthen regional connectivity and enhance the transport and logistics infrastructure. Simultaneously, it will make a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions and augmenting the renewable energy potential of the Asian continent. These efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the energy security of the region while ensuring its sustainability.
It is noteworthy that the CICA Secretariat has been diligently working to translate our leaders' vision into action, with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable energy security while minimizing harm to the environment. CICA has been organizing seminars and workshops aimed at fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and practical solutions for enhancing energy security in Asia. Let may highlight some of the activities organized by CICA in the sphere of energy security:
CICA's commitment to energy security is evident through a series of seminars and workshops that it has organized over the years. These events provide a platform for member states, experts, and stakeholders to discuss, collaborate, and develop strategies for addressing energy security challenges.
It is a fact that the global energy security challenges are complex and multifaceted. However, they are not insurmountable. By working together, fostering international cooperation, and making informed decisions, we can navigate these challenges and create a more secure and sustainable energy future for all.
Thank you for your attention
