The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a high-level ministerial dialogue titled “Space-Enabled Climate Action: Kazakhstan and ICESCO Cooperation for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development,” in partnership with the Kazakhstan Pavilion at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). Attended by ministers and officials from Kazakhstan and Pakistan, heads of space agencies, and international experts, the dialogue explored ways to harness space technologies to strengthen climate resilience and advance food security and sustainable development.

During the dialogue, held on Thursday, 12 November 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, participants discussed mechanisms for transforming satellite data into practical tools for climate adaptation, water management, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, expressed his appreciation to the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting the dialogue at its pavilion. He stressed that the value of space technologies lies in their capacity to help protect lives and strengthen livelihoods by enabling disaster-prone communities to monitor and understand information and act upon it.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the importance of strengthening local knowledge, building the capacities of qualified professionals, and advancing artificial intelligence technologies and satellite-based monitoring. He called for the launch of a pilot project on water management and flood early warning, in partnership between ICESCO, JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary, and several universities in the Islamic world, to advance smart agriculture and strengthen food security.

Moderated by Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor in ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector, the dialogue brought together Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Mr. Mansur Oshurbayev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan; Mr. Malik Olzhabekov, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary-General of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security; Mr. Amanat Umbetbayev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC NC Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary; and Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan, President of the Centre of Pakistan and International Relations.