The official opening of the CASI Academy in Central Asia for the development of sustainable finance took place at the AIFC

The official launch of the CASI Academy in Central Asia took place at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), marking an educational and institutional initiative aimed at strengthening expertise in sustainable finance across the region. The event was organized by the AIFC Green Finance Centre, acting as the regional representative of the Green Investment Principles (GIP), in collaboration with the GIP Secretariat and the international Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) initiative.

The business event titled “Developing Sustainable Finance Capacity in Central Asia: Launch of the CASI Academy and Strengthening Cooperation with the GIP/CASI Regional Representation” brought together representatives of financial institutions, regulatory bodies, international organizations, and industry experts.

The launch of the CASI Academy opens new opportunities for the systematic development of sustainable and climate finance in Central Asia, further strengthening the region’s role in advancing green economy principles. The initiative will provide access to internationally recognized educational programs and certification, including courses in Russian, significantly expanding access to training in sustainable finance for professionals across the region.

The certification program is designed for a wide range of professionals, including employees of financial institutions and investment funds, developers of “green” projects, ESG consultants, representatives of regulatory bodies and central banks, as well as students and faculty members of higher education institutions. The curriculum covers key areas, including: fundamentals of sustainable finance and ESG principles, climate risk management and climate investments, green and transition financial instruments and markets, integration of ESG factors into investment decision-making, carbon markets and nature-based finance, as well as international standards, taxonomies, and regulatory frameworks. The training is delivered through online modules with a flexible schedule, allowing participants to complete courses at their own pace, followed by final examinations.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ma Jun, Co-Chair of the GIP and Chair of CASI, as well as Manas Gijduaniev, CEO of the AIFC Green Finance Centre. In their speeches, they emphasized the growing importance of developing professional competencies and strengthening cross-border cooperation as key factors in accelerating the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.

The event also featured an informal discussion and a panel session with leading experts, including representatives of the Eurasian Development Bank, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, the academic community, and the private sector. The discussions focused on mobilizing sustainable investments, strengthening institutional capacity, and identifying effective solutions for scaling climate finance in Central Asia.

The event concluded with participants reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening professional capacity in the region, as well as enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors and educational institutions. As the sustainable finance ecosystem in Central Asia continues to develop, initiatives such as the CASI Academy and the GIP platform will play a key role in ensuring long-term economic growth resilient to climate challenges.

Reference:

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and businesses meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. aifc.kz  

The AIFC Green Finance Centre is a specialized organization established to promote the development of the sustainable finance market in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Its main objective is to attract investment into the sustainable economy through modern financial instruments, including green and social bonds. As a regional analytical hub, the organization provides strategic and advisory services in green finance and sustainable development to government bodies, quasi-governmental organizations, and businesses. In addition, the Centre offers comprehensive support to potential issuers, investors, and market participants at all stages of preparing for the issuance of green bonds on the AIFC Exchange.

AIFC Press Office

Ainur Issabayeva, Press Secretary

E-mail: [email protected]