Christine Lagarde: Astana EXPO-2017 Will Address the Most Pressing Challenges We Face Today

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, is confident that the International Specialized Exhibition Astana EXPO-2017 with the theme "Future Energy" is topical and important.

"The Astana EXPO-2017 will address some of the most pressing challenges we face today-global warming, climate change, and energy security. In meeting these challenges, the IMF sees carbon pricing as the most effective policy for reducing emissions, while raising significant revenues in an administratively straightforward way and having substantial domestic health benefits. This should be front and center as countries move forward on their mitigation pledges for the landmark Paris Agreement," stated Ms. Lagarde.

As is well known, between June 10 and September 10, 2017 Astana will host the Astana EXPO-2017 Future Energy International Specialized Exhibition. The exhibition will last 93 days and will be one of the most spectacular cultural venues in 2017. To date, over 85 countries and over 15 international organizations have confirmed that they will participate in the Astana EXPO-2017 exposition.

As part of Astana EXPO-2017, global policy documents will be drafted in order to promote energy conservation and wide use of renewable energy sources. Visitors to the exhibition will have an opportunity to learn more about various types of energy sources and to enjoy a wide-ranging and varied cultural and entertainment program of Astana EXPO-2017.

Kazakhstan not only possesses oil and gas reserves but also has considerable potential in the sphere of renewable energy. The republic has only recently started its transition to a "green" economy; nevertheless, the EXPO-2017 exposition will set a good example for other countries that are rich in natural resources.

About Astana EXPO-2017  

The International Specialized Exhibition Astana EXPO-2017 with the theme "Future Energy" is an expositional and recreational event that expects over 100 participating countries and over 10 international organizations, and 5 million visits.

The subthemes of EXPO-2017 are:

- Reducing CO2 emissions. The environmental challenge: to protect our environment and promote trends that lead to environmental enhancement.

- Energy conservation. The economic challenge: promote energy efficiency and the rational use of energy.

- Energy for all. The social challenge: energy access as a basic human need and right.