Kazakhstan's approach to long-term planning is the epitome for many nations: Director of the Post-Crisis World Institute Foundation Ekaterina Shipova
Ms Shipova, please tell us about the research, its goals and tasks?
In this research the Post-Crisis World Institute Foundation has attempted to find the answer to the questions on what the main problems and challenges of 2050 will be, will these problems be predetermined, how effectively and at the expense of what resources we can predetermine these, what countries and regions will be the most successful in this respect and what countries stand a ghost of a chance. The research brought together 303 experts - reps of administrative and intellectual elite of 63 countries.
We asked questions about the global trends, in particular, the perspectives for the year of 2050. What's going to happen, what will change and what are the basic routes of development? We are indeed curious to know what perspectives are looming on the horizon for the post-Soviet countries. The key observations relate to economy, geopolitics, energy, ideology and relations in the region. These trends create the picture that requires a country to make specific decisions.
What is the most likely scenario for the development of global processes?
International experts are quite pessimistic about it. In their words, redistribution of spheres of influence is what describes our reality the best. This process occurs on the back of the main challenge of our time - shortage of mineral resources. Environmental problems and imperfection of the world financial system can also be tagged as the most pressing topics.
In geopolitical perspective, we will witness a lot of changes: many developing countries will rise to the top, whereas a number of developed countries will lose their influence, resulting in shifts in global power balance.
World's largest economies are not ready to follow that trend. Kazakhstan, on the contrary, fits the bill and suits these parameters perfectly. To some extent, your country has taken the lead. Since our countries have common economic structures and share common problems, it might come in useful for Russia to use Kazakhstan's approach.
You've mentioned that expert community is positive about Kazakhstan's experience in strategic planning?
Majority of experts consider long-term strategic planning as an effective tool of overcoming crisis situations and challenges of the future. This is also an effective mechanism to foster future generations and introduce unshakable principles.
Back in 1997 Kazakhstan adopted the detailed Development Strategy for 2030. Recently it has transferred to the Development Strategy for 2050. Kazakhstan is the only post-Soviet state that prides on having a long-term strategic plan for 2050.
I was quite impressed with this document. Basically, "Kazakhstan-2050" Strategy is the new national idea for Kazakhstan. It sets out the goals and criteria for future work. This, in my opinion, is the epitome of the long-term strategy.
In your opinion, does Kazakhstan have a foundation to implement the strategic plans for development?
Kazakhstan launched the Accelerated Industrial and Innovative Development Program in 2009 amid global economic crisis. Nearly 350 industrial facilities have been established within that program.
Kazakhstan as the oil and gas giant has already made steps to ensure its energy independence. Currently, the 'green trend' and the development of alternative energy sources is high on the agenda. As far as I know, Kazakhstan has mapped out a plan, according to which half of its energy usage will fall at renewable sources by 2050.
Kazakhstan is keen to invest into development of its human capital. New universities that meet international standards and lifelong education are the priorities at the moment.
It is also worth mentioning Kazakhstan's consistent foreign policy. The largest regional projects - the SCO, the CICA, the EurAsEC, the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space have been suggested and promoted by Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan constantly tries to find a way to bridge its neighbors.
What role will Kazakhstan play in the future according to the international expert community?
Kazakhstan is among those countries that are bound to succeed. It is the only country that makes the list of the largest economies and pioneers among the Asian tigers. Kazakhstan is featured into this list thanks to its modern achievements in planning. This is the only post-Soviet countries that demonstrates the brightest example in planning.
I also believe that "Kazakhstan-2050" Strategy will be updated, depending on what's going on in the world and what the circumstances are. But with certain goals in mind and crystal clear strategy, the country is bound to succeed.
Thank you for the interview!
