The country's largest bank and the Almaty Air Initiative, a private foundation known for its efforts to combat air pollution in Almaty, are joining forces to jointly implement environmental initiatives to improve air quality in the southern capital. The corresponding Memorandum was signed today by Umut Shayakhmetova, Head of Halyk Bank, and Arsen Tomsky, co-founder of the fund and CEO of InDrive.

According to Kazhydromet, over the past 5 years, the level of air pollution in Almaty has increased: if in the fourth quarter of 2020-2023 it was assessed as high, then by the end of 2024 this indicator moved to the category of "very high". The problem of air quality in the metropolis raises serious concerns both among experts and the general public. According to the results of a study conducted by the Almaty Air Initiative Foundation, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 in Almaty in 2024 was 24.08 micrograms/m3, which is 4.8 times higher than WHO standards. PM2.5 is solid microparticles and tiny liquid droplets contained in the air that overcome biological barriers and threaten human health.

According to the Memorandum, to solve the problem of air purification in Almaty, Halyk Bank and Almaty Air Initiative will act in several directions. This is drawing attention to the problem through creative projects, conducting research, monitoring the environmental situation, and supporting and promoting infrastructural changes. Currently, the fund is part of the city Akimat's working group on the development of "Rules on the state of atmospheric air in Almaty", the adoption of which will allow the city to more effectively and transparently control sources of air pollution. Also, together with the Almaty city Akimat, work is underway on the development of an information and communication company for the introduction of low-emission zones (LEZ - low-emission zones) in the city. 

“Almaty is one of the most amazing cities. Its energy, nature and culture create a unique atmosphere that makes the city attractive for living and working. However, polluted air prevents it from reaching its full potential.Our goal is to maximize the transformation of Almaty into a comfortable and safe city for life. It's a challenge that you can't handle alone. Joint efforts are needed here – by residents, business, science and the state.The partnership with Halyk Bank opens up new horizons for the fund. This is not only a contribution to environmental protection, but also a wonderful, motivating example of a mature business approach to contributing to society. There is a lot of work ahead. But only by joining forces will we be able to ensure that Almaty can breathe freely again,” said Arsen Tomsky, CEO of InDrive and one of the founders of the Almaty Air Initiative Foundation.

"Halyk was one of the first in the country to support the implementation of ESG principles. From year to year, we are implementing our own environmental initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of Kazakhstanis. In 2021, the bank has already financed turnkey gasification of 100 private homes in Almaty, as well as launched a program of preferential loans for gas. In 2023, as part of the social gasification program, the bank financed the connection to natural gas of 115 houses in Almaty and 100 in Astana. We also actively use "green financing" aimed at protecting the environment. The partnership with the Almaty Air Initiative Foundation is another step towards reducing the negative impact on the environment and improving the living conditions of our compatriots," said Umut Shayakhmetova, Head of Halyk.

The Almaty Air Initiative (AAI) Foundation was established in 2024. Since the beginning of its activity, the foundation has announced itself with a number of major projects, including a foresight session, jointly with Satbayev University, the involvement of the leading British consulting company Logika Group in the Low Emission Zone, the creation of a documentary film "Almaty, is it OK to live with smog?", special media projects on the harmful effects of polluted air on the health of various social groups. groups, scientific and marketing research, and other initiatives. The foundation is currently expanding its existing air quality monitoring network by increasing the number of sensors that measure the presence of various pollutants.