On March 15, 2024, the 7th meeting of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan at KazNANS was held online, which was attended by members of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan and the Youth Branch of the Committee, as well as invitees. The Secretariat of the Committee informed about the presence of a quorum in accordance with clause 4.2 of the Regulations on the PCK and the voting approved the "Agenda" of the 6th Meeting of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan at KazNANS.
At the opening of the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee, Professor V.S. Shkolnik, congratulated a number of members of the Committee, a group of physicists from the RSE NNC RK, who were awarded the Al-Farabi State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of science and technology in 2023 for their work: “Research and world-class developments for the creation of the nuclear energy industry and the implementation of the Strategy for achieving carbon neutrality of the Republic of Kazakhstan”.
Professor Shkolnik V.S. congratulated and presented to the member of the PCK, Chairman of the Council of the Petroleum and Gas Chemical Association of Kazakhstan, Professor R.G. Sarmurzina - Gold medal named after al-Farabi from KazNAEN “For services to science.”
The Chairman of the Committee, Professor V.S. Shkolnik, informed that the following famous scientists and statesmen of our country have been co-opted into the PCK:
- Kaseinov Dyusen Kurabaevich — professor, Honored Worker, ex-Minister of Culture, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan will strengthen the humanitarian wing of our Committee, emphasizing that we live in such a difficult time, when all concepts are intertwined into the same thing - how to survive;
- Vityuk Vladimir Anatolyevich — PhD, Deputy General Director for Science, RSE “NNC RK”;
- Ilyin Alexander Ivanovich — Doctor of Chemical Sciences, academician of KazNANS, Chairman of the Board of JSC “Scientific Center of Anti-Infective Drugs”.
Professor Shkolnik V.S. congratulated, wished them successful work in the Committee and expressed hope that they will strengthen the activities of the PCK.
In his opening speech, Professor V.S. Shkolnik noted that the Committee had practically completed all the activities in all 4 Sections of the “Committee Action Plan for 2023”, approved by everyone at the 6th meeting of the PCK, and expressed his general impressions of the modern global situation, emphasizing that the nuclear arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation agenda faces many serious challenges.
He drew attention to the consolidated opinions of the Pugwash Movement of Scientists, developed by them at meetings and published by the Pugwash Secretariat on the following issues:
The nuclear danger is again rising sharply. Over the past 20 years, the nuclear weapons control architecture has been gradually eroded, with nothing significant to replace it.
As the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control treaty, New START faces the risk of expiring or being dismantled without any replacement, and the world faces the real prospect of an unrestricted nuclear kingdom similar to that of the 1950s and 1960s years.
But this time there are de facto nine nuclear powers and several states that can be called threshold.
The common thread that runs through all rivalries and complex nuclear policy issues is the failure to engage in meaningful and productive dialogue. What is needed are mechanisms and forums to engage the diverse and often disparate strategic communities in different countries and regions.
Professor V.S. Shkolnik, on the advice of his colleagues, suggested listening to the text of the “Russell-Einstein Manifesto”, dated July 9, 1955, which had not yet been voiced at their Committee, since everyone had read it, but today the “Russell-Einstein Manifesto” sounds very relevant and, in July, he will turn 69 years old. (Text of the “Russell-Einstein Manifesto” is attached).
Secretary of the Committee, Professor Akhmetov T.Z. presented information “On the implementation of the PCK Action Plan for 2023” and the draft “PCK Action Plan for 2024.”
The following speakers took part in discussions of the Agenda issues:
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan Abuseitov K.Kh. assessed the situation, emphasizing the destruction or suspension of many international security mechanisms, with the exception of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The question is raised why this is happening and why there are no steps forward. He drew attention to the role of political geography in the formation of multi-vector policies, highlighting the importance of neighborly relations and the desire to live in peace with them. He paid special attention to the nuclear issue, noting that this is no longer just a topic for specialists, but affects every person. International efforts, such as the creation of the Leadership Alliance, are aimed at combating this threat. He concluded his speech with a proposal to use upcoming events related to the Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty to discuss current issues within the framework of the Pugwash Committee.
The President of the Kazakh-American Free University, Professor Mambetkaziev E.A., expressed gratitude to the organizers of the event and its participants for their significant contribution to the development of nuclear energy. He emphasized the importance of youth for the future of the nuclear sector of Kazakhstan. He outlined the strategic goal of making East Kazakhstan the center of future nuclear energy and invited to take part in September to get acquainted with the capabilities of the region. He expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the Committee's plans and wished success to all those present.
Doctor of Physics and Mathematics Ibraev B.M. noted the development of technologies for the disposal of liquid highly radioactive waste (LRW), with special emphasis on reducing the activity of tritium. Significant results have been achieved, including 90% purification of liquid radioactive waste from tritium. It is proposed to use this technology to solve the problem in Fukushima, which could become global. Development of selective sorption technology to reduce the activity and volume of liquid radioactive waste at MAEC. A reduction in activity by 10 million times and a reduction in the volume of liquid radioactive waste by 20 or more times has been achieved. It is planned to hold a seminar at MAEC to replicate this technology for interested countries. Development of technologies for producing uranium from heavy phosphorus ores with associated uranium content. The goal is to maintain NAC Kazatomprom among the leaders in global uranium production. Work on the technology is ongoing actively, with interest from foreign countries.
Professor Kaseinov D.K. emphasized the high level of the meeting and expressed gratitude and hope for fruitful work within the framework of the committee’s activities.
Professor Sakhiev S.K. noted the successful work of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan with high performance. He expressed confidence that every year the committee will work more and more actively. He emphasized that Kazakhstan has constantly supported the peaceful use of nuclear energy since its independence and expressed confidence in the successful holding of a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant and the support of this project by the people of Kazakhstan, noting that this will be useful not only for the country, but also for its neighbors.
Ph.D. Masalimov Zh.K. reported on a new educational master's program in the specialty "Biotechnology and Biological Safety", organized jointly with the National Holding "QazBioPharm" and the National Center for Biotechnology. The program received support and was included in the register of educational programs. Courses are provided on various aspects of biosafety and biotechnology, such as the handling of biohazards, social aspects and standards of national and international biosafety technology systems. 9 people enrolled in the program, mostly graduates of national universities, which indicates its popularity. Teachers in the program are both university employees and specialists from the National Holding "QazBioPharm". The program has already attracted the interest of undergraduate graduates, which indicates its successful start and development prospects.
Chairman of the Youth Department Miniyazov A.Zh. reported that the youth department continues to actively work within the framework of the assigned tasks and action plan of the Pugwash Committee. He expressed gratitude to the members of the youth branch for their active participation in the implementation of the tasks and to the members of the PAC for their full support.
Candidate of Chemical Sciences Savelyev S.R. mentioned the meeting of the second preparatory committee of the NPT, where Kazakhstan chairs, and proposed organizing participation, possibly jointly with the international Pugwash Committee. The third event, which Kazakhstan will also chair, was the December meeting of the review conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. In conclusion, the speaker expressed confidence that all ideas will be discussed and put into action.
Professor, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Tazhibaeva I.L. noted the current difficult global situation in the world and proposed making an appeal on behalf of scientists of Kazakhstan through the Pugwash Committee.
Zhakisheva S.A., supporting the proposals of Tazhibaeva I.L. noted the importance of involving the younger generation in this activity. Separately, she emphasized the important role of cybersecurity and information security, which increase risks in matters of global security.
Professor Shkolnik V.S. summed up the meeting, noting that the 7th meeting of the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan at KazNANS was held with the active participation of Committee members in discussing the activities of the PCK for 2023 and the project “PCK Action Plan for 2024”.
All proposals for the project “PCK Action Plan for 2024” were adopted unanimously.
The summary of the draft “PCK Action Plan for 2024”, prepared taking into account the proposals of the PAC members received on the eve of the 7th meeting of the Committee, will be finalized taking into account new proposals mentioned during the meeting.