- Kusto has also continued to prioritise the well-being of our most valuable asset: our employees and local communities.
- We understand that fostering a culture of health, happiness and professional fulfilment is not only morally imperative but also essential for driving organisational success and resilience.
Image: HANDOUT
In the wake of recent floods in Kenya, which claimed more than 200 lives and laid waste to thousands of homes, the international community has expressed solidarity with those currently grappling with loss, displacement and uncertainty.
It is a story that has become all too familiar in 2024, particularly after Kazakhstan experienced similar devastation when historic flooding claimed seven lives and caused irreparable damage to more than 12,000 homes.
While governments and humanitarian organisations have historically played the leading role in relief efforts for such catastrophes, the scale and complexity of the challenges ahead demand a broader coalition of support which leverages every asset at our disposal, including the flexibility and efficiency of the private sector.
As we have so often witnessed in times of crisis, the role of the private sector extends beyond the pursuit of profit and market dominance. As a leading force in today’s society and economy, private companies have a responsibility to utilise their resources, expertise and influence to alleviate suffering, foster resilience and catalyse sustainable solutions.
This obligation is enshrined in the concept of corporate social responsibility, which has rapidly emerged as a necessary and foundational pillar of any conscientious and respectable business.
At Kusto Group, the ethos of CSR is a guiding principle that informs our business and decision-making processes. Since the company’s founding, we have been committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and serving as a positive force in the wider international landscape.
Most recently, our efforts have been domestically focused, as Kazakhstan recovers from floods which caused more than 119,000 people, including 44,000 children, to be evacuated from their residences. As the birthplace of Kusto Group, Kazakhstan is home to many of our key businesses, as well as our employees, their families, and many of our most loyal customers.
Recognising the urgent needs of our local community, we mobilised our resources and networks to deliver essential aid, including food, shelter, and medical assistance. As of today, the organisation has donated nearly $1 million to assist those impacted via the KustoHelp private foundation.
Kusto has been committed to delivering such vital support not just in Kazakhstan, but in any country who is facing destruction and devastation on a large scale. Last year, when crippling earthquakes in Turkey took thousands of lives and reduced entire cities to rubble, our company was one of many private sector actors who provided key relief services.
Faced with a pressing need for swift and decisive action, the private sector helped coordinate the delivery of emergency shelters and essential supplies to those in need, thus reaffirming the principle that CSR should be extended to all vulnerable communities, no matter their geography.
Supporting natural disaster relief efforts is undoubtedly a critical dimension of the private sectors’ responsibility to alleviate suffering. However, this obligation should not be confined to moments of crisis, and should instead be reflected across all facets of business operations. Following this philosophy, Kusto Group has adopted a holistic and long-term approach to CSR and has laboured to ensure that our work across all subsidiaries is consistent with our mission to positively impact local communities and the wider international system.
Embracing the principles of sustainability, for example, has been a constant feature of the company’s operations. Our livestock subsidiary, KazBeef, has pioneered the use of innovative grazing techniques to capture CO2 emissions and produce the world’s first climate smart beef.
This programme will enable Kazakh farmers to benefit from a working carbon storage project on their land, and provides a comprehensive solution for the reduction of agricultural emissions that can be scaled globally. Moreover, the establishment of KazCenosphere, a state-of-the-art clean technology plant in Pavlodar, further exemplifies our dedication to developing solutions that reconcile economic growth with environmental preservation.
Kusto has also continued to prioritise the well-being of our most valuable asset: our employees and local communities. We understand that fostering a culture of health, happiness and professional fulfilment is not only morally imperative but also essential for driving organisational success and resilience.
By providing state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive support services, and opportunities for personal and professional development, we empower our workforce to thrive amidst challenges and uncertainties.
Founder and chairman of Kusto Group