ASTANA, July 10 (Alliance News): President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared water security as central to Kazakhstan’s long-term development strategy, emphasizing regional cooperation, international collaboration, and sustainable water management as pillars of the country’s water diplomacy.
In a statement released by the Akorda press service, the president called for intensified efforts to develop a skilled workforce for the water sector and to prioritize partnerships with neighboring countries for effective and equitable water use across transboundary river basins.
“Kazakhstan advocates for the rational, fair, and equitable use of water resources and the fulfillment of mutual obligations to ensure water security and regional stability,” Tokayev said.
Highlighting the initiative to form a Central Asian Water and Energy Consortium, the president noted that through close cooperation with regional partners, Kazakhstan was able to meet the water demands of its agricultural sector in the past year. Similar measures, he emphasized, are essential for this year as well.
Addressing global concerns, President Tokayev pointed to alarming projections indicating a 40% shortfall in global water supply relative to demand by 2040. In this context, he reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s active participation in global water-focused initiatives, including his address at last year’s water summit in Saudi Arabia.
He also announced that Kazakhstan would host a Regional Environmental Summit under the UN’s auspices in 2026 to help coordinate efforts to overcome the growing water crisis.
He extended special gratitude to water sector professionals for their contributions, noting their vital role in supporting the economy, ecology, and public health. The president cited the ongoing efforts to restore the Small Aral Sea, as well as plans to preserve key water bodies including the Caspian Sea and Lake Balkhash, as examples of Kazakhstan’s commitment to responsible water stewardship.
Recalling last year’s devastating floods, which he described as among the worst in the country’s history, Tokayev praised the resilience and dedication of those involved in the response and recovery efforts. “In such difficult times, you demonstrated true professionalism. I am sincerely grateful to all of you,” he said.
President Tokayev made the remarks while congratulating professionals on Kazakhstan’s Water Sector Day, underlining that the rational and controlled use of water is essential for a sustainable future.
