Water security, efficient resource
management, and innovative water-saving technologies were key topics at the One
Water Summit held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The forum was
co-organized by Kazakhstan and France. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
delivered a welcoming address at the opening ceremony, emphasizing that water
is the cornerstone of sustainable development and economic progress. He also
pointed out that more than six billion people worldwide lack access to safe
drinking water and experience its scarcity. Each year, the situation worsens,
and the issue is taking on a global dimension.
«These tough realities call for a unified
global response to ensure a sustainable future for all. And taking this
opportunity, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Royal
Highness for the Plan he has just announced to help all those regions and
countries that face the problems I have mentioned right now. Kazakhstan, as a
large landlocked country, understands the true value of water. We have learned
the hard way that it is not an infinite resource,» Tokayev said.
This is why, fully aware of the value of
every drop, Kazakhstan is joining the Freshwater Challenge global initiative
and the One Water Vision Coalition. The latter will help advance integrated
water resources management. President Tokayev also announced new initiatives,
emphasizing that specific investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure
could transform entire regions. Water-efficient agriculture must also be
developed, as it will reduce the environmental burden. Glaciers also play a
significant role in the global water cycle, which is why it is now so important
to establish common rules to preserve them. The Head of State proposed creating
a Partnership to unite global research centers for their study and protection.
The water crisis can only be addressed today through collective efforts, with a
clear monitoring of changes. Therefore, with the support of the UN, Kazakhstan
will host the Regional Climate Conference in 2026.
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