Tokayev Meets UN Special Envoy, Proposes New International Water Organization

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan held a meeting with Retno Marsudi, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Water Resources. The discussions centered on critical issues within the global and regional water agenda.

President Tokayev emphasized that water resources are a strategic asset for Kazakhstan, directly linked to sustainable development, environmental security, and regional stability. He stressed the particular importance of building a more effective international architecture for cooperation in the water sector.

In this context, the President elaborated on his initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the UN. According to him, this step is designed to give new impetus to global efforts aimed at ensuring rational water use, strengthening international coordination, and promoting sustainable solutions to water-related challenges.

The first round of international consultations on this initiative is planned to be launched on the sidelines of the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana. These talks will focus on substantive discussions regarding potential parameters and prospects for forming such an organization.

The meeting also highlighted the role of the upcoming UN Water Conference scheduled for December 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The conference is seen as a key platform for developing coordinated approaches to solving water problems.

The interlocutors paid special attention to issues concerning the efficient use of water resources in Central Asia.