Tengrinews.kz - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the One Water Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, according to the Akorda press service.
President Tokayev expressed gratitude to France, Saudi Arabia, and the World Bank Group for their efforts in organizing the summit. He also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting the event in Riyadh.
During his speech, Tokayev emphasized that water security is a cornerstone of sustainable development, economic progress, and environmental protection.
"More than two billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, while over four billion face severe water shortages. Modern challenges require a unified global response to ensure a sustainable future for all. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to His Royal Highness for the recently announced plan to assist regions and countries grappling with these issues. Kazakhstan, with its vast territory and landlocked geography, deeply understands the true value of water. We recognize that water is not an infinite resource and must be preserved carefully to achieve sustainable progress," Tokayev stated.
The Kazakh president called for joint measures to strengthen water security, highlighting the need for equitable access to safe drinking water, particularly for vulnerable populations and remote communities. He underscored the transformative potential of targeted investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure.
"Kazakhstan’s participation in the global Freshwater Challenge initiative, aimed at universal access to clean water, reaffirms our commitment to these goals," he said.
Tokayev also stressed the importance of protecting water sources from industrial, agricultural, and domestic pollution. He advocated for technological innovation and regulatory measures, emphasizing the significance of strengthening water reservoirs, preserving glaciers, and introducing advanced irrigation systems.
He proposed a global partnership to unite research centers in studying and protecting glaciers.
"Glaciers are vital to the global water cycle, feeding rivers and lakes that supply water to nearly two billion people. Collaborative research and unified policies are essential to counter glacier retreat and support water resource management in affected regions," Tokayev noted.
Tokayev emphasized that building resilience to water-related natural disasters is a critical aspect of ensuring water security. Each year, floods and droughts affect over 1.5 billion people globally, with vulnerable populations, especially those on small islands and in coastal areas, suffering the most severe impacts. He stressed the priority of strengthening early warning systems to mitigate risks and protect communities.
The President also highlighted the broader consequences of water scarcity, which threaten food and energy security as well as industrial development. He called for strategic investments in water-efficient agriculture and renewable energy to boost economic resilience while reducing environmental pressure.
"Water knows no borders. It connects communities and ecosystems. As the Chair of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, Kazakhstan supports advancing regional cooperation and joint actions. In our view, it is crucial for nations at the forefront of climate change challenges to expand dialogue, foster international partnerships, and pool resources to implement water-related projects. In line with these goals, Kazakhstan is pleased to join the One Water Vision coalition, which aims to unite stakeholders to tackle the global water crisis and promote integrated water resource management. As part of these efforts, Kazakhstan, with the support of the United Nations, will host a Regional Climate Summit in 2026," Tokayev stated.
He reminded summit participants that water resources remain a global priority for sustainable development through 2030.
"Water security is not merely a technical or environmental issue—it is a moral imperative. Resolving water security challenges requires multilateral dialogue based on the One Water principle. Kazakhstan stands ready to contribute to global efforts to strengthen water governance," Tokayev concluded.
The summit also featured speeches from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, French President Emmanuel Macron, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Johan Rockstrom, Co-Chair of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, and other international leaders and experts.
Photo by Akorda press service
Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Saudi Arabia for a working visit to participate in the One Water Summit and met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh.
