During the One Water Summit in Riyadh, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the critical importance of water security for sustainable development, economic progress, and environmental preservation.

Expressing gratitude to France, Saudi Arabia, and the World Bank Group for organizing the event, Tokayev highlighted that over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and more than 4 billion face severe water scarcity. He underscored the need for global cooperation to address water-related challenges and ensure a sustainable future.

Kazakhstan has joined the global Freshwater Challenge to achieve universal access to clean water. Tokayev emphasized investment in water-efficient infrastructure, innovation in irrigation systems, and protection of glaciers as vital steps for water security. He proposed establishing a partnership among global research centers to study and protect glaciers, which are essential to the water supply for nearly 2 billion people worldwide.

Calling water a “moral imperative,” Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to the One Water Vision coalition, aiming to unite stakeholders to resolve the global water crisis. Kazakhstan will host a Regional Climate Conference in 2026 under UN auspices to advance these goals.