The National Kurultai became a platform for discussing the most important aspects of regional water and environmental policy, as mentioned by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized water and environmental security during his speech at the National Kurultai, highlighting their critical role in ensuring the sustainability and stability of Central Asia. He noted that water diplomacy is a key tool for interaction among the states of the region, which are already participating in agreements on the joint use of transboundary waters.
In his speech, Tokayev outlined the need to reach a consensus among neighboring states regarding major water and environmental objects, such as the Aral Sea, the Caspian Sea, Lake Balkhash, and the Irtysh River. He also identified Kazakhstan as an active initiator of international environmental initiatives, including the proposal to establish an International Water Organization.
The President announced the holding of an International Environmental Summit in April in Astana, where the issue of the Aral Sea will be discussed at the level of heads of state. This underscores that the water agenda goes beyond national interests and becomes a common task for the entire region.
Doctor of Political Science and professor, leading researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zholborsh Zhorobekov commented on the President's speech, noting its significance for Central Asia as a whole.
According to Zhorobekov, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is one of the most intellectually prepared figures in the region and the Eurasian space, which is reflected in the depth and logic of the issues discussed. The expert also emphasized that the problem of water resources has long gone beyond the borders of individual countries.
“The main water arteries originate in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, but the consequences of water scarcity affect countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Therefore, water resources cannot be considered in isolation. This is a common problem, and it needs to be addressed collectively,” Zhorobekov noted.
He added that without coordinated actions and efforts, the region may face serious environmental and socio-economic problems. In this regard, the expert supported the need for rational use of water resources, including restructuring agriculture, reducing the cultivation of water-intensive crops, and implementing modern technologies such as drip irrigation.
Zhorobekov also highlighted the issue of restoring the Aral Sea. Even small signs of improvement emphasize that with political will and joint efforts from the states of the region, positive changes are possible.
Overall, in the expert's opinion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's speech demonstrates an understanding of the interdependence of Central Asian countries, emphasizing the need to transition from fragmented solutions to a systemic dialogue, without which sustainable development of the region in the long term is impossible.
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