Berlin, 25 March 2026 – A roundtable discussion titled “Water as a Foundation of Global Security” was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Federal Republic of Germany with the participation of German experts from government bodies, agencies and research institutions specializing in water resources, ecology, climate and environmental protection.

The main focus of the event was on strengthening global water governance, addressing existing institutional gaps and expanding opportunities for multilateral cooperation in the water sector.

Particular attention was given to the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.

During the discussion participants noted that despite decades of international efforts the world continues to face serious water and climate challenges. In particular, around 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, while more than 3.5 billion people do not have access to adequate sanitation. At the same time

the accelerating depletion of water resources, increasing consumption and ecosystem degradation are intensifying risks to global instability.

Participants emphasized that the establishment of an International Water Organization could become an important step toward reforming the UN system.

German partners were also briefed on the preparations for the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana, which is expected to serve as an important platform for developing coordinated approaches to water security and sustainable development.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Germany Nurlan Onzhanov elaborated on the measures undertaken by the country to strengthen water diplomacy, promote sustainable water resource management and advance the global agenda in this field.

It was noted that Kazakhstan, as a country with specific climatic conditions and

a high dependence on transboundary water resources, attaches particular importance to water security at both national and international levels.

Following the event, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further developing dialogue and jointly advancing initiatives aimed at building an effective and modern architecture of global water governance.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/press/news/details/1187194?lang=kk