On 14 April 2026, the International Institute for Central Asia hosted a roundtable entitled “Ensuring Water Security in Central Asia in the Context of Climate Change” on the eve of the Summit of the Heads of Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).

The event brought together representatives of leading analytical centers of Uzbekistan, international organizations, профиль government agencies, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and the media.

The conference featured a substantive exchange of views on enhancing the effectiveness of IFAS, identifying priorities for regional cooperation, and other pressing issues on the water agenda in Central Asia.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, H.E. Beibut Atamkulov, spoke at the session dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation in the field of water resources.

In his remarks, the Head of Mission presented the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations, aimed at consolidating existing international mechanisms in the water sector.

Mr. Atamkulov emphasized that the creation of such a structure would enhance the effectiveness of global water governance and ensure more tangible practical outcomes for countries facing water-related challenges.

Particular attention was also paid to the harmonization of regional water strategies and their subsequent integration into the Framework Convention on Water Use in Central Asia. This initiative was put forward by the President of Kazakhstan at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia held in Tashkent in November last year.

Following the presentations, participants engaged in an active discussion, expressing various views on the prospects for cooperation in the water sector and considering concrete proposals aimed at improving regional cooperation mechanisms.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-tashkent/press/news/details/1200986?lang=kk