The official opening ceremony of Caspian Sea Action Week 2026, the largest international environmental volunteer initiative bringing together the Caspian littoral countries to protect the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea, took place in Mangystau Region of Kazakhstan.

The large-scale event is being held as part of the International Year of Volunteers, proclaimed at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The opening ceremony brought together representatives of international organizations, official delegations from the Caspian states, leading environmental experts, youth organizations, and volunteers. Throughout the week, more than 2,000 participants from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan will take part in a wide range of activities.

Opening the event, Akim of Mangystau region Nurdaulet Kilybay noted that hosting the international volunteer week highlights the region’s growing role as a platform for international environmental cooperation.

«On the initiative of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev this year has been declared the International Year of Volunteers. This decision reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening civic responsibility, solidarity, and a culture of constructive engagement. It is symbolic that today Mangystau region is bringing together the countries of the Caspian region around a common goal – the preservation of our shared natural heritage. The Caspian Sea knows no national borders, and therefore responsibility for its future should also be shared. I am confident that Caspian Sea Action Week 2026 will become not only a platform for open dialogue but also the starting point for new joint environmental projects that will deliver tangible results and benefit future generations» - the regional governor said.

Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Mahir Aliyev, Coordinator of the Interim Secretariat of the Tehran Convention, and Kairat Kambarov, Chairman of the Committee for Youth and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Both speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among states to ensure the long-term protection of the Caspian Sea ecosystem and promote the sustainable development of the region.

The opening ceremony concluded with a concert program, while the highlight of the event was the premiere performance of the official anthem of Caspian Sea Action Week 2026.

From August 6 to 12, participants will take part in an extensive program featuring panel discussions, environmental activities, the international coastal cleanup campaign Clean Caspian Challenge, the Caspian Hackathon, TED-style talks, volunteer environmental initiatives, an expedition to Bozzhyra Valley, and the international Caspian Sea Talks Summit.

The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in partnership with the Akimat of Mangystau region and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-minsk/press/news/details/1270945?lang=ru