Ulaanbaatar, August 28, 2026 – From 17 to 28 August 2026, Ulaanbaatar hosted the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17), bringing together representatives of more than 190 countries.

The delegation of Kazakhstan took an active part in the work of the Conference and its associated events, which focused on environmental protection, preventing land degradation, the sustainable use of water resources, and strengthening multilateral cooperation and international dialogue in these areas.

One of the key events featuring Kazakhstan was the side event entitled “Strengthening Global Water Governance to Address Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought,” held on the margins of COP17. The event was aimed at advancing the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations. The event brought together 14 speakers and more than 100 delegates.

Mr. Z. Batbayar, Head of the Water Agency, an implementing agency of the Government of Mongolia, and Dr. D. Baasandorj, a prominent expert in the field of water resources, highlighted the timeliness and relevance of the initiative put forward by the President of Kazakhstan and expressed their full support for it. Representatives of other countries and international organizations also underscored the need to further strengthen multilateral cooperation in the water sector.

In addition, at Kazakhstan’s initiative, COP17 hosted a side event entitled “From the Regional Environmental Summit to UNFCCC COP31: Advancing Land Restoration, Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience under the Rio Conventions.”

Representatives of the relevant government agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan also participated in COP17. Vice Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Khatepova delivered remarks at the high-level opening ceremony of the Conference.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Mongolia A.Seitakynov took part in a number of COP17 events, presenting Kazakhstan’s approaches to combating desertification and land degradation, as well as to the sustainable use of water resources, to the international community.

Kazakhstan consistently advocates for joining the efforts of the international community in the field of environmental protection and for strengthening multilateral cooperation. We will continue our systematic work to advance relevant initiatives and promote practical cooperation on international platforms.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ulaanbaatar/press/news/details/1282083?lang=ru