Kazakhstan has taken a significant step toward tackling its pressing water challenges by launching a new coordinating council of partners on the development of the country’s water sector, informs the Astana Times.
The coordinating council, which met for the first time today, will serve as a central body bringing together a wide range of stakeholders from government sectors, private enterprises, international organizations, and financial institutions. The goal is to promote integrated water resource management and enhance cooperation on water conservation efforts.
During the event, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov stressed the significance of collaboration between public and private sectors, along with international partners. He pointed out that the newly established council will play a key role in building these partnerships, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, research, and technological advancements to more effectively tackle Kazakhstan's water challenges.
“I am confident that the Coordinating Council will significantly boost cooperation in Kazakhstan’s water sector,” the minister said. “Joint research, technology, and innovation can enhance water supply and climate resilience.”
The meeting also delved into the Water Partnership Initiative for 2024-2030, a partnership between the ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its main priorities are: developing a water information system, upgrading water infrastructure with consideration of climate challenges, implementing advanced irrigation technologies, and enhancing cooperation on transboundary water management.
Minister Nurzhigitov noted that the initiative will attract donor support and enhance coordination between the public and private sectors. “The program aims to increase resilience to climate change and sustainable water management through institutional strengthening and regional cooperation. It is designed to support the government’s efforts to promote effective joint water management, especially in the context of increasing climate challenges,” he said.
The minister discussed the achievements of his recently established ministry, formed in September 2023, with journalists. Over the past year, significant progress has been made in three key areas. These include developing a legal framework, with the Water Code currently under review in the Mazhilis (a lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament) and expected to be approved by the year's end. Additionally, the ministry adopted the concept for the development of the water resources management system 2024-2030 and a comprehensive plan for water sector development.
