Kazakhstan promotes UN-backed International Water Organization in Japan
Kazakhstan is advocating for the creation of a UN-supported International Water Organization, a concept it recently shared with Japanese officials while discussing water management and global collaboration.
Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Japan, Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, introduced this proposal during a discussion with Yutaka Hosomi, the Secretary General of the Japan Water Forum, as reported by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting addressed pressing global water concerns and explored avenues for increased cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan in managing water resources.
Ambassador Baudarbek-Kozhatayev detailed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's initiative for a UN-affiliated International Water Organization. Kazakhstan believes this organization would enhance global water governance, improve coordination among existing international bodies, and foster comprehensive discussions on water issues.
Hosomi expressed approval for Kazakhstan's efforts in water diplomacy, acknowledging the increasing necessity of international cooperation to tackle worldwide water challenges. He emphasized that water security demands a holistic strategy that incorporates climate change, sustainable development, and international security.
The discussion also covered expanding bilateral cooperation on water resources. Potential areas for collaboration include bolstering water security and fostering partnerships between research institutions and civil society organizations in both Kazakhstan and Japan.
This meeting occurred during Japan Water Week. During the event, Ambassador Baudarbek-Kozhatayev also participated in the "Thinking Future of Water" international symposium, where he highlighted the water challenges confronting Kazakhstan and Central Asia, along with Kazakhstan's strategies to address them.
The Japan Water Forum comprises approximately 100 Japanese organizations involved in water policy, water resource management, and sustainable development. It also functions as the secretariat for the Asia-Pacific Water Forum and the Asia-Pacific Water Summit.