The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan and the World Bank have formalized a partnership aimed at improving water resource management and promoting environmental sustainability. This collaboration was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the One Water Summit in Riyadh. The MoU follows discussions between Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
The agreement focuses on enhancing water resources, particularly in the North Aral Sea and surrounding areas. Climate change has exacerbated water scarcity issues in Central Asia, presenting significant challenges for resource management. The MoU aims to address these challenges by fostering sustainable and equitable water management practices.
Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director for the World Bank Group's Water Global Practice, stated, "This MoU underscores our commitment to enhancing partnerships on water resource management and environmental sustainability for the benefit of people of the North Aral Sea region."
The One Water Summit is organized by French President Emmanuel Macron, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The summit seeks to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 concerning clean water and sanitation while preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference.