RIYADH, December 3, 2024-Today, during the One Water Summit in Riyadh, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the World Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing water resource management and promoting environmental sustainability. This MoU, signed following the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga during the summit, marks a significant step forward in fostering partnerships on water conservation.
The agreement underscores a strong commitment to improving water resources, environmental conditions, and management, including in the North Aral Sea and adjacent basin areas of Kazakhstan. The impact of climate change on water resources in Central Asia is significant, intensifying water scarcity and resource management challenges. Water is a vital resource, underpinning agriculture, industry, and the livelihoods of communities. This agreement highlights a shared dedication to tackling these challenges and advancing initiatives that will ensure sustainable and equitable water resource management for future generations.
Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director for the World Bank Group's Water Global Practice, highlighted, "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 co-organized by the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga, in partnership with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mahammed bin Salman, as announced at COP28. It seeks to accelerate action on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) and discuss solutions to water challenges in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference. The One Water Summit is a global platform that brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss and address critical water-related challenges.
