Riyadh, December 4, 2024 – The Europe Today: On the opening day of the One Water Summit, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the urgent need for a unified global response to the water crisis, emphasizing that water security is fundamental to sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental protection.
In his address, Tokayev expressed his gratitude to France, Saudi Arabia, and the World Bank Group for their collaboration in organizing the summit, and thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for hosting the event in Riyadh.
The President of Kazakhstan underscored the critical issue of water scarcity, noting that more than 2 billion people globally still lack access to safe drinking water, while over 4 billion face severe water scarcity. “Today’s challenges require a unified global response to ensure a sustainable future for all,” Tokayev stated.
He further acknowledged the proactive efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, particularly his newly announced plan to assist countries facing water challenges. Tokayev drew attention to Kazakhstan’s own experience as a landlocked country with vast territory, stressing the importance of water conservation. “We know firsthand that water is not an endless resource. It is crucial to preserve water like the apple of our eye for sustainable progress,” he said.
The Kazakh President also called for increased investments in climate water infrastructure to ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly those in remote and underserved areas, have access to safe, clean drinking water. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to this cause through its accession to the global Freshwater Challenge initiative.
Tokayev noted that climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts impact over 1.5 billion people worldwide each year, stressing the need for early warning systems to protect populations in vulnerable regions, such as small islands and coastal areas.
He also addressed the interconnectedness of water with food and energy security, urging strategic investments in water-efficient agriculture and renewable energy sources to improve economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
“Water has no boundaries. It connects communities and ecosystems,” Tokayev remarked. Kazakhstan, as the presiding country of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, is committed to promoting regional cooperation and joint efforts to tackle the global water crisis. The President announced Kazakhstan’s participation in the One Water Vision coalition and highlighted plans for the Regional Climate Conference in 2026, supported by the United Nations.
Concluding his remarks, Tokayev stressed that water security is not just an environmental issue but a moral imperative. “Kazakhstan is ready to contribute to global efforts in managing water resources,” he affirmed.
The opening ceremony of the One Water Summit also featured speeches from key global leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, French President Emmanuel Macron, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Johan Rockström, Co-Chair of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. The summit brought together heads of state, international organizations, and industry leaders to discuss solutions to the growing global water crisis.
