Kazakhstan's Initiative to Establish an International Water Organization Presented to South Africa

Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Department of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation held an online meeting with the participation of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in South Africa. The discussions focused on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on strengthening international cooperation in water resources management and discussed opportunities for collaboration in advancing the initiative.

It was noted that the proposed International Water Organization would serve as a platform for enhancing coordination among states, international organizations, and relevant institutions in addressing global water challenges, promoting sustainable water resource management, and facilitating the exchange of best practices.

The participants also emphasized the growing importance of the global water agenda in the face of climate change, increasing pressure on water resources, and the need for coordinated approaches to their sustainable and efficient use.

Tshepang Malakwane, Director of Global Relations at South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation, underscored the importance of moving from fragmented sectoral initiatives to a more coordinated approach to implementing the global water agenda. He also expressed South Africa's interest in further examining and discussing Kazakhstan's proposal.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue consultations and maintain cooperation on this issue through relevant international platforms.