Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Sweden Olzhas Suleimenov held a meeting with Annika Markovic, Director of Strategic Engagement at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), to discuss prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of environmental modernization and sustainable development, DKNews.kz reports.
The meeting featured an in-depth exchange of views on key areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and SEI. Particular attention was paid to the climate agenda, sustainable management of natural resources, and water security, which are becoming increasingly critical both for Central Asia and at the global level.
Water Resources as a Strategic Priority
During the talks, Ambassador Suleimenov подчеркнул, that Kazakhstan attaches primary importance to the rational and sustainable management of water resources. He also highlighted the growing need to strengthen international coordination in the water sector, especially in the context of climate change and increasing pressure on ecosystems.
In this regard, special attention was drawn to Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization within the UN system, which aims to enhance global cooperation and provide a coordinated response to water-related challenges.
Invitation to Astana
As part of the meeting, the Kazakh side invited SEI’s leadership to participate in the Regional Ecological Summit, scheduled to take place in April 2026 in Astana. The summit is expected to serve as a major platform for dialogue among governments, international organizations, researchers and experts on climate and sustainability issues.
Prospects for Joint Projects
Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in maintaining regular contacts and continuing practical work on promising areas of cooperation. The discussions also included the possibility of developing joint projects in the field of sustainable development, climate policy and environmental research.
Experts note that such engagement reflects Kazakhstan’s growing focus on environmental diplomacy and strengthens its cooperation with leading international research institutions.
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is an independent international non-profit research institute founded in 1989. It works in the fields of climate, environment and sustainable development and operates as a global network of centres across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the United States. SEI’s key areas of work include climate adaptation and mitigation, energy transition, water resources, air quality, land use, and sustainable development.
