A Kazakh delegation took an active part in the 27th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) Council, where member states discussed key global water management challenges and priorities, DKNews.kz reports.
The session focused on the implementation of the IHP’s strategic objectives, preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, capacity-building in the water sector, and the strengthening of national and transboundary water governance mechanisms.
Kazakhstan presents proposal for International Water Organization
During the session, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Askar Abdrakhmanov informed the international hydrological community about President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the United Nations.
According to the Kazakh side, the proposed organization is intended to strengthen global coordination, improve the implementation of international commitments and address fragmentation within the existing system of global water governance.
The Ambassador also briefed participants on the outcomes of the first international consultations on the creation of the International Water Organization, which were held in Astana on April 23, 2026, as part of the Regional Ecological Summit.
UNESCO seen as key platform for water cooperation
Kazakhstan emphasized the important role of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme in promoting international cooperation on water-related issues.
The delegation noted that, with more than 50 years of experience in hydrological sciences, capacity-building and international cooperation, the programme remains one of the leading intergovernmental platforms within the UN system for advancing dialogue on global water management.
Water security remains a global priority
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany highlighted the growing importance of water issues in the context of sustainable development and global stability.
«Water resources represent one of the key challenges of our time, directly linked to sustainable development, climate change, food security and peacebuilding. »
He called for stronger international cooperation and expanded scientific research to address water-related challenges around the world.
Kazakhstan reaffirms commitment to multilateral cooperation
Participation in the UNESCO session underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation on water security and promoting science-based approaches to water management.
The country also reiterated its support for developing effective international mechanisms capable of addressing modern water challenges and improving global coordination in this critical area.
About the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme
Established in 1975, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme is an international scientific cooperation initiative dedicated to:
- water research
- water resources management
- education and training
- capacity-building for specialists and institutions
Its governing body, the IHP Council, consists of 36 member states elected for four-year terms.
Why this matters
Water security is becoming one of the most important global issues as countries face growing pressure from climate change, population growth and increasing demand for water resources.
Kazakhstan’s proposal to establish an International Water Organization reflects broader efforts to strengthen international coordination and develop more effective global mechanisms for addressing water-related challenges.
