Water is becoming a regional stability issue. Kazakhstan is advancing two international initiatives at once: the creation of an SCO Center for Water Studies and an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations, DKNews.kz reports.
The initiatives of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were presented at a roundtable titled “Water: Sustainable Development and Water Initiatives” at the Kazakhstan Cultural Center in Beijing. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, research institutions and expert communities from Kazakhstan and China.
Beijing Talks Went Beyond Transboundary Rivers
The central topic of the meeting was water security amid climate change and growing pressure on water resources.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to China Shakhrat Nuryshev emphasized the increasing importance of the water agenda for regional stability, economic resilience and food security.
The discussion involved representatives of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country’s Permanent Mission to the SCO Secretariat, Kazakh research organizations, the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and other specialized institutions.
The composition of the roundtable moved the discussion beyond diplomacy toward technology, science and practical water management.
Kazakhstan Proposes a Permanent SCO Water Center
One of Kazakhstan’s initiatives is the creation of an SCO Center for Water Studies.
The center is envisioned as a permanent scientific and expert platform for analyzing water-related challenges and developing joint solutions.
Such a format would give the water agenda within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization a permanent expert framework, allowing participating countries to bring together research and policy approaches.
Kazakh and Chinese experts discussed issues that fit directly into this model: water security, joint use and protection of water resources, climate change, and the management of rivers and lakes.
The Second Initiative Goes Beyond the SCO
Kazakhstan’s other proposal is much broader than a regional format.
It calls for the establishment of an International Water Organization under the auspices of the UN.
At the Beijing meeting, the initiative was presented alongside the proposed SCO center as part of Kazakhstan’s broader international approach to water issues.
This takes the discussion beyond bilateral Kazakhstan-China relations. Water risks are being framed as a challenge that requires international coordination, scientific data exchange and joint solutions.
Kazakhstan and China Seek Broader Cooperation on Transboundary Water
The two countries already have substantial experience in cooperation over transboundary water resources.
They are now interested in expanding cooperation in several areas, including efficient water use, modernization of water infrastructure, the introduction of digital technologies and exchanges between scientists and experts.
For Kazakhstan, the technological dimension is becoming increasingly significant. Water is being discussed not only in terms of resource allocation, but also through infrastructure efficiency, data management and modern monitoring tools.
Chinese experts, for their part, shared China’s experience in managing rivers and lakes.
Research Institutions Are Expected to Build Direct Links
Participants placed particular emphasis on direct cooperation between research institutions.
Specialized organizations and experts from Kazakhstan and China are interested in expanding direct contacts, exchanging experience and applying modern scientific and technological solutions in the water sector.
This approach can bring research closer to practical implementation, allowing specialists working directly on water use, infrastructure and climate risks to develop solutions together.
Following the roundtable, the sides expressed interest in continuing the Kazakhstan-China expert dialogue and strengthening practical cooperation in the interests of sustainable development and water security.
Chinese Experience Is Already Part of Kazakhstan’s Water Agenda
The Beijing discussion comes as practical cooperation between the two countries in the water sector continues to expand.
The latest roundtable added another level to that cooperation: the water agenda is now being advanced not only in the Kazakhstan-China format, but also through the SCO and the United Nations.
