On April 21, 2026, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies hosted the presentation of the report “Water Security of Kazakhstan: Current Challenges and Future Alternatives,” prepared jointly with the International Water Management Institute.
The analytical report was presented ahead of the Regional Environmental Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Astana from April 22 to 24, 2026. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and research institutes from Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
In his opening remarks, Jandos Shaimardanov, Director of KazISS, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to water resource management amid climate-related challenges. He expressed confidence that constructive dialogue among the scientific community, government institutions, and international partners is key to achieving water security in the region.
Assel Aben, Chief Expert of the Department of Economic Policy Analysis at KazISS, presented the main findings, highlighting Kazakhstan’s significant contribution to strengthening regional water security. By instruction of the Head of State, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan was established in 2023, and a new Water Code was adopted in 2025. In addition, Kazakhstan is concluding its chairmanship this year in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, where expanding the water surface of the North Aral Sea was a notable achievement.
According to the report’s authors, Central Asian countries need to build water resource management strategies based on scenario planning, digital monitoring, and closer integration of water policy with socio-economic development priorities across the region.
Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, Head of the International Water Management Institute Representative Office in Uzbekistan, delivered a detailed presentation on the institutional and legal aspects of regional cooperation on water issues in Central Asia.
During the Q&A session, participants exchanged views on prospects for improving water resource management and adapting the water sector to both internal and external challenges in Kazakhstan and across the region.
The publication is available in Russian and English.
