On 3 December in Riyadh, the One Water Summit, co-organized by France, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the World Bank, highlighted global water challenges. Particular attention was paid to water issues in Central Asia and the crucial role of Kazakhstan, both as a vulnerable country and a key player in sustainable water management, writes Jean-Baptiste Giraud.
A world summit for a resource under pressure
The One Water Summit, held on 3 December in Riyadh, emerged as a key platform to address the global water crisis. More than two billion people still lack access to safe drinking water, and nearly half of the world’s population faces severe water shortages. The discussions brought together heads of state, international organisations, experts and the private sector to address an emergency exacerbated by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The summit explored innovative solutions such as resilient climate infrastructure, sustainable water management systems and technological innovations. Among the major announcements was the Comprehensive Relief Plan presented by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address water crises. The initiative aims to coordinate large-scale projects, particularly in developing countries, using international funding.
Kazakhstan: Shared expertise and challenges
In Central Asia, a particularly exposed region, Kazakhstan has emerged as a pivotal player. In his speech, its President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stressed the urgency of protecting water resources, stating: “Water is not infinite. Its sustainable management is a moral as well as an ecological imperative.” The country has increased its participation in initiatives such as the Freshwater Challenge, which aims for universal access to drinking water.
With limited water resources and aging infrastructure, Kazakhstan faces critical challenges. More than 10 million people in Central Asia still lack access to safe drinking water. Rapid urbanization and poor management are compounding these challenges, while modernizing water systems requires an estimated $12 billion in investment by 2030. Yet the country remains resilient, investing heavily in rehabilitating its reservoirs and reducing water losses.
Water scarcity: Central Asia at the heart of global strategies
Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Central Asia’s water resources. Glaciers, which are essential for feeding the region’s rivers, are melting rapidly, threatening water supplies for millions of people. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed an international partnership to study and preserve these glaciers, emphasizing their vital role in the global water cycle. Kazakhstan has also initiated several ambitious projects, such as modernizing its irrigation systems and developing drought-resistant crops.
However, challenges persist. Existing infrastructure, often dilapidated, causes significant water losses. For example, 55% of water transported in the region is wasted due to obsolete networks. To address this problem, the Kazakh government plans to build thousands of kilometers of new aqueducts and renovate existing networks, with a goal of universal access by 2025.
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