The EDB presents a work plan for a joint pilot project with UNDP and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation at the first meeting of the Coordination Council of Partners for the Development of the Water Sector
Astana, 1 October 2024. The first meeting of the Coordination Council of Partners for the Development of the Water Sector, hosted by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), took place on 30 September 2024 in Astana.
“I am convinced that the Coordination Council will greatly boost cooperation in Kazakhstan’s water sector. The council will play a key role in exchanging knowledge and experience with international partners. Its establishment will help clearly identify priority areas and resources for their implementation. We invite our partners to co-chair the council on a rotational basis. This year, we propose that this role be taken by UNDP,” said Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, in his opening remarks.
Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, noted, “Given the complexity of the water agenda, it is clear that no single government or organisation can tackle these issues alone. Therefore, addressing these challenges requires a combination of resources, investments, technical expertise and innovations.”
The discussion on strategic partnerships and priorities in Kazakhstan’s water sector brought together representatives from the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Islamic Development Bank, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Embassies of the Netherlands and Japan in Kazakhstan, among other stakeholders.
Azamat Tyuleubai, Managing Director of the EDB’s Project Directorates, presented the Bank’s key water and energy projects in Central Asia.
He stressed the importance of partnerships and collective action in advancing the region’s water sector, noting that Central Asia faces the looming threat of water scarcity – a complex regional challenge that can be addressed through joint efforts.
Azamat Tyuleubai highlighted an initiative to implement a joint project by the EDB, UNDP and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, which was signed on 28 June 2024 at the EDB’s Annual Meeting and Business Forum. The project planned for 2024–2029 focuses on multi-purpose water management and is expected to be funded by the EDB.
Azamat Tyuleubai explained that the project aims to introduce cutting-edge water-saving technologies, digital water accounting and other innovative approaches to water management. These innovations will enhance irrigation efficiency and reduce water losses, ultimately improving the environmental situation in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia.
Joint project implementation with UNDP could expand the EDB and UNDP’s operations in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.
During the open discussion, Arman Ahunbaev, Head of the EDB Centre for Infrastructure and Industrial Research, emphasised the historical importance of establishing a new platform for dialogue. This platform will consolidate the efforts of government agencies, development partners and the private sector to effectively address Kazakhstan’s water challenges.
The Coordination Council of Partners for the Development of the Water Sector was established to unite the efforts of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, international organisations and donor communities. Its primary goal is to coordinate efforts to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development in Kazakhstan’s water sector. The council serves as a platform for strategic dialogue, cooperation and resource mobilisation, ensuring that all stakeholders work together to achieve a common vision for the sector’s development. Its focus is on strengthening climate change adaptation, implementing innovative technologies and improving water management.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 18 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB's charter capital totals US $7 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
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