From April 22 to 24, the Regional Environmental Summit will take place in Astana, featuring a key session on water sector financing. The event will bring together heads of relevant ministries from the region’s countries, as well as representatives of major international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Central Asia is today recognized as one of the most vulnerable regions on the planet. Warming rates here exceed the global average, leading to rapid glacier melt and an increase in extreme natural events — from prolonged droughts to devastating floods. At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, regional leaders have already warned that water scarcity threatens the food security of millions of people.

During the session on April 23, participants will focus on finding practical tools for modernizing water infrastructure, with special attention paid to attracting investment by expanding funding sources and developing public-private partnerships.

An important part of the discussion will be the technological renewal of the sector, which requires significant investment in modern forecasting systems and digital resource management. Additionally, experts will consider strengthening regional unity and close cooperation between countries, which is a necessary condition for preventing large-scale environmental crises.

The outcome of the dialogue is expected to be a regional action plan. This document will define the water sector financing strategy as a key element of long-term development and stability for all of Central Asia.

ORIENT