Kazakhstan’s Astana hosts International Forum under the motto “Tackling Challenges Through Dialogue: Towards Cooperation, Development, and Progress”.

The conference is attended by leaders of states and governments of several countries, heads of international organizations and large companies, well-known political figures, and representatives of expert circles. More than 300 foreign delegates are the leaders of organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, the OSCE, and UNESCO.

The event invites all interested parties to close dialogue to provide a clear and effective solution to global problems in four main areas – foreign policy and international security, international development and stability, energy and climate change, economy, and finance.

The strategic partner is the United Nations, and the leading media partner is CNN. Some sessions are organized with the support of Euronews, UNDP, UNECE, ECOJER Association, ASMAR International Women’s Entrepreneurship Congress, and Astana International Financial Centre. The conference serves as a dialogue platform between high-ranking delegates of foreign governments, international organizations, business, and scientific circles to discuss ways to solve the problems of climate change, food shortages, and energy security.

Addressing the event, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the purpose and objectives of the forum.

“I am happy to welcome you to the Astana International Forum”, the President of Kazakhstan said. – Our friends, colleagues, representatives of governments, diplomatic, business, and scientific circles from all over the world have gathered here. I express my sincere gratitude to our honored guests – the Amir of Qatar, the President of Kyrgyzstan, the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, and other honorary participants. Your decision to cooperate with us is a great honor for us. I hope that in this process, there will be a productive exchange of views on the world economic situation and regional partnership.

In his speech, the Leader of Kazakhstan specifically touched upon the general problem associated with the Aral Sea and water shortages:

“The water level in the two largest rivers in the region, the Syrdarya and the Amudarya will decrease by 15 percent by 2050”, he said. – We call for increased funding to support the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea to prevent this regional catastrophe. The problem of climate change is closely related to water resources. Central Asia is a region where the issue of water security can only be resolved through deepening cooperation and implementing joint effective measures.

The conference continues.

Sharofiddin Tulaganov, UzA