Central Asia’s Water Infrastructure Financing to Be Discussed at Environmental Summit in Astana
On 23 April, as part of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Astana, a thematic discussion titled “Sustainable Financing of the Water Sector in Central Asia: Challenges, Opportunities and Pathways for Cooperation” will take place. The session will bring together experts to discuss key mechanisms for attracting investment and developing financial instruments to modernize the region’s water infrastructure.
The water sector plays a strategic role in ensuring sustainable socio-economic and environmental development across Central Asia. Amid climate change, population growth and ageing infrastructure, effective water resource management and the mobilization of financial resources are becoming increasingly urgent priorities.
The panel session is initiated by the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which oversees strategic planning, budget policy and coordination of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event is co-organized by the Institute of Economic Research and the International Water Management Institute.
The session aims to address key challenges and opportunities related to financing water infrastructure, improving water resource management and strengthening regional cooperation.
Participants will include representatives of central government bodies responsible for water resources in Central Asian countries, as well as international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. Leading experts and researchers in the water sector will also take part in the discussion.
The session is expected to result in practical recommendations aimed at strengthening financial mechanisms for water infrastructure development, improving the efficiency of water resource management and expanding regional cooperation in the sector.
The Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) is an international platform bringing together Central Asian countries and global partners to address pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, water resource degradation and sustainable natural resource management. The Summit will be held from 22 to 24 April 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, and is expected to bring together around 1,500 participants from government, international organizations, business and academia.
The initiative to hold RES 2026 in partnership with the United Nations was announced by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.