The international scientific-practical conference «The Role of the President of Tajikistan in Solving Global Problems: Water is the Source of Life» was held at the scientific library of Al-Farabi KazNU, which discussed current issues of water security.
In the modern world, the issue of drinking water scarcity is acute. Currently, 1.2 billion people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, and another 2.4 billion people do not have adequate sanitation. As President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon noted at the 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit in 2007, «World development trends are such that the cost of water can exceed the cost of oil, gas, coal and other resources needed for a sustainable future for each country and region».
Given the acute relevance of this problem, as well as the importance of water resources in the world and the Central Asian region, the Conference was devoted to a discussion of global and regional aspects of water issues, as well as the role of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in its solution.
The Conference was organized by the Consulate General of Tajikistan in Almaty, the Committee on Youth and Sports under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, and the Faculty of Geography and Nature Management of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
The President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon makes a great contribution to the study and solution of problems related to water resources. On his initiative, from 2000 to 2016, the UN General Assembly adopted seven Resolutions on water issues. During this period, Tajikistan has repeatedly become a platform for global discussion of water issues. The President of the Republic of Tajikistan is the founder of all international initiatives in the water sector.
Deputies of the Parliament of Kazakhstan have repeatedly talked about the need to develop a state program for the conservation of water resources, as well as establishing a clear responsibility for violations in this area. According to statistics, today 68 states are experiencing high water stress, including Kazakhstan.
Welcoming the Conference participants, Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management of Al-Farabi KazNU Vitaly Salnikov noted: «The issues associated with water resources are felt by each of us. It is known a person should drink at least two liters of water. In addition, a lot depends on its quality. It is no coincidence that so much attention is paid to this issue at the level of the international community. In particular, the initiatives of the Republic of Tajikistan are very significant and relevant. Water plays a huge, key role in the atmosphere. Global climate change is associated with it. Moreover, the state of glaciers will determine whether water will be with us in 50 years. Water is what unites us in a global sense».
Today, there is a decrease in water availability in the Republic. Compared to 1960, the total water flow decreased from 120 to 101 cubic km meters. In the future, by 2030, the volume of water will decrease to 72 cubic km meters. This trend is due to an increase in water demand.
The Conference, which took place in the form of an active discussion, was attended by expert scientists, well-known Kazakhstani and foreign public and political figures, and representatives of diplomatic services. Plenary sessions addressed issues of water security: from solving existing problems to regional cooperation and diplomacy.
