Water, AI and biodiversity: Tokayev outlined priorities for cooperation in the region

Tengrinews.kz — The President of Kazakhstan has called for the broader adoption of technological advancements to preserve biodiversity, citing the Akorda press service.

The Head of State delivered a speech at the COP17 biodiversity summit held in the capital of Armenia.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined several priority areas for joint cooperation. Among the sectors requiring closer coordination, the Head of State highlighted water resources management.

"Last year, Kazakhstan proposed the creation of an International Water Organization within the United Nations system. We believe this initiative can unite the countries of Central Asia while remaining open to all interested states. Our goal is to strengthen water security and protect ecosystems whose well-being depends on the state of rivers, lakes, and wetlands," he said.

The Head of State emphasized that effective partnership today must rely on digital technologies and artificial intelligence, which are capable of radically transforming approaches to ecosystem monitoring, natural resource management, and environmental threat forecasting.

"In Kazakhstan, AI development and digital transformation are recognized as national priorities. We propose using the International AI Center in Astana as a platform for joint scientific research, biodiversity data analysis, the development of early warning systems, and the training of specialized professionals," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested.

In conclusion, the Head of State proposed establishing a regional office of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Almaty.

According to him, this office could support Central Asian countries in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as facilitate scientific exchange and the implementation of joint conservation projects.