On 3 December 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the One Water summit.
At the beginning of the visit, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov performed Umrah (small pilgrimage) to the holy Kaaba, visiting Makkah.
Participation in the One Water Summit
Th One Water Summit, organized by the Governments of France, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, was held on 3 December within the framework of COP-16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It aimed to contribute to the ongoing United Nations discussions and process to enhance global water governance, accelerate action on SDG6 on water and sanitation, building on the momentum of the UN Water Conference in 2023. In fact, the aim of the summit was to act as an incubator for solutions, in preparation for the next UN Water Conference in 2026.
The One Water Summit’s ambition is to scale-up projects by stimulating partnerships between States, international organizations, local authorities, development and private banks, businesses, philanthropies, scientific experts, NGOs and civil society, in line with previous One Planet Summits.
The summit was attended by Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, President of France Emmanuel Macron, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga, Co-Chairman of the Global Commission on Water Economics (GCEW) Johan Rockstrom, heads of state, heads of international organizations, communities and companies.
In his speech, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of cooperation on water issues to ensure stability and development on the planet.
He called for ensuring equal and equitable access to water resources, especially in Central Asia. Berdimuhamedov noted that access to water is a natural right of every person and an important factor in the well-being of the region.
To address water challenges in Central Asia, Turkmenistan proposes to be guided by three key principles:
1. Compliance with international law: the use of water resources should be regulated by UN standards.
2. Mutual consideration of interests: solutions should take into account the needs of all countries in the region.
3. Involvement of international organizations, primarily the UN: UN engagement will strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of water initiatives.
As practical steps, Turkmenistan proposes to establish a UN Regional Council on Water Management in Central Asia with headquarters in Ashgabat. The Council will coordinate the management of water resources and develop a legal framework for water use. Turkmenistan also calls for speeding up the adoption of the UN Conventions on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers.
Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the impact of climate change on water resources, especially glaciers, which are sources of nutrition for rivers in the region. Turkmenistan is ready to participate in international initiatives to protect glaciers and implement climate-resilient solutions.
Turkmenistan is actively implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal No. 6 – ensuring access to clean water. The country is building new water facilities and developing water supply infrastructure.
Special attention is paid to the rational use of the water resources of the Amu Darya River. Modern irrigation methods and water-saving technologies are being introduced.
Berdimuhamedov recalled Turkmenistan’s proposal to develop a special UN program for the Aral Sea basin. He stressed the importance of implementing UN resolutions on cooperation with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. The activities of the Foundation and the Interstate Coordinating Water Management Commission should receive broad international support.
Turkmenistan confirmed its readiness for further cooperation on water issues with the UN, international organizations and partner countries. Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to the leaders of Kazakhstan, France and Saudi Arabia for organizing the summit.