Ban Ki-moon backs Tokayev's UN water agency initiative

September 1, 2026 at 11:53 AM2 min

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Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon endorsed Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's proposal to create an international water organization under UN auspices. Ban expressed full support for the initiative in an exclusive interview with 24KZ's Alem Talk program. He highlighted his long professional relationship with Tokayev, including appointing him Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva.

Key Facts

Ban Ki-moon served as the eighth UN Secretary-General.
Tokayev was appointed Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva by Ban Ki-moon.
Ban Ki-moon described Tokayev's performance in Geneva as 'brilliant'.
Ban Ki-moon quoted Lao Tzu's principle that the highest virtue is to act like water.
Ban Ki-moon gave a calligraphy piece with the Korean phrase 'sang song yak su' to President Obama.

Endorsement of Water Initiative

Ban Ki-moon expressed full support for Tokayev's proposal to create an international water organization under UN auspices. He emphasized that water is essential for human, animal, and plant survival. Ban noted that water scarcity can cause conflicts, while water is also a source of life, health, and prosperity. He stated that Tokayev's idea holds great significance from both philosophical and practical perspectives. Ban said, 'I sincerely hope he can realize this project. Convey to him my full support.'

Professional Relationship with Tokayev

Ban Ki-moon and Tokayev worked closely as foreign ministers of their respective countries. Ban appointed Tokayev as Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, the second-largest UN office after New York. Ban said Tokayev 'brilliantly handled' the Geneva role. Ban attributed Tokayev's successful UN experience as a contributing factor to his election as President of Kazakhstan.

Philosophy of Water and Leadership

Ban Ki-moon referenced Lao Tzu's teaching that the highest virtue is to act like water. He explained that in Korean this principle is 'sang song yak su'. Ban said he once wrote these words in calligraphy and gave the piece to President Obama. He stated that leadership should be like water.