Tokayev addresses SCO Plus summit in Bishkek, proposes UN water body

September 1, 2026 at 12:24 PM1 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the SCO Plus summit in Bishkek, praising Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship and proposing a UN-backed international water organization. He also called for codifying SCO principles in a UN General Assembly resolution and announced Kazakhstan's initiative to host an ESCAP digital solutions center in Almaty.

Key Facts

Tokayev proposed creating an International Water Organization under UN auspices to coordinate efforts, intergovernmental dialogue, resource mobilization, and agreed solutions.
He called for a UN General Assembly resolution codifying SCO principles by the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.
Kazakhstan will host an ESCAP Asia-Pacific Digital Solutions Center in Almaty.
Tokayev said the new Constitution, effective July 1, and the unicameral Kurultai form the basis of Kazakhstan's reforms.

SCO Plus Summit Address

Tokayev expressed gratitude to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and the Kyrgyz people for their traditional hospitality. He praised Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship of the SCO and highlighted the 'Shanghai spirit' of equality and consensus as the foundation of multilateral cooperation. Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's balanced, constructive, and peaceful foreign policy course.

Water Security Initiative

Tokayev named water security a global priority and proposed an International Water Organization under UN auspices. The organization would coordinate international efforts, maintain intergovernmental dialogue, mobilize resources, and develop agreed solutions. At the regional level, he proposed a SCO Water Problems Analysis Center and expressed hope for member-state support.

UN and Digital Cooperation

Tokayev stressed that the UN must remain the core of the international system and its Charter the basis of international law. He said responsible middle powers can play a special role in conflict prevention. Tokayev emphasized the importance of international rules on artificial intelligence and announced Kazakhstan's initiative to create an ESCAP Asia-Pacific Digital Solutions Center in Almaty.