According to the UN News Service, despite a high level of access to water and sanitation, Kazakhstan still faces challenges such as irregular water supply and insufficient wastewater treatment. Climate change, outdated infrastructure, and existing disparities in development between urban and rural areas also have a negative impact.
Tatyana Molchan, Executive Secretary of the UNECE, noted that Kazakhstan's accession to the protocol will strengthen regional efforts to ensure safe water and sanitation, urging other Central Asian countries to follow suit.
Under this protocol, Kazakhstan will continue to work towards achieving national goals in water resource protection and public health, as well as regularly reporting on the progress made. An assessment of the situation regarding access to water and sanitation is scheduled for 2026, which will be an important contribution from the country in preparation for the UN Water Conference in 2026.
The protocol, adopted in 1999, aims to protect health, promote sustainable water resource management, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. For Kazakhstan, its actions under the protocol will take effect on April 5, 2026.
