Business Forum Opening Ceremony
Session: Water, Energy and Food in Central Asia: Partnerships and Projects for Sustainable Development

Water, energy and food are key components of sustainable economic development, with undeniable interdependence. It is impossible to generate hydroelectric power without water or to supply water to water-scarce regions without energy, and food production depends on both resources.

The water, energy and food nexus directly impacts achievement of the United Nations’ SDGs 2, 6 and 7 (food, water and energy security). Furthermore, it indirectly influences SDGs 11 and 12 (sustainable cities and responsible production and consumption).

Water scarcity is already having a profound impact on economic development in Central Asia, reshaping various sectors. Water, energy and food security stand among the region’s top long-term development priorities. Addressing the water, energy and food nexus requires optimised resource usage, enhanced efficiency, political coherence and joint management of transboundary water resources by all Central Asian countries.

This challenge particularly impacts agriculture. The sector is a major employer, relies on irrigated farming, consumes up to 90% of available water, and exhibits low water use efficiency. Despite considerable irrigation infrastructure, its deterioration and outdated operational principles result in substantial water losses. The irrigation infrastructure is over 50 years old, and 40% of the water is lost through irrigation canals. Water shortages are exacerbated by the countries’ outdated energy system, requiring additional water storage in reservoirs during spring and summer for efficient power generation in winter. However, this process conflicts with summer water demands for irrigation.

Resolving these regional issues requires substantial financial and organisational resources and coordinated efforts, beyond the capacity of individual government agencies or private businesses. In this context, international organisations, particularly MDBs, play a pivotal role, as they can leverage their strengths to unify efforts towards Central Asia’s development. MDBs can arrange necessary financing and offer mutually beneficial, coordinated solutions, aligning disparate efforts into a single vector of stable economic growth.

The Eurasian Development Bank actively engages in addressing Central Asia’s challenges. The Bank implements projects in the electric power sector and agribusiness while maintaining continuous dialogues with governmental authorities. Notably, in December 2023, it signed a memorandum with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. Additionally, the Bank has published a series of reports proposing practical solutions for the region’s water and energy supply issues. The session will feature presentation of the EDB’s new report titled Water and Sanitation in Central Asia.

Questions for discussion:
• How can the water-energy-food nexus be developed in a coordinated manner across the entire Central Asian region?
• How should cooperation among multilateral development banks and international organisations foster sustainable water and energy development in Central Asia?
• What are the most promising projects and approaches in government regulation, water, energy and industry?

Moderator:
• Evgeny Vinokurov – Vice Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Economist, Eurasian Development Bank
Speakers:
• Askhat Orazbai – Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS)
• Bolat Bekniyaz – First Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan
• Utsav Kumar – Country Director, Kazakhstan Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank
• Sukhrob Khojimatov – UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan
• Michael Dethlefsen – Chief of the Division of Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions, UNIDO
• Qi Jianxin – General Representative in Central Asia, Vodar (a manufacturer of irrigation equipment)
• Sergey Turapin – Acting Director, Raduga All-Russian Research Institute for Irrigation Systems and Agricultural Water Supply

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