FAO and Kazakhstan Strengthen Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture and Water Management

What's Happening?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General QU Dongyu met with Yermek Kosherbayev, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, during the World Food Forum 2025 in Rome. The meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing collaboration between FAO and Kazakhstan and exploring ways to enhance their strategic partnership. The FAO Director-General congratulated Kosherbayev on his recent appointment and praised Kazakhstan's active participation in the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme. Discussions included the launch of a new Partnership Programme on Sustainable Water Resources and Irrigation, and the implementation of the Country Programming Framework for 2026-2030. Both parties emphasized the importance of transforming agrifood systems at national and regional levels.

Why It's Important?

The collaboration between FAO and Kazakhstan is significant for advancing sustainable agriculture and efficient water resource management, which are critical for climate resilience. Kazakhstan's commitment to these areas, supported by FAO's technical expertise, can lead to improved institutional frameworks for carbon neutrality, soil protection, and sustainable land management. This partnership not only benefits Kazakhstan but also contributes to regional and global food security. The initiatives discussed could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing global agricultural and environmental issues.

What's Next?

Following the bilateral meeting, the Kazakhstan Room at FAO headquarters will be officially inaugurated, symbolizing the strengthened partnership. Both FAO and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation, aiming to enhance Kazakhstan's role in regional and global food security. Future steps may include further development of the Country Programming Framework and continued collaboration on agrifood systems transformation. Stakeholders in agriculture and environmental sectors will likely monitor these developments closely, as they could influence policy and investment decisions in sustainable agriculture and water management.

Beyond the Headlines

The partnership between FAO and Kazakhstan highlights the ethical and environmental dimensions of international cooperation in agriculture. By focusing on sustainable practices, both parties are addressing critical issues such as climate change and resource management. This collaboration may lead to long-term shifts in how countries approach agricultural development, emphasizing the need for sustainable and resilient systems. The initiative also underscores the role of international organizations like FAO in facilitating global efforts to combat environmental challenges.