Environmental Protection and Water Diplomacy Discussed in Abu Dhabi

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates, Rauan Zhumabek, held a meeting with Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Agency’s Executive Committee.

During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat presented an invitation from the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Nysanbayev, to attend the Regional Environmental Summit, which will take place in Astana on 22-24 April this year.

Ambassador R.Zhumabek also informed about the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish an International Water Organization, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation among countries for the development of global water diplomacy.

In this context, the interlocutors noted that the efforts of Kazakhstan and the UAE to advance the environmental and water agenda are complementary, particularly in light of the UAE’s preparations for the international event – the III UN Water Conference scheduled for December 2-4, 2026 in Abu Dhabi. It was highlighted that the actions of the two countries in this area are coordinated and aimed at strengthening international cooperation in sustainable natural resource management.

For his part, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi confirmed the UAE’s readiness to further expand cooperation with Kazakhstan.

He also emphasized the environmental importance of the «Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme» being implemented in Kazakhstan, aimed at restoring the population of birds of prey and maintaining ecological balance.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties noted that upcoming international events could serve as an important platform for developing cooperation and initiating joint projects between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi is an experienced UAE statesman, who has made a significant contribution to shaping the country’s defence policy and strengthening national security, while also actively participating in environmental protection initiatives.

- 2016–2024 – Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the UAE

- Since 2024 – Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Agency’s Executive Committee.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is a government body established in 1996 and responsible for developing and implementing environmental policy as well as protecting natural resources. The Agency works on biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring, and promoting sustainable natural resource management in the UAE.