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Tengrinews.kz – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed that the UN General Assembly in New York adopt a resolution proclaiming April 22 as the International Day of Planetary Greening.
The President of Kazakhstan reminded the Assembly that last year was the hottest in recorded human history.
“Central Asia is warming twice as fast as the global average. The glaciers of the Alatau Mountains are melting at an accelerated rate, significantly increasing the threat to water and food security for millions of people,” he stated.
Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan has drawn important lessons from the Aral Sea disaster.
“Thanks to our consistent efforts, including on the international level, we managed to preserve the northern part of the Aral Sea. As the current Chair of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, Kazakhstan will continue to work actively in this priority area.”
He also drew attention to the rapid shallowing of the Caspian Sea.
“This is no longer just a regional issue — it’s a global alarm bell. That’s why we are calling for urgent measures to preserve the Caspian’s water resources, in cooperation with our regional partners and the international community.”
Last year, Kazakhstan, France, Saudi Arabia, and the World Bank co-organized the One Water Summit. Tokayev stressed the need for greater coordination, investment, and sustainable solutions to prevent future water crises.
To advance this agenda, Tokayev announced that Kazakhstan will host a Regional Environmental Summit in April next year, in partnership with the UN and other international organizations.
“As part of broader environmental commitments, Kazakhstan is implementing the nationwide campaign 'Taza Kazakhstan' (‘Clean Kazakhstan’). This is a nationwide movement uniting millions of volunteers in cleanup drives, waste reduction efforts, and environmental education.”
Tokayev also reminded that, at Kazakhstan’s initiative, the UN has declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
“We call on all UN member states to cooperate in this important initiative. In this regard, I propose that the General Assembly adopt a resolution proclaiming April 22 as the International Day of Planetary Greening,” Tokayev concluded.
What are the general debates?
Once a year in September, heads of state, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and other representatives of UN member states gather at the UN headquarters in New York. Each gives a speech presenting their country’s position on key global issues—including politics, security, climate, economy, and human rights. These are the General Debates of the UN General Assembly. Each speaker is typically given 15 minutes, though this time limit is often exceeded.
