Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev put forward a number of initiatives on strengthening international security, regulating artificial intelligence and jointly managing water resources at the VII CICA summit. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the Akorda press service, the head of state noted the need to strengthen the organization's role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. To this end, he proposed launching a preventive diplomacy mechanism. "Preventing a conflict is far more effective and cheaper than eliminating its consequences," the president said.
Regulation of artificial intelligence
Tokayev said the uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence is a cause for concern. In his view, while the technology's capabilities are expanding, international legal regulation mechanisms are still insufficient. In this regard, the president proposed adding artificial intelligence as a sixth dimension to the five dimensions of confidence-building measures within CICA. Kazakhstan also announced it will host the UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Center for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development in Almaty.
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan implement digital project
The head of state reported that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have started implementing the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic communication line running along the bottom of the Caspian Sea. This project will enable fast and secure data exchange in the Eurasian space and is aimed at increasing the region's digital potential.
Proposal to create a water partnership
The president noted that water scarcity and ecosystem degradation have become one of the complex problems in Asia. In this regard, he proposed creating a water resources partnership within CICA to exchange technologies, conduct joint research and develop water-saving solutions. He also recalled that Kazakhstan had put forward the initiative to create an International Water Organization that would coordinate the global agenda on water issues within the UN system.
Cooperation in transport and energy
Tokayev proposed that CICA member states develop a common transport connectivity strategy covering the region's main international transport routes. These include the Belt and Road Initiative, the North-South corridor, the Middle Corridor and the TRIPP initiative. The president also touched on the importance of energy security. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have signed an agreement on strategic partnership for green energy supplies. This initiative will serve as a basis for forming the Caspian Green Energy Corridor. In addition, Kazakhstan, together with Azerbaijan, plans to increase the volume of Kazakh oil transportation through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
Scholarships for students and grants for scientists
Tokayev said special attention must be paid to developing human capital. Next year, Kazakhstan is considering launching a scholarship program for scientific research in the field of strengthening security and confidence. According to the president, Kazakhstan is ready to establish scholarships for students from the 28 member states of CICA and provide research grants to scientists.