Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in the opening of the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES26), organized by the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in partnership with the United Nations, under the theme “A Shared Vision for a Resilient Future,” from April 22 to 26, 2026, in the Kazakh capital, Astana. The event is held under the high patronage of H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and features high-level participation by heads of state, leaders of international organizations, ministers, and senior officials.

Through its participation, ICESCO aims to contribute to the development of coordinated solutions to address the environmental, economic, and social impacts of climate change, as well as to strengthen regional and international cooperation with governments, organizations, and institutions working in the field of environmental protection. In this regard, the summit will feature the participation of delegations from 15 member and non-member states of the Islamic world.

The summit’s program includes 58 activities, including 17 high-level events, 4 sessions dedicated to the specific needs and priorities of Central Asian countries, as well as 37 roundtables, conferences, and seminars. An expo is also being organized with the aim of establishing a comprehensive framework and proposing operational tools for the protection of ecosystems, the rational use of water resources, and the preservation of biodiversity in Central Asian countries.

Participants, including officials, experts, and specialists in environmental issues, will examine several key themes, notably ways to promote climate transition, adapt to environmental and natural risks, and build economic resilience in the face of these challenges. Discussions will also focus on mechanisms to strengthen food security, protect ecosystems, and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, as well as combat air pollution and manage waste.