Kazakhstan, Astana, Sept. 5 / Trend A.Maratov /
Kazakhstan will offer Central Asian countries to establish a world Center for the Study of melting glaciers in Almaty, Chairman of the Kazakhstan National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO Imangali Tasmagambetov said at the regional meeting of Central Asian National Commissions of UNESCO in Astana on Monday.
"One of the most important sectors for Central Asia countries is the environment. We insist on building the world's first Center for the Study of melting glaciers which will be located in Almaty," Tasmagambetov said.
This initiative, he said, is based on the world's problem of fresh water shortages.
"All Central Asian countries must concentrate on finding the funds to build such centers," he added.
The regional meeting in Astana aims to build and strengthen the capacity of the Central Asian National Commissions for UNESCO, and to strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation in the organization's areas.
Tasmagambetov noted the regret that historical and cultural heritage of Central Asian countries is underrepresented under UNESCO.
"This list [of World Heritage and Culture] is compromised of only eleven objects. Today, our countries work on preparing the historical Silk Road sites to be included in the above-mentioned list," he said.
Today's regional meeting became the first event uniting representatives of National Commissions of Central Asia to create dialogue and to discuss issues pertaining to the regional cooperation within the sphere.
The event will adopt recommendations with a view to advance the country and regional initiatives within the organization.