Quoted in azattyqasia " «Мы теряем крупнейший внутренний водоём в мире». Что происходит с Каспием и можно ли остановить обмеление?" / ""We Are Losing the World's Largest Inland Body of Water." What Is Happening to the Caspian—and Can Its Shrinking Be Stopped?"

 

 "«Мы теряем крупнейший внутренний водоём в мире». Что происходит с Каспием и можно ли остановить обмеление?/  ""We Are Losing the World's Largest Inland Body of Water." What Is Happening to the Caspian—and Can Its Shrinking Be Stopped?"

 By Khadisha Akayeva

 For Azattyq Asia

21April, 2026

Published: https://www.azattyqasia.org/a/my-teryaem-krupneyshiy-vnutrenniy-vodoyom-v-mire-chto-proishodit-s-kaspiem-i-mozhno-li-ostanovit-obmelenie/33736363.html 

 

Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес, президент консалтинговой компании Second Floor Strategies в Вашингтоне, рассказывает, что 15 апреля присутствовал на закрытом круглом столе Atlantic Council в Вашингтоне, куда была приглашена высокопоставленная казахстанская правительственная делегация. По его словам, несколько участников делегации подтвердили участие в саммите лидеров пяти стран Центральной Азии, руководства Монголии и Армении, а также премьер-министра Азербайджана. 

 

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, President of the Washington-based consulting firm Second Floor Strategies, reports that on April 15, he attended a closed-door roundtable hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, to which a high-ranking Kazakhstani government delegation had been invited. According to him, several members of the delegation confirmed the participation of the leaders of the five Central Asian nations, the leadership of Mongolia and Armenia, as well as the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, in the summit.

 

 

 

The Diplomat: " Setting Realistic Expectations for Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit "

 

 

"Setting Realistic Expectations for Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summi"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

20 April, 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/04/setting-realistic-expectations-for-kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit/ 

The Regional Ecological Summit could kickstart a wider climate activism campaign in the greater Central Asian region, or it could just be a short-term, pro-green mirage.

CAP: "Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit: A Turning Point for Environmental Protection?"

 

 

"Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit: A Turning Point for Environmental Protection?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

CAP Policy Brief 

Central Asia Program - George Washington University

19 March, 2026

Published: https://centralasiaprogram.org/publications-all/research-updates/kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit-a-turning-point-for-environmental-protection/ 

 

Central Asia faces a range of environmental challenges, including extreme temperature fluctuations, water insecurity, environmental degradation, deforestation, air pollution, and melting glaciers. The legacy of the Soviet Union’s nuclear tests also continues to affect the region. Climate change is exacerbating many of these challenges even as governments pursue a green energy transition. The loss of the Aral Sea, which nowadays resembles a series of interconnected lakes, is a grim reminder of the consequences of inaction or insufficient environmental protection; today, the Aral is estimated to be just 10% of its 1950s size.

Addressing these issues is critical not only for environmental protection but also for sustaining Central Asia’s growing population and expanding international connectivity. However, the region’s environmental challenges are highly complex, as they often intersect with regional geopolitics; moreover, some regional governments do not appear to prioritize environmental protection. To address these issues in a multilateral setting, Kazakhstan will host the high-level Regional Ecological Summit (RES-26) from April 22-24. The summit must be more than another forum for discussion and diplomatic photo opportunities. Astana must take a leadership role by convincing its neighbors across the Greater Central Asia region and international partners to focus more on environmental protection, particularly water security, for the sake of not just Kazakhstan but the entire region.

 

E-IR: "Can Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit Save the Caspian Sea?"

 

"Can Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit Save the Caspian Sea?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

E-IR

10 February, 2026 

Published: https://www.e-ir.info/2026/02/10/can-kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit-save-the-caspian-sea/

 

Kazakhstan will host the Regional Ecological Summit this April. The high-level event will address areas like climate transition, adaptation, and economic resilience; food security; sustainable management of water resources; and combating air pollution. This is a great opportunity for Kazakhstan to consolidate its regional leadership by addressing Central Asian and Eurasian environmental challenges. For the Summit to truly have an impact, however, it must include tangible programs and policies, not just conceptual talking points. Water security is a sensitive issue for landlocked Central Asia. Climate change, population growth, and the mismanagement of water resources make the Summit even more important and timely, as water resources need to be protected and responsibly shared.

GWU: "Water Security and Transboundary Cooperation in Central Asia"

 

 "Water Security and Transboundary Cooperation in Central Asia"

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (EST)

Event link: https://gwu-edu.zoom.us/j/95608929040

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIBX-x6uyrlcSRgq846lpddY07aIwCFiAxDzExPbcqPhiACw/viewform 

This seminar will examine the complex dynamics of managing shared water resources in the region, including challenges of transboundary governance and cooperation asymmetries among riparian states. The discussion will also explore opportunities for technological innovation and knowledge transfer to enhance water efficiency, resilience, and equitable access. By bringing together experts and practitioners, this seminar aims to shed light on how regional and international collaboration can contribute to sustainable water management and long-term environmental stability in Central Asia.

This seminar is part of a joint series by the Central Asia Program (CAP) and the Asian Economy Center of Civitas University (Warsaw) on environmental and sustainable development challenges in Central Asia. The series promotes dialogue and innovative policy thinking on how the region can advance sustainability amid complex geopolitical and economic transformations.

Moderator:

Katarzyna Skiert-Andrzejuk, Civitas University (Poland)

Speakers:

Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, Second Floor Strategies

The Caspian Sea at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026

 

 

Iskandar Abdullaev, International Water Management Institute (Uzbekistan)

Water in Central Asia: 30 Years of Transformations

Jenniver Sehring, Institute for Water Education (The Netherlands)

Transboundary water governance in Central Asia: old patterns and new dynamics

Rassima Salimbayeva, Narxoz University (Kazakhstan)

Environmental Governance and Water Management Between Kazakhstan and China

 

Timothy Randhir, University of Massachusetts Amherst (USA)

Multi-Scale Water Governance for Sustainability in Central Asia

 

 

NE Global "Mining in Iran: A problem that affects the oppressed Azerbaijani population"

 

 

"Mining in Iran: A problem that affects the oppressed Azerbaijani population"

Wilder Alejandro

NE Global

3 December, 2025

Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/mining-in-iran-a-problem-that-affects-the-oppressed-azerbaijani-population/

Two noteworthy events took place between late October and November. In late October, the head of the Iran Mine House, Mohammad Reza Bahraman, said, “Iran requires about €55 billion (around $59 billion) in new investment to achieve its planned 13 percent growth target for the mining sector.” Meanwhile, from 10-21 November, the COP30 climate change conference took place in Belém, Brazil.

The two events are obviously interlinked. The global demand for minerals is ever-growing, with rare earth elements and critical minerals being the latest obsession due to their widespread use in new technologies. However, mining is a very polluting and destructive industry. More environmentally friendly mining methods are being developed, but they are not yet widely implemented. Unsurprisingly, mining is closely linked to environmental destruction, and this extractive activity contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through methane releases

 

 

 

 

Presentation: "Las Operaciones de las Armadas de América Latina y el Caribe contra la Pesca Ilegal: El Futuro de las Flotas"

 

 

"Las Operaciones de las Armadas de América Latina y el Caribe contra la Pesca Ilegal: El Futuro de las Flotas"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

CONFERENCIA DE PROTECCIÓN AL MEDIO AMBIENTE

Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Washington, DC

17 de Septiembre del 2025 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0-HF5SXtps 

CSIS: "An Unnecessary Territorial Dispute in the Amazon: Colombia’s Petro Focuses on the Wrong Threats "

 

 "An Unnecessary Territorial Dispute in the Amazon: Colombia’s Petro Focuses on the Wrong Threats"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Americas Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies

26 August 2025

Published: https://www.csis.org/analysis/unnecessary-territorial-dispute-amazon-colombias-petro-focuses-wrong-threats 

Colombia faces several challenges. The assassination of presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay and two deadly attacks on August 21 are stark reminders that violence in the South American country continues. Unfortunately, rather than focus on present dangers, President Gustavo Petro has chosen to start a verbal fight with Peru, his country’s historical ally.

 

 

The Diplomatic Courier: "The evolution of Kazakhstan’s new “blue” foreign policy"

 

 

 

 "The evolution of Kazakhstan’s new “blue” foreign policy"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Diplomatic Courier

10 June, 2025

Link: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/the-evolution-of-kazakhstans-new-blue-foreign-policy

Climate change, population growth, and water mismanagement make water resources a very sensitive topic in Central Asia. Kazakhstan should apply its multivector foreign policy to a new “blue” approach, writes Wilder Alejandro Sánchez.

 

Water has become the new gold due to droughts, flooding, desertification, the effect of climate change on these natural disasters, population growth, and water mismanagement. Accordingly, water sharing among countries is a sensitive topic. In Central Asia, for example, water resources are divided between the upstream and downstream nations. Kazakhstan’s focus on water management—and its history of mulitvector foreign policy—should give rise to a new approach to diplomacy.

 

 

Caspial Policy Center: "Critical Matters: Reflections on Mining in Kazakhstan"

 

"Critical Matters: Reflections on Mining in Kazakhstan"

By: Assel Nussupova

Caspian Policy Center

7 April, 2025

Published: https://caspianpolicy.org/research/commentary/critical-matters-reflections-on-mining-in-kazakhstan

Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, President of Second Floor Strategies, a consulting firm in Washington, DC, provided three reasons behind Kazakhstan’s appeal as a location for mining investment.  “Kazakhstan has many mining deposits. Moreover, the country already has a good international name in the mining industry due to the production of uranium.  The country has a friendly investment climate aimed at attracting more investors, not scaring them away. The Kazakhstani government has created entities like the Astana International Financial Centre, with its arbitration center, and Kazakh Invest, to engage potential investors and industries.  There are already many mining projects across Kazakhstan. However, the country is vast, and many deposits are yet to be found. So, mining companies know that Kazakhstan’s mineral deposits have not yet been exhausted.”

 

Wilder Alejandro Sánchez delineated some of the barriers facing foreign companies or investors wanting to get involved in mining in Kazakhstan.  He pointed to three main challenges: “Kazakhstan continues to be regarded as a frontier market. There are concerns about corruption, embezzlement, and other bad financial practices. These are all issues that need to be addressed. Astana must continue to show the world that mining projects will be treated fairly and that the Kazakhstani government and that the nation’s private industries are reliable partners for international investors and companies.  [Another factor is] distance: Kazakhstan is rich in minerals but far away from the global market due to its geographical location. Thus, the problem is not just getting the minerals out of the ground but processing them locally and transporting them (processed or raw) to the final destination. This is particularly problematic in the current era of geopolitical tensions.  [There is also a] lack of knowledge about new mining deposits.”

 

 

The Diplomatic Courier: "Understanding Iran’s oppressive policies against Azerbaijani Turks"

 

 

"Understanding Iran’s oppressive policies against Azerbaijani Turks"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Diplomatic Courier

5 February, 2025

Published: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/irans-oppressive-policies-against-azerbaijani-turks

Azerbaijani Turks in Iran endure discrimination and cultural oppression. Changes in Tehran have not improved the situation, and the future looks grim, writes Wilder Alejandro Sánchez.

 

International Policy Digest: Does the Planet Have a Chance After COP29?

 "Does the Planet Have a Chance After COP29?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Policy Digest

1 December 2024

Originally published: https://intpolicydigest.org/does-the-planet-have-a-chance-after-cop29/

The COP29 climate conference in Baku concluded on November 22, leaving the world to ponder a critical question: Does the planet stand a chance in the face of persistent geopolitical strife and escalating warfare? Despite the turbulent backdrop, some notable progress was made, though the scale of global cooperation and goodwill required to secure lasting change remains daunting.

E-IR: "Washington-Baku Cooperation Towards COP29 in a Fragmented World"

 

"Washington-Baku Cooperation Towards COP29 in a Fragmented World"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

E-International Relations

24 June, 2024

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2024/06/23/opinion-washington-baku-cooperation-towards-cop29-in-a-fragmented-world/

Azerbaijan will host the COP29 climate conference in November. As preparations are underway, Azerbaijani officials are meeting with partners and carrying out “listening tours” to understand the issues global leaders, agencies and communities want to address. Besides a focus on climate change financing, water issues will likely be at the top of the agenda – and Washington will be an important partner in the planning stages. 

An Azerbaijani delegation led by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev traveled to Washington, DC, in April. The delegation’s meetings included a visit by John Kerry, the former US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, to the Azerbaijani embassy in the US capital. The Azerbaijani delegation also participated in the International Monetary Fund’s and World Bank’s Spring Meetings. At a March event organized by Axios, John Podesta, senior adviser to the president for international climate policy (who replaced Kerry), explained that “we need to build on the momentum… particularly to deliver at the global level the finance that will be necessary to help developing economies transition.”

Continue reading... 

The Astana Times: "Kazakhstan Partners with Netherlands and France to Tackle Water Issues"

 

"Kazakhstan Partners with Netherlands and France to Tackle Water Issues"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

The Astana Times

6 June, 2024

Originally published: https://astanatimes.com/2024/06/kazakhstan-partners-with-netherlands-and-france-to-tackle-water-issues/

Water is a precious commodity, and due to climate change, population growth, and inter-state rivalries and tensions, access to water will become even more vital in the foreseeable future. Two recent memoranda signed by the governments of Kazakhstan and the Netherlands aim to promote greater cooperation on this issue between Astana and its European partner. To efficiently address water-related environmental crises, cooperation is key.

Continue reading...

NE Global: "A Green 5+1, regional water issues in Central Asia and previewing next year’s Astana International Forum"

 

"A Green 5+1, regional water issues in Central Asia and previewing next year’s Astana International Forum"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global

11 May 2024

Originally published: https://www.neglobal.eu/a-green-51-regional-water-issues-and-next-years-astana-international-forum/

Kazakhstan’s Astana International Forum (AIF) has been postponed to 2025, as Astana is diverting financial resources to assist the relief efforts after massive flooding hit several regions. While this was the correct decision, when preparations eventually commence for AIF 2025, Astana should take a leading role in environmental issues by organizing a Green 5+1 summit focusing on regional water challenges.

Continue reading... 

World Politics Review: "The ‘Middle Corridor’ Trade Route Just Got a Boost"

 

"The ‘Middle Corridor’ Trade Route Just Got a Boost"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Briefing

World Politics Review

10 May, 2024

Originally published: https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/middle-corridor-azerbaijan-kazakhstan/

An international effort to create a rail and maritime transport corridor to connect Asia to Europe, while avoiding Russian territory, has gained momentum in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But the success or failure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or TITR, commonly known as the Middle Corridor, depends on solid relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, two countries whose borders on the eastern and western shores of Caspian Sea are key to enabling the route.

Continue reading... 

Presentation: "Green 5+1 for Central Asia"

 

Presentation: "The Role of the United States: A Green 5+1 Proposal"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Green 5+1 for Central Asia

Jamestown Foundation

Washington, DC

25 April 2024

 https://jamestown.org/event/green-51-for-central-asia/

1:00 – 2:30 pm—Central Asia Becoming Part of the Solution

• Central Asia’s Response to Environmental Threats: Regional Cooperation and Joint Actions
• International Actors’ Approach: World Bank Priorities and Programs
• The Role of the United States: Green 5+1 Proposal

The Oxus Society: "Can Kazakhstan Decarbonise the Economy?"

 

"Can Kazakhstan decarbonise the economy?"

The Oxus Society for Central Asia n Affairs

15 March 2024

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Q2F-KJKqQ

"Can Kazakhstan Decarbonise the Economy? We engage with a panel of specialists to scrutinize the challenges obstructing Kazakhstan's path to achieving its renewable energy objectives. Additionally, we'll delve into potential strategies that might be employed to navigate these obstacles effectively. 

On the panel 

- Maximilian Hess (FPRI) 

- Wilder Alejandro Sanchez (Second Floor Strategies) 

- Madina Junussova (Uni of Central Asia) 

Hosted by Michael Hilliard Taped on the 15th of March, 2024.

Oxford Diplomatic Dispatch: "KAZAKHSTAN’S MULTIVECTOR FOREIGN POLICY 2.0"

 

"Kazakhstan's Multivector Foreign Policy 2.0"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Oxford Diplomatic Dispatch

No. 10 (2024)

Oxford Diplomatic Society

Originally published: https://www.oxforddiplomaticsociety.com/dispatch

The Republic of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is based on multivectorism since Astana aims to have cordial relations with all states. The war in Ukraine has altered global geopolitics, and countries, particularly those bordering the Russian Federation, have to revisit their foreign (and defense) policies and strategies. Astana’s multipronged strategy must evolve into what I label a multivector foreign policy 2.0. Multivectorism already promotes deep relations with various players. I argue for a greater focus on environmental issues/

Daryo News: " Green multivector policy: Kazakhstan's strategy for sustainable development and international relations"

 

"Green multivector policy: Kazakhstan's strategy for sustainable development and international relations"

Interview by: Assel Nussupova

5 March, 2024

Originally published: https://daryo.uz/en/2024/03/05/five-years-under-tokayev-expert-examines-the-numbers-behind-kazakhstans-reforms-part-2?utm=tg-en

Perspective can make all the difference. Drive through the bustling streets of downtown Almaty, gallop across the vast windswept steppes, both offer a very different view of Kazakhstan. In this series, we speak to a number of experts to explore their unique takes on Kazakhstan at a pivotal point in its history. With President Tokayev nearing five years in office, he has made clear that implementing reform is central to his priorities for the former Soviet country. What issues Kazakhstan is currently facing that need to be addressed in those reforms? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead? Today we hear from Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, President of Second Floor Strategies, a consulting firm based in Washington, DC.  Assel Nussupova met with Alejandro Sánchez in Washington, DC in February 2024, to discuss his perspective on Kazakh issues ranging from water-related challenges to the need for economic diversification to Washington's perspective on Central Asia.

 Continue reading...