Astana could host World Toilet Summit

Shymkent, Kazakhstan, has been recognized for its achievements in sanitation, while Astana may host the World Toilet Summit, according to Kazakhstani journalist Askhat Niyazov, who shared a letter from the World Toilet Organization (WTO) on Instagram. The letter also notes that Miras University Rector Nurken Khalykbergen has been included in the World Toilet Hall of Fame 2025.

According to the official letter signed by founder Jack Sim, the award represents the highest honor granted by the WTO on UN World Toilet Day, celebrating leaders in global sanitation both domestically and internationally.

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The WTO praised Kazakhstan’s contributions to developing modern and accessible toilets and highlighted that Khalykbergen’s work directly improves residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, the letter suggested organizing the World Toilet Summit in Astana, marking the first event of its kind in Central Asia.

The news generated a buzz on social media, with comment sections filled with jokes, irony, and supportive messages. Users expressed a range of opinions on the initiative, from skepticism to appreciation of the importance of developed infrastructure.

In late July, Sim visited Shymkent to assess the city’s public restrooms. Judging by his reaction, he appeared impressed. He was shown the project by Khalykbergen, which was implemented in cooperation between the city administration and Miras University to develop a network of public restrooms.

As part of the project, a «Cleanliness Complex» opened this summer in the local Arbat pedestrian zone. It includes two restrooms, a shower enclosure and a police outpost. Additionally, there is a small tourist information office and a stage where street musicians perform in the evenings.

Notably, transparent public restrooms were installed in Astana in late November. Their special feature is that the glass walls remain completely transparent when the stalls are vacant, but immediately turn opaque once a visitor presses the button inside.