“Water for Sustainable Development”

This was the title of the 4th International Conference held on May 25-26 in Dushanbe. The conference was opened by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who noted that the issue of fair and broad access to water is gaining global importance, making it necessary to strengthen international cooperation.

According to Otabek Khazratov, Head of the Department for International Relations and World Trade Organization Affairs at the Ministry of Water Resources, the event served as an important platform for discussing current issues in water resources management.

“The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) also organized the forum ‘Prospects for transboundary cooperation: innovation and practical action in sustainable water resources management’”, says Mr. Khazratov. “Among the participants was a delegation from our country, led by Shukhrat Ganiyev, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Development of the Agricultural and Food Sectors”.

The participants exchanged views on the rational and efficient use of transboundary water resources, ensuring water security amid climate change, and strengthening regional cooperation. Particular attention was paid to enhancing cooperation among Central Asian countries.

The delegation from Uzbekistan provided information on the reforms underway in the country to modernize the water resources management system, digitalize the sector, and widely introduce water-saving technologies.

A high-level dialogue between ministers was also held, with the participation of heads of water management agencies from Central Asian countries. It was attended by the Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Khamrayev, as well as the heads of relevant agencies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

The participants discussed issues related to ensuring coordinated management at the basin level, adapting to the consequences of climate change, and digitalizing water management. The Uzbek side emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in water resources management in the region and to improve mechanisms for practical interaction. As noted, the Water Code, along with the Program for the Development of Water Resources Management and the Irrigation Sector for 2025-2028, was adopted in 2025. Water-saving technologies have been introduced on 2.6 million hectares, and by 2028, this figure is planned to increase to 3.5 million hectares.

At the conference, the Uzbekistan delegation took part in a plenary session, during which information was provided about the World Water Forum planned to be held in Samarkand.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA