A seminar on “Water Issues in Central Asia” was held in Tashkent.

The event was organized within the framework of the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative in cooperation with the International Water Management Institute, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The seminar served as an essential platform for discussing long-term water and climate challenges in the region and for strengthening cooperation. It was attended by more than 60 experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of international organizations such as the UN, the World Bank, and GIZ. Discussions covered issues of strategic analysis, adaptation priorities, water diplomacy, cooperation on small transboundary tributaries, and the development of professional skills. Directions for collaboration for 2025-2026 were also identified.

A comprehensive analysis was conducted during the discussions on the risks and opportunities arising from climate change, increasing pressure on water resources, and the shrinking of glaciers.

Regional adaptation priorities were highlighted, including innovative financing mechanisms, information sharing, and strengthening cooperation between research centers and universities. Proposals and recommendations were developed to enhance collaboration between governments, researchers, and civil society.

Dildora Dusmatova, UzA