The final session of the Fourth International High-Level Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” was held in the capital of Tajikistan. The conference was held at the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan jointly with the United Nations within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process.
The final session was held in the main hall of the Kokhi Somon complex under the co-chairmanship of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Chairman of the National Organizing Committee of the conference, Kokhir Rasulzoda, and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua.
The event became a key platform for summing up the international dialogue on water resources, climate change, glacier conservation, sustainable development, and strengthening global cooperation in the water sector. It was noted that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, together with the United Nations, has been consistently promoting the water agenda in the international arena for many years.
It was also emphasized that the initiatives of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, played an important role in shaping the global architecture of water diplomacy, including the adoption by the UN General Assembly of international water decades and resolutions on the preservation of glaciers.
During the final session, reports were presented from thematic sessions on ensuring access to water and sanitation, strengthening climate resilience, developing transboundary cooperation, mobilizing investment in water infrastructure, and preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The thematic session “Water for People” focused on the implementation of human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, including support for vulnerable groups. Participants noted that the lack of safe water and basic sanitation continues to impact public health, food security and socio-economic development in many countries around the world.
The session “Water for Prosperity” discussed the role of water resources in ensuring sustainable economic growth, energy and food security, and the transition to a green economy. Participants paid special attention to issues of effective water resource management in the context of climate change and population growth. The session “Water for the Planet” focused on glacier conservation, ecosystem protection, and strengthening resilience to climate risks.
Participants emphasized the importance of international cooperation in preserving glaciers, which are one of the main sources of fresh water. During the discussions on the topic “Water for Cooperation,” special attention was paid to issues of transboundary water resource management, improving international legal mechanisms, and expanding regional cooperation.
It was emphasized that water diplomacy is becoming an important tool for ensuring sustainable development and strengthening trust between states. The thematic session on multilateral processes provided a platform for discussing preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference and further advancement of the global water agenda beyond 2030.
The Water Investment Consultation session addressed issues of water infrastructure financing, private capital mobilization, and innovative financing mechanisms in developing countries, particularly landlocked countries.
Source: https://en.avesta.tj/2026/05/28/tajikistan-confirmed-its-leadership-in-advancing-the-water-agenda/ Avesta.tj – All rights reserved.