At the forum, countries and international organizations discussed new cooperation mechanisms, investments, and technologies without which solving the global water crisis is no longer possible.
From 25 to 28 May 2026, the Fourth International High-Level Conference on the Decade of Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” was held in Dushanbe.
The conference was organized by the government of Tajikistan, the UN, and international partners. Its results were summarized at a press conference on May 27 with the participation of Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda.
1. Dushanbe has once again become the center of the global water dialogue
For several days, issues of water, climate, and sustainable water resource management were discussed in Dushanbe.
The conference agenda included access to clean water and sanitation, water resources management, transboundary cooperation, financing, technology, innovation, and the relationship between water, climate, and sustainable development.
In his speech, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon noted that the conference is being held within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process.
“This conference helps shape our shared commitment to strengthen cooperation and accelerate action to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” he said.
According to the organizers, approximately 2,500 people attended the conference. Among them were 1,100 participants from 110 countries, representatives of 75 international and regional organizations, as well as 170 non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.
The organizers stated that this composition of participants confirms the high international interest in the Dushanbe water process.
2. The world is falling behind on water and sanitation access targets
One of the main themes of the conference was the Decade of Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028”.
Participants also discussed Sustainable Development Goal 6, the UN goal that addresses access to clean water and sanitation.
The conference discussed how to accelerate the achievement of this goal. The discussion focused on water resource management, access to water and sanitation, international and regional cooperation, and partnerships between countries and organizations.
Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, noted that the Decade on Water aims to promote sustainable water resource management, develop partnerships, share knowledge, and ensure access to water and sanitation.
He also said that the remaining years of the Decade cannot proceed as “business as usual.”
“Therefore, the final stage of the Decade must be one of accelerated action, effective implementation, and strengthened cooperation,” the head of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
At a press conference, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua announced that the world is lagging behind in achieving SDG 6. He stated that 2.2 billion people still lack access to clean drinking water, and 3.5 billion lack safe sanitation.
3. The conference’s results will be linked to the UN’s global water agenda.
The Dushanbe conference is a follow-up to the 2023 UN Water Conference.
It also links to the preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference and the final review of the Water Decade in 2028.
During thematic sessions and panel discussions, participants discussed the implementation of voluntary commitments, financing, technology, innovation, and the links between the water agenda, climate, sustainable development, ecosystems, and UN processes.
In Dushanbe, discussions also focused on the potential global water agenda beyond 2030. Participants in a separate discussion focused on the future of international water cooperation after the completion of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
4. Following the conference, three key documents were adopted and will be prepared
Following the conference, the Dushanbe Declaration was adopted.
Two more documents will also be prepared and presented: a summary of the co-chairs and the contribution of the Dushanbe Water Process to the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The Dushanbe Declaration was the main outcome document of the conference. It contains recommendations and practical guidelines for strengthening international cooperation, developing partnerships, and accelerating the implementation of commitments on water resources.
The co-chairs’ summary should reflect the main findings of the discussions that took place at plenary sessions, thematic sessions, panel discussions, forums, and other events.
The third document is the Dushanbe Water Process’s contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference. It aims to link the outcomes of the Dushanbe meeting with preparations for the next global water conference under the auspices of the UN.
Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda said that the conference’s results will contribute to the further implementation of the Decade of Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028”, preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference and the final conference in 2028.
5. There is a shortage of more than $130 billion per year for water and sanitation.
The conference focused on funding, technology, and innovation in the water sector.
Participants discussed investments in the water sector, international cooperation and practical initiatives ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Li Junhua reported that more than $130 billion is needed annually to improve people’s access to clean water and sanitation.
“More funding is needed, especially for developing countries,” he said.
A special exhibition was also held on the sidelines of the conference, showcasing modern technologies, scientific developments, innovative solutions, and expertise in water resource management.
Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda noted that water resources are directly linked to sustainable development, economic growth, food and energy security, environmental protection, and the well-being of the population.
6. More women, youth, science, and business were involved in the water discussion.
The conference discussed the need to more broadly involve various groups in the water agenda.
Particular attention was paid to the participation of women, youth, the scientific community, the private sector and other stakeholders.
The conference included a Youth Forum, a Women and Water Forum, a Private Sector Forum with a Focus on Africa, and other events.
The Dushanbe Declaration on Women and Water was also adopted at the Women and Water 2026 Forum. This document is expected to contribute to the agenda of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
In addition, the Women and Water partnership network was launched and the development of a regional action plan was announced.
7. Tajikistan announced water plans until 2040
President Emomali Rahmon spoke about the measures Tajikistan is taking at the national and regional levels.
According to him, as part of the country’s water sector reform, the legal and institutional framework for implementing integrated water resources management has been strengthened. Key infrastructure has also been modernized.
The President announced that to accelerate the achievement of SDG-6, Tajikistan has adopted the National Water Strategy until 2040 and the State Program for Drinking Water and Sanitation for 2025–2029.
He stated that Tajikistan intends to fully implement integrated water resources management at the national and basin levels by 2030.
Tajikistan also plans to increase the implementation of water-saving technologies by more than 40 times and bring the level of digitalization of water resource management to 80% by 2040.
On the regional agenda, Emomali Rahmon noted the importance of cross-border cooperation in Central Asia. He proposed improving the structure of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and establishing within it an Interstate Energy Commission of Central Asia.
Separately, the President proposed creating a Dushanbe Framework Program on Water Issues.
“This framework program can strengthen current processes in the water sector and create a favorable basis for coordinating and consolidating joint efforts to achieve practical results,” Emomali Rahmon said.
At the end of his speech, he announced the establishment of the International Prize of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of water resources.
According to him, the award aims to recognize contributions to international cooperation, scientific research, sustainable water policy, and the promotion of solutions to global water problems.
Google machine translated