Tajikistan is hosting the Fourth International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” from 25 to 28 May in Dushanbe, bringing together thousands of participants from governments, international organisations and financial institutions.
The event highlights Tajikistan’s growing role in global climate and water diplomacy, with the country positioning glacier preservation, water security and climate risks at the centre of its international agenda. More than 2,500 participants from 31 countries, alongside representatives from 33 international organisations and financial institutions, are expected to attend.
President Emomali Rahmon opened the diplomatic week by meeting senior United Nations officials, including UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi, and United Nations University Rector Tshilidzi Marwala.
The meetings reinforced the importance of the “Dushanbe Water Process” - a platform Tajikistan has used for years to keep water and climate issues on the international agenda. According to the Tajik presidential press service, 14 UN resolutions on water resources have already been adopted at Tajikistan’s initiative.
The conference comes amid growing international concern over glacier retreat and water shortages caused by climate change.
Tajikistan’s glaciers and rivers are vital sources of water for Central Asia, supporting agriculture, hydropower and drinking water supplies across the region. Officials and experts warn that melting glaciers and changing river flows threaten energy security, food production and regional stability.
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan hold much of the region’s mountain water sources, while downstream countries including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan depend heavily on stable water flows.
The Dushanbe conference is expected to serve as a preparatory stage ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal.
Tajik officials say the current process is also intended to strengthen international cooperation before the conclusion of the UN Water Action Decade in 2028.
Experts note, however, that long-term challenges remain unresolved, including ageing irrigation systems, unequal water distribution and seasonal disputes over water use in Central Asia.
Yemen warned the Houthis were seeking to replicate Iran's Strait of Hormuz strategy in the Red Sea, as U.S. President Donald Trump said there was a "g...
President Donald Trump has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, sayi...
Pakistani businesses are warning that growing difficulties in obtaining United Arab Emirates (UAE) visas are disrupting trade, delaying investment and...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that there is a good chance” of reaching a deal with Iran, but warned that Washington would resume military operation if negotiations fail.
Iran will halt its own attacks as long as the United States maintains its pause on strikes, but Tehran remains sceptical of U.S. intentions, a senior Iranian source told on Sunday.
The Russia-Ukraine war is increasingly reshaping the Caspian region. From threats to energy infrastructure to renewed diplomatic efforts, countries across the region are adapting to the wider consequences of a conflict that continues to disrupt trade, transport and security.
A New York school district has put plans to introduce a humanoid robot into classrooms on hold after fierce criticism from teachers, Indigenous community members and state education officials over the use of artificial intelligence in schools.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws introducing stricter financial requirements for foreign workers, as Moscow continues to tighten migration controls affecting millions of labour migrants, particularly from Central Asia.
President Donald Trump has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, saying U.S. arms sales are decided by Washington alone. He also praised Türkiye as "a tremendous ally" and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as "a friend".
Pakistani businesses are warning that growing difficulties in obtaining United Arab Emirates (UAE) visas are disrupting trade, delaying investment and limiting access to a key export market, despite both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi saying there is no official visa ban.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve a dispute over trade restrictions imposed by Moscow, Yerevan's government said on Monday.
Türkiye has begun renovating the Akyaka-Gyumri railway as preparations continue for a possible reopening of the Armenia-Türkiye border and the reactivation of the Gyumri-Kars rail link.
Russia's Supreme Court has prohibited the transfer of funds to Digimarket, a U.S.$35 million offshore company linked to Ruben Vardanyan, as legal proceedings continue over efforts to recover more than U.S.$64 million from a loan company.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment