President of Tajikistan Calls for new “Global Water Framework at Dushanbe Conference”

Dushanbe, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2026) President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon on Monday reaffirmed Tajikistan’s commitment to global water diplomacy and sustainable development, declaring that the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the “International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” marks a crucial step toward strengthening international cooperation on water security.

Addressing delegates at the conference in Dushanbe, hosted by the Government of Tajikistan from May 25–28, 2026, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon said the event demonstrates the country’s pride and commitment in advancing the global water agenda through the “Dushanbe Water Process.”

“We are proud that today, within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process, the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the ‘International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028’ is being held,” Rahmon said and “I highly appreciate your active participation and contribution to advancing the global water agenda.”

The Tajik leader emphasized that water remains at the center of the country’s international development initiatives, many of which have received strong backing from the United Nations General Assembly.

He described water as “the invaluable resource of life” and stressed the need for balanced, inclusive, and results-oriented approaches to water governance.

Rahmon noted that the proclamation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” and the successful hosting of the historic United Nations Water Conference 2023 by Tajikistan and the Netherlands demonstrated the urgency of accelerating global commitments on water issues.

Within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process, he said Tajikistan continues to promote an inclusive international platform that unites governments and stakeholders worldwide to advance water-related commitments.

Despite progress, Rahmon warned that the world still faces severe challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. He noted that billions of people remain without access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, while nearly four billion people experience severe water shortages for at least one month annually.

Citing expert studies, the President said global demand for drinking water is expected to increase by at least 25 percent by 2050, while food production must rise by 50 percent to meet the needs of a growing population. Nearly half of the world’s urban population could face water shortages in the coming decades, he added.

“Green industries, urban development, food production, and digital infrastructure will further increase water demand,” Rahmon said, calling for a transition toward water-efficient technologies and stronger coordination between water, energy, and food policies.

He also highlighted the growing impact of climate change, including droughts, floods, glacier melting, and rising sea levels, warning that these factors are placing additional pressure on already fragile water systems.

“These indicators are not mere predictions but a serious warning and a call to action for each of us,” he stressed.

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At the national level, Rahmon outlined Tajikistan’s reforms under its Water Sector Reform Program, which aims to strengthen integrated water resources management and modernize critical infrastructure.

He announced that Tajikistan has adopted the National Water Strategy up to 2040 and the State Program for Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation for 2025–2029, setting long-term priorities for the country’s water sector.

According to the President, Tajikistan plans to fully implement coordinated water management systems at national and basin levels by 2030 and ensure access to centralized water supply for at least 90 percent of the population by 2040.

The country also plans to expand water-saving technologies more than fortyfold and increase the digitalization of water resources management to 80 percent by 2040.

Rahmon placed particular emphasis on regional cooperation, especially in Central Asia, stressing the importance of trust, partnership, and constructive dialogue on shared water resources.

He described the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea as an important regional platform and proposed structural improvements to the organization, including the creation of an Interstate Energy Commission for Central Asia.

The President also called for a new phase of global cooperation through the establishment of a “Dushanbe Water Framework,” which he said would strengthen coordination and integration of international efforts on water-related challenges beyond 2030.

“We are approaching the concluding phase of the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Sustainable Development.’ It is necessary to start thinking now about the global water agenda after 2030,” Rahmon said.

He noted that Tajikistan is preparing to host a series of major international gatherings, including the United Nations Water Conference 2028 in Dushanbe, which will conclude the International Decade for Action on Water.

Rahmon expressed confidence that these meetings would contribute to shaping a new global water agenda focused on sustainable financing, integration of water policy with climate and energy strategies, and stronger international cooperation.

In a major announcement, the President revealed the establishment of the International Water Award of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, aimed at promoting water diplomacy and recognizing outstanding contributions to international cooperation, scientific research, and sustainable water policy.

He also announced the creation of the International Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna) Award in Medicine, intended to honor achievements in scientific research, healthcare cooperation, and sustainable development aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6.

Concluding his address, Rahmon welcomed participants to Tajikistan and urged the international community to seize the conference as a turning point in addressing global water challenges.

“We all have an important shared responsibility: to manage the planet’s invaluable treasure, namely water resources, wisely and effectively for present and future generations,” he said.