Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Calls for accelerated “Global Water Action at Dushanbe Conference”

Dushanbe, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th May, 2026) At the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028, is being held in Dushanbe from May 25 to May 28, Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin urged the international community to intensify global cooperation and accelerate implementation efforts to address mounting water challenges worldwide.

Addressing delegates, international organizations, and development partners, Muhriddin expressed appreciation to UN-Water and all participating countries for supporting the conference, noting that Dushanbe has increasingly become “a global platform for water dialogue, cooperation and action.”

The minister recalled that nearly a decade ago, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028, an initiative proposed by Tajikistan and backed by the international community.

He emphasized that the initiative reflected a shared global understanding that water was essential for sustainable development, poverty eradication, public health, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Muhriddin stated that the Decade’s objectives included strengthening sustainable water resource management, improving implementation of water-related goals, expanding partnerships, enhancing knowledge exchange, and ensuring universal access to water and sanitation.

“As we approach the final phase of the Decade and prepare for the 2028 United Nations Water Conference here in Dushanbe, we must honestly assess where we stand,” he said.

According to the minister, the Decade has succeeded in elevating water issues higher on the global agenda, with water increasingly recognized not only as a natural resource but also as a strategic factor for sustainable development, resilience, and international cooperation.

He highlighted the growing global threats posed by water scarcity, pollution, ecosystem degradation, glacier melt, droughts, floods, and climate-related disasters, warning that climate change continues to manifest itself primarily through water-related impacts.

At the same time, Muhriddin noted that rapid population growth, urbanization, industrial expansion, food production, and technological development are dramatically increasing global water demand.

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Despite progress, the minister acknowledged that the world remains “seriously off track” in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, with billions of people still lacking access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

He cited the 2023 United Nations Water Conference as a major milestone that generated nearly a thousand commitments from governments, financial institutions, civil society, academia, youth groups, and the private sector through the Water Action Agenda.

Muhriddin also stressed the importance of water diplomacy, particularly in Central Asia, where dialogue and practical cooperation on transboundary water issues have strengthened trust, promoted good-neighborly relations, and supported regional development.

At the national level, he said Tajikistan continues to implement reforms aimed at modernizing water infrastructure, improving access to drinking water and sanitation, and introducing water-saving technologies through its National Water Strategy until 2040.

Regionally, Tajikistan remains committed to strengthening cooperation through mechanisms such as the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.

Looking ahead, the foreign minister said the final phase of the Water Action Decade must become a period of “accelerated action, effective implementation and strengthened cooperation.”

He emphasized several priorities outlined in the proposed “Dushanbe Framework” initiated by President Emomali Rahmon, including bridging the gap between commitments and implementation, increasing investment in water infrastructure and innovation, strengthening science and digital technologies in water management, ensuring inclusive participation, and reinforcing water’s role within the multilateral system.

“The years ahead will be decisive,” Muhriddin said, referring to upcoming global events including the 2027 SDG Summit and the 2028 United Nations Water Conference in Dushanbe.

“Our task today is not only to review progress,” he added. “Our task is to define how water cooperation can contribute to a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous world.”

Concluding his remarks, the foreign minister reaffirmed Tajikistan’s commitment to working with international partners to ensure that the final years of the Water Action Decade deliver “decisive action and meaningful results.”