Islamabad – Tajikistan will host the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” from May 25 to 28, 2026, in Dushanbe under the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process.
The announcement was made in Islamabad by Yusuf Sharifzoda Toir, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Pakistan, during a media briefing on Wednesday.
Dushanbe Water Process Strengthening Global Water Cooperation
The ambassador stated that the Dushanbe Water Process is a flagship initiative of the Government of Tajikistan designed to support implementation of the goals of the International Decade for Action through biennial global conferences organized in close partnership with the United Nations.
He noted that the conference series is co-chaired by Qohir Rasulzoda and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Previous editions were successfully held in Dushanbe in 2018, 2022, and 2024.
Platform for Dialogue, Partnerships, and Sustainable Solutions
The upcoming conference will continue Tajikistan’s longstanding commitment to providing an inclusive international platform for policy dialogue, exchange of ideas, partnership-building, and promotion of practical action on global water challenges.
According to the ambassador, the conference aims to mobilize collective efforts in support of voluntary commitments under the Water Action Agenda of the UN Water Conference, while accelerating progress toward achieving water-related targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Driving Innovation and Political Commitment
The event will also facilitate the sharing of best practices, innovative technologies, and successful policy models in water governance.
It is expected to strengthen cooperation among governments, institutions, experts, and communities while enhancing awareness and political commitment to sustainable water resource management worldwide.
Key Preparatory Meeting for Future UN Water Conferences
The ambassador highlighted that the Dushanbe conference will serve as an important preparatory meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference, to be co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.
It will also contribute to discussions leading toward the 2028 UN Water Conference, which is expected to review progress made during the Water Action Decade.
Schedule and Participation
According to the announced programme, forums and side events will take place on May 25, followed by official high-level sessions on May 26 and 27 at the Kohi Somon Complex.
Field visits and study tours will be organized on May 28, allowing participants to observe Tajikistan’s successful experience in water resource management and environmental stewardship.
Broad International Representation Expected
The conference will be multi-stakeholder in nature, bringing together senior representatives from UN member states, international and regional organizations, financial institutions, the private sector, civil society, academia, and local communities.
The ambassador emphasized that the gathering will be held as an in-person event to ensure productive engagement, direct dialogue, and meaningful collaboration among participants.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
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