DUSHANBE, Tajikistan

On 20-23 June 2018, SRSG Natalia Gherman participated in the High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018 – 2028, jointly organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the United Nations.

The aim of the Conference was to discuss ways the international community, United Nations agencies and the other partners and international organizations, including the private sector, can contribute to the Water Decade with a view to supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Conference helped strengthen cooperation and partnerships through promoting integrated water resource management and mobilizing the efforts of governments, UN institutions, international and non-governmental organizations for the implementation of the Action Plan of the Decade.

Speaking at the plenary session, SRSG Gherman highlighted the central role of UNRCCA in regional water dialogue and cooperation on water issues as well as presented the main themes of the Centre’s work on water in Central Asia. She expressed conviction that the reenergized spirit of cooperation would extend to greater cooperation on transboundary water management at the regional level.

Speaking at the action panel “Transboundary Cooperation and Water Diplomacy,” SRSG Gherman informed participants of the achievements, activities and plans of the Centre in helping the Governments of Central Asia to build capacity in water diplomacy, as well as in serving as a platform for cooperation and exchange on transboundary water management, the water-energy nexus and environmental degradation and climate change.

The Centre contributed to the Final Declaration of the Conference, which inter alia prioritized water diplomacy and transboundary cooperation, as well as opening an inclusive multi-level and inter-sectoral dialogue to foster institutional arrangements and concrete solutions.

The Declaration also invites countries to consider establishing Water Action Decade centres and partnerships on specific water related themes. It also recommends that Member States prepare and adopt national strategies and plans to implement the water related SDGs.