EXPERTS FROM CENTRAL ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN DISCUSS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SAFETY OF DAMS AND OTHER HYDRAULIC FACILITIES AT THE ONLINE SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY UNRCCA

7 Oct 2020

EXPERTS FROM CENTRAL ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN DISCUSS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SAFETY OF DAMS AND OTHER HYDRAULIC FACILITIES AT THE ONLINE SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY UNRCCA

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 7 October 2020, the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) organized a capacity building online seminar on water diplomacy practices related to international law and international cooperation in the field of safety of dams and other hydraulic facilities in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and international experts. Representatives of relevant ministries and institutions of the Central Asian countries and Afghanistan participated in the event.

In her opening statement, the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Central Asia, Head of the Regional Centre, Natalia Gherman, noted the importance of joint work on strengthening the regional interaction, including in the field of water management, energy and environmental protection. In particular, she noted efforts and initiatives of the five Central Asian states in enhancing good neighborly relations and deepening the regional dialogue.  

During the workshop, participants have acquainted themselves with the international legal instruments and international experience on the safety dams and other hydraulic facilities, exploring the nexus between the legal and practical problems of cooperation in the given field between the states of Central Asia. They also discussed potential for improving regional interaction in this field.

The participants also briefed on their national efforts, respective legislation and actions to address dam safety and knowledge sharing in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Participating countries thanked the Centre for having organized the capacity-building event and underlined the importance of UNRCCA as a platform for promoting regional dialogue on transboundary water management through preventive diplomacy.