VIENNA, Austria –

On 6-7 March, senior officials of Central Asian states: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan together with the leadership of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC IFAS), the World bank, relevant UN structures, as well as international experts, gathered in Vienna, Austria, to discuss ways to ensure objective interpretation and efficient application of key principles of international law on the management of trans-boundary water resources in the Aral Sea basin.

In his opening statement, SRSG Miroslav Jenča underlined that, taking into consideration the global climate change and growing needs for water, the UN is paying utmost attention to fair and efficient use of trans-boundary waters. Central Asia is a particularly vulnerable region in this respect; therefore mutually beneficial inclusive cooperation and search for negotiated peaceful solutions of water disputes in line with international water law are on top of priorities list.  

The purpose of the two-day meeting was to discuss mechanisms of practical implementation of basic principles and norms of international law in order to prevent disputes and promote cooperation in the Aral Sea Basin.

The event facilitated by world renowned experts was organized by UNRCCA in cooperation with the World Bank and with support of the US government. Representatives of UNECE and UNDP were also in attendance. Participants reviewed proposals on potential practical steps to ensure smooth and peaceful water cooperation in the region developed by the experts and agreed to continue discussions on this important subject in future.

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