MOSCOW, Russia

On 21-22 December 2021, in Moscow (Russian Federation), the UNRCCA organized a meeting in a hybrid format of national experts on water, energy and environmental cooperation of the Central Asian states. The meeting brought together around 30 participants, representing relevant ministries and state agencies of the five Central Asian states, as well as international experts.

On the first day of the event,  the parties have finalized the text of the renewed UNRCCA project, titled "The UNRCCA strategy in support of water, energy and environmental cooperation among the states of Central Asia for 2022-2025". The Strategy is designed to address most prominent topics of the regional agenda on water, energy, environment and climate, as well to create conditions conducive to finding mutually acceptable and beneficial long-term solutions on water, energy and climate in Central Asia. The Strategy also provides a platform for enhancing regional dialogue, trust building and streamlining gender and youth involvement in water-related issues in the region. 

On the second day, the Central Asian experts had an opportunity to meet with the staff of the Russian Scientific-Research Institute of Hydro and Irrigation Engineering, named after A.N.Kostyakov. The participants held productive and practical exchanges of experience and best practices in transboundary water management, in addressing and mitigating climate change, including but not limited to, the innovative and technological approaches in combatting aridity and ensuring water sanitation. 

The participants expressed gratitude to the UNRCCA for the efforts to arrange an event in a hybrid form, as well as for a much-needed platform for promoting dialogue and interaction on topical issues related to water, energy, environment and climate in the region.