ISLAMABAD: The Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028) successfully concluded in Dushanbe on Monday, bringing together heads of state, senior government officials, international organizations, scientists, youth representatives, and development partners from around the world.
Organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations and international partners, the conference underscored the urgent need for stronger international cooperation to address growing water and climate challenges, while reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing water security, sustainable development, and climate resilience for future generations.
At the concluding session, Qohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan and Chairman of the National Organizing Committee announced the adoption of the Dushanbe Declaration and described the conference as an important global platform for addressing pressing water and climate issues. “During these days, Dushanbe once again became a global platform for discussing pressing issues of the water and climate agenda, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting joint action in the field of sustainable water resources management,” Rasulzoda said.
The conference featured plenary sessions, thematic discussions, special panel meetings, forums, side events, and exhibitions focused on key aspects of the global water agenda. Particular attention was devoted to advancing the objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” and accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
Discussions centered on sustainable and integrated water resources management, universal access to water and sanitation, regional and transboundary cooperation, financing, technological innovation, and the relationship between water, climate change, ecosystems, food security, and sustainable development, he said.
According to the Prime Minister, the conference also emphasized inclusive participation, encouraging the involvement of women, youth, the scientific community, the private sector, and civil society in shaping the international water agenda.
A special exhibition showcased modern technologies, scientific achievements, innovative solutions and best practices related to water resource management and water-related challenges.
He said that several forums held during the conference, including the Youth Forum, Women and Water Forum, Private Sector Forum and Africa-focused Forum, that provided stakeholders with opportunities to contribute ideas and recommendations aimed at accelerating the goals of the Water Action Decade. “We have once again reaffirmed that water issues are directly linked to sustainable development, economic growth, food and energy security, environmental protection, and the well-being of populations,” Rasulzoda stated.
The Prime Minister of Tajikistan said the conference attracted approximately 2,500 participants, including 1,100 international delegates from 110 countries, representatives of 75 international and regional organizations, and more than 170 NGOs and academic institutions. The Tajik Prime Minister said the strong international participation reflected growing global recognition of the Dushanbe Water Process as a key platform for advancing the international water agenda. As a major outcome of the conference, the Dushanbe Declaration was officially adopted. In addition, the Co-Chairs’ Summary and the contribution of the Dushanbe Water Process to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference will be prepared and presented in the coming months, he said.
He said that these documents were expected to provide practical recommendations aimed at strengthening international cooperation, expanding partnerships and accelerating the implementation of global water commitments.
Prime Minister Rasulzoda expressed the confidence that the conference outcomes would significantly contribute to the implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development,” as well as preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the final review conference in 2028.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua thanked all participants, international partners, the National Organizing Committee, the International Advisory Committee, members of the UN Group of Friends of Water, and the Conference Secretariat for their contributions toward the successful organization of the event.
The Government of Tajikistan reaffirmed its commitment to promoting international cooperation on water and climate issues and pledged to continue supporting global efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.