A Regional Workshop was held in Tashkent as part of Switzerland’s Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative. The event brought together over 100 participants, including national delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations, experts, and government partners.
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), the implementing consortium, organized the workshop.
The Blue Peace initiative, launched by Switzerland in 2010, was highlighted as a significant effort to promote cooperation among Central Asian countries in managing water resources. Since 2017, Central Asia has been one of three regions in the world where Blue Peace is active and has made significant contributions in water diplomacy, regional cooperation, and capacity building for the next generation of water resource professionals. For example, the joint hydropost between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan exemplifies the commitment to enhancing the monitoring and management of shared water resources, fostering trust, and promoting sustainable water use in the region.
Andrin Fink, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tashkent, stated, “Cooperation in water resource management is crucial for sustainable development in Central Asia. The Blue Peace Central Asia initiative fosters dialogue, promotes joint solutions, and strengthens water governance across the region. Switzerland is proud to support this initiative and believes that it will continue to bring tangible benefits to the countries and communities in Central Asia.”
The workshop aimed to facilitate participatory planning with relevant local, national, and regional stakeholders for the next five years of the initiative, set to launch in May 2025. Participants discussed key priorities in hydrodiplomacy and dialogue, emphasizing water quality, climate adaptation, ecosystem stability, digitalization, data management, and inclusive engagement of youth and women.
Maria Lindelien, Senior Water Governance Officer at IUCN, stated, “Climate adaptation requires a comprehensive approach, particularly in the water sector, which is directly linked to ecological resilience. Improved water management strategies will not only help Central Asian countries tackle climate challenges but also strengthen long-term cooperation. This validation workshop was an important step in this direction, bringing together experts and government representatives for joint dialogue.”
Water diplomacy and regional water cooperation are crucial for sustainable development and climate adaptation. With increasing pressure on water resources in the region, effective interstate collaboration will ensure equitable distribution and the development of robust water governance strategies.
Dr. Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, IWMI Regional Representative for Central Asia, emphasized, “Identifying benefits commonly shared by all states of Central Asia is key to promoting cooperation on water in the region. The need for science-based solutions is urgent, as they provide the most effective path toward equitably shared and sustainably managed water resources. As a research-for-development organization with over 20 years of experience in Central Asia, IWMI will play a crucial role in implementing the project for the benefit of regional and bilateral cooperation in water resources.”
Building on BPCA’s extensive experience over the past 8 years, the initiative will continue to promote water cooperation in Central Asia, creating a platform for constructive dialogue and innovative solutions. Through joint efforts and knowledge sharing, countries can ensure long-term, sustainable development and improve the well-being of the region’s population.
Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA