Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan

At a time when issues such as global water scarcity, climate change, and the rational use of transboundary waters are becoming increasingly urgent, the significance of this dialogue platform is growing. In particular, water security, water diplomacy, digitalization, modern technologies, investments, and the equitable and sustainable use of water resources are at the center of the conference's discussions.

The delegation of Uzbekistan is also actively participating in this prestigious event. At the session titled "The UN 2026 Water Conference: A Space Where the Future is Built," the Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Timur Butunbayev, spoke about the ongoing reforms in our country's water sector, the widespread introduction of water-saving technologies, the strengthening of regional institutions, and our experience in training qualified personnel.

As has been noted, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, water issues in recent years have become one of the strategic priorities of state policy in Uzbekistan. New institutional and legal frameworks for water resource management have been created, the Water Code has been adopted, the scope of implementing water-saving technologies has expanded, and work on modernizing infrastructure and digitalizing the sector is steadily ongoing.

Most importantly, Uzbekistan approaches the water issue not merely as an internal economic or environmental problem, but also as a crucial factor in ensuring peace, mutual trust, and shared prosperity in the region.

As Timur Butunbayev noted, "For Uzbekistan, water diplomacy is a tool for ensuring peace, trust, and shared prosperity." This approach is particularly significant for the countries of Central Asia, which share water resources. Therefore, priority is given to the rational use of transboundary waters, the exchange of reliable data, and the implementation of joint regional projects.

During World Water Week, meetings were held with SIWI Executive Director Helena Taibel, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries (with a focus on water sustainability and a competitive circular economy) Jessica Roswall, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health – UNU-INWEH, Professor Kaveh Madani, and representatives of influential international organizations.

During the talks, the parties discussed further strengthening regional cooperation, developing digital monitoring and attracting investments in modern water infrastructure, conducting joint research, exchanging experts, and training specialists during Uzbekistan's chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in 2027-2029.

The conference also highlighted Uzbekistan's experience in financing the water sector. It was reported that by the end of 2026, expenditures on the water sector in Uzbekistan are expected to reach 4.2 percent of the State Budget. From 2017 to 2025, the annual funds allocated to water management increased nearly fourfold, while investments directed toward drinking water supply increased tenfold.

These figures demonstrate a fundamental shift in our country's approach to water issues. Political will, sustainable financing, modern technology, science, and the training of qualified personnel are converging into a single, integrated system.

Indeed, water security today is an issue that determines the future not just of one sector, but of society as a whole. In this sense, the principles of water diplomacy, conservation, and regional solidarity promoted by Uzbekistan are of great importance for the sustainable development of not only our country but all of Central Asia.

Press-service