World water week: Uzbekistan is further expanding international cooperation
2026-08-26 11:50:00 / News
On August 25, Timur Butunbaev, Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, met with Professor Ashok Swain, Head of the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University. The dialogue focused on training a new generation of specialists in water diplomacy, establishing joint educational programs and scientific research, and expanding academic exchange. It was noted that an "International Water Diplomacy" master's program has been established in Uzbekistan, and that more than 90,000 industry specialists and farmers have been trained at the "Water Professionals' School."
On the same day, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Uppsala University and the "TIIAME" National Research University, aimed at developing water and climate diplomacy, transboundary water cooperation, personnel training, and academic exchange. This document created an institutional foundation for long-term scientific and educational cooperation between the two universities.
As part of World Water Week, Timur Butunbayev also held negotiations with Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General. The parties considered the exchange of knowledge and experience in the water sector, conducting joint research, training specialists, and further strengthening the scientific foundations of the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan.
Additionally, in a meeting with Mark Smith, Director General of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI/CGIAR), and Inga Jacobs-Mata, Director of the institute's "Water, Economic Growth and Inclusivity" strategic program, the prospects for cooperation were discussed. This included improving water efficiency in agriculture, introducing science-based solutions and digital management, and assessing the economic effectiveness of water sector reforms and their impact on public welfare.
The IWMI leadership highly praised the ongoing water sector reforms in Uzbekistan, noting that the country's projects are also of global significance. At the conclusion of the meeting, institute representatives were invited to the International Forum on Water Conservation, to be held in Samarkand this autumn.
These meetings and agreements once again demonstrated that Uzbekistan is advancing the issue of water not only as a key factor for national development but also for regional cooperation, science, and strengthening peace.
Press-servic