On March 18, an online meeting of experts from strategic research institutes, research institutions and water management agencies of Central Asian countries took place.

The event was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

A thorough exchange of views took place on issues of further improvement of mechanisms of interaction in the field of transboundary water resources use in the Central Asian region. It was particularly emphasized that in recent years cooperation in the water sector has entered a trajectory of progressive development. The countries express their firm determination to constructively resolve issues of transboundary water resources management taking into account the interests of all parties.

During the meeting, the International Water Management Institute presented for consideration a regional project entitled “Science-Policy Dialogue on Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Promoting Knowledge-Based Science Diplomacy”, designed for 2025-2029.

The project aims to promote scientific and political dialogue and create a platform for scientific cooperation in order to develop informed decisions on water resources management in accordance with the national priorities of Central Asian countries.

During the meeting, a substantive discussion of the project took place, following which experts voiced a number of ideas for its improvement and adaptation to the conditions of the region.

An agreement was reached to finalize the project taking into account the proposals of representatives of Central Asian countries and present it within the framework of the upcoming international scientific and practical conference on the topic “Water Diplomacy in Central Asia: Trust, Dialogue and Multilateral Cooperation for Sustainable Development”, which will be held on April 10, 2025 in Tashkent.

It is expected that the practical implementation of the project will become an important contribution to the further expansion of cooperation between the Central Asian countries in the water sector.