Farah Rani
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
World leaders, policymakers, water experts, and development stakeholders gathered in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, for the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the Water Action Decade, held in collaboration with the United Nations.
The four-day conference focused on strengthening global cooperation for the sustainable management of water resources amid growing challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and increasing water scarcity.
The event was inaugurated by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and attended by senior government officials, including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Minister of Culture, and other dignitaries. Pakistan was represented by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik.
Participants from across the world reviewed progress on the global Water Action Agenda and explored practical solutions to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
Addressing the conference, ECOSOC President Lok Bahadur Thapa described water as a critical issue that connects climate action, biodiversity protection, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. He emphasized the need for increased investment, technology transfer, scientific innovation, and stronger international partnerships.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Dushanbe Declaration, which calls for enhanced global cooperation on water-related issues and urges governments to prioritize water security in future international forums, including climate and biodiversity conferences, the 2027 SDG Summit, and the 11th World Water Forum.
The declaration also reaffirmed support for the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, where countries are expected to present new commitments and strategies to address global water challenges.
A Pakistani delegation comprising experts and media representatives attended the conference at the invitation of the Embassy of Tajikistan in Pakistan. During their visit, the delegates toured major tourist attractions and cultural sites across the country.
The delegation was hosted by Syedan Shah Shirazi, Director of Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, while Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, Irfan Ahmad, hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Pakistani delegation.
The conference underscored the growing international consensus that effective water management is essential for sustainable development, environmental protection, and global prosperity.The conference took place in Dushanbe, bringing together representatives from around the world to discuss global water security and sustainable development.
