Dushanbe Water Process Monitoring Desk
DUSHANBE / Tajikistan : 28 May 2026 – The Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” in Dushanbe concluded with the adoption of the Dushanbe Declaration, as well as several recommendations and outcome documents that will contribute to preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference set to take place later this year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Prime Minister of Tajikistan, H.E Qohir Rasulzoda, Chairman of the National Organizing Committee, held the Press conference on the outcomes of along with Co-Chair H.E. Mr. Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Both dignitaries shared the details of successful holding of the conference in the beautiful capital city of Tajikistan.
Tajik Prime Minister said water issues are directly linked to sustainable development, economic growth, food and energy security, environmental protection, and the well-being of populations.
Prime Minister Tajikistan said, The Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028, organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations and international partners, successfully concluded with common commitment to preserve, manage and develop the water resources with shared resolve and joint efforts.
During these days, Dushanbe once again became a global platform for discussing pressing issues of the water and climate agenda, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting joint action in the field of sustainable water resources management.
It should be noted that the Conference programme included plenary sessions, thematic sessions, special panel discussions, forums, side events, and other activities dedicated to key aspects of the global water agenda.
Particular attention during the Conference was devoted to advancing the objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” and accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 in the context of preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
Discussions focused on sustainable and integrated water resources management, ensuring access to water and sanitation, strengthening international, regional, and transboundary cooperation, as well as expanding partnerships for the implementation of the global water agenda.
The Conference served as an important international platform ensuring continuity between the outcomes of the 2023 United Nations Water Conference, the preparatory process for the 2026 Conference, and the subsequent review of the outcomes of the Water Action Decade in 2028.
Within thematic sessions and special panel discussions, participants discussed the implementation of voluntary commitments, financing issues, the introduction of technologies and innovations, as well as the interlinkages between the water agenda and climate, sustainable development, ecosystems, and United Nations multilateral processes.
Special emphasis was placed on promoting inclusive approaches and expanding the participation of women, youth, the scientific community, the private sector, and other stakeholders in advancing the international water agenda.
The forums held within the framework of the Conference, including the Youth Forum, the Women and Water Forum, the Private Sector Forum, the Africa-focused forum, and other events, provided a broad range of stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute to discussions on accelerating the achievement of the goals of the Water Action Decade.
An important component of the Conference was also the Special Exhibition, which showcased modern technologies, scientific developments, innovative solutions, and best practices in the field of water resources management and addressing water-related challenges.
Prime Minister said, we have once again reaffirmed that water issues are directly linked to sustainable development, economic growth, food and energy security, environmental protection, and the well-being of populations.
The Conference brought together high-level representatives of United Nations Member States, entities of the United Nations system, international and regional organizations, international financial institutions, the scientific community, civil society, the private sector, youth, and other stakeholders.
The number and level of participants in the Conference — approximately 2,500 participants, including 1,100 international participants from 110 countries, representatives of 75 international and regional organizations, as well as 170 NGOs and academic institutions — once again confirmed the high level of international interest in the Dushanbe Water Process and recognition of its role as an important platform for advancing the global water agenda.
Dushanbe Water Conference ! Closing Session: From Commitments to Results
As an outcome of the Conference, the Dushanbe Declaration was adopted. In addition, the Co-Chairs’ Summary and the contribution of the Dushanbe Water Process to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference will be prepared and presented.
These documents contain key recommendations and practical guidance aimed at strengthening international cooperation, promoting partnerships, and accelerating the implementation of water-related commitments.
We are confident that the outcomes of the Conference will make a significant contribution to the further implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development,” as well as to the preparatory process for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the final review Conference in 2028.
It is encouraging to note that the work of the Conference received broad media coverage, enabling international audiences to become acquainted with the key outcomes and initiatives presented in Dushanbe.
Tajikistan, as an active advocate for advancing the water and climate agenda, will continue to make every effort to strengthen international cooperation and achieve our shared sustainable development goals.
Co-Chair of the Conference, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Li Junhua said ;
While the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is rapidly approaching, progress on SDG 6 and other water-related goals remains significantly off track.
Today, 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water services, and 3.5 billion lack safely managed sanitation services, while water stress continues to increase, Li said, noting that the fourth conference was perfectly timed to accelerate the implementation and reflect on the future architecture of the global water agenda.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General expressed appreciation to all participants of the Conference for their active engagement, to international partners for their support, and to the National Organizing Committee, the International Advisory Committee, members of the UN Group of Friends of Water, as well as the Conference Secretariat for their work in successfully organizing this important international event.
