Tashkent, Uzbekistan – March 28, 2025 – A Regional Workshop was held in Tashkent as part of Switzerland’s Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative. The event brought together over 80 participants, including national delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations, experts, and government partners.
The workshop was organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), the implementing consortium.
The Blue Peace initiative, launched by Switzerland in 2010, was emphasized as significant for fostering cooperation among Central Asian countries in the water sector. Since 2017, Central Asia is one of three regions in the world where Blue Peace is active and has contributed to water diplomacy, the development of regional cooperation, and capacity building for a new generation of water resource professionals. For example, the joint hydropost between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan illustrates the commitment to enhancing the monitoring and management of shared water resources, fostering trust, and promoting sustainable water use in the region.
“Cooperation in water resource management is crucial for sustainable development in Central Asia. The Blue Peace Central Asia initiative fosters dialogue, promotes joint solutions, and strengthens water governance across the region. Switzerland is proud to have supported this initiative for many years and believes that its continued development will bring tangible benefits to the countries and communities,” stated Andrin Fink, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tashkent.
The workshop was designed to ensure participatory planning with relevant local, national and regional stakeholders for the next five years of the initiative, which will launch in May 2025. Participants discussed key priority in hydrodiplomacy and dialogue to strengthen regional water cooperation, prioritizing water quality, climate adaptation, ecosystem stability, digitalization, data management, and inclusive engagement of youth and women.
“Climate adaptation requires a comprehensive approach, particularly in the water sector, which is directly linked to ecological resilience. Improved water management strategies will not only help Central Asian countries tackle climate challenges but also strengthen long-term cooperation. This validation workshop was an important step in this direction, bringing together experts and government representatives for joint dialogue,” Maria Lindelien, Senior Water Governance Officer at IUCN.
Water diplomacy and regional water cooperation play a decisive role in sustainable development and climate adaptation. Given the increasing pressure on water resources in the region, effective interstate collaboration will ensure equitable distribution and the development of robust water governance strategies.
“Identifying benefits commonly shared by all states of Central Asia is a key for promoting cooperation on water in the region. Need for science-based solutions is urgent, as they provide the most effective path toward equitably shared and sustainably managed water resources. As a research-for-development organization with over 20 years of experience in Central Asia, IWMI will be instrumental in implementing the project for the benefit of regional and bilateral cooperation in water resources,” emphasized Dr. Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, IWMI Regional Representative for Central Asia.
Building on BPCA’s extensive experience over the past 8 years, the initiative will continue to promote water cooperation in Central Asia, creating a platform for constructive dialogue and innovative solutions. Through joint efforts and knowledge-sharing, countries can ensure long-term sustainable development, improving the well-being of the region’s population.
For further information, please contact: Ms Irina Bekmirzaeva, Consultant, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), I.Bekmirzaeva@cgiar.org