Advancing Regional Cooperation in the Water Sector: 92nd ICWC Meeting in Dushanbe

On February 20, 2026, Dushanbe hosted the 92nd meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (ICWC).

The meeting brought together key regional leaders, including the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov; the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, Daler Juma; the Chairman of the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan, Durdy Gendzhiev; the Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Khamraev; and Ulan Abdykerimov, Advisor to the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Tajikistan, representing Kyrgyzstan as an observer.

Discussions focused on water withdrawal limits and reservoir operations during the 2025–2026 non-vegetation period in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins, as well as progress on tasks arising from decisions of the Heads of State – founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).

Kazakhstan’s Minister Nurzhigitov highlighted: “Kazakhstan is steadily implementing water initiatives proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Notably, the President has proposed adopting a Central Asian Framework Convention on Water Use. This initiative is crucial for strengthening regional coordination, enhancing climate adaptation efforts, and promoting sustainable water management.”

The meeting also confirmed the active participation of regional water authorities in the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit, scheduled in Astana from April 22–24, 2026.

BPCA supports regional cooperation in water resource management and the strengthening of high-level institutional dialogue. Its engagement in the ICWC meeting reflects a commitment to sustainable, coordinated, and effective management of transboundary water resources. The organization also supports initiatives that build trust, enhance coordination mechanisms, and promote the rational and sustainable use of water across the region.