Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 29 May 2025 – Representatives of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) participated in the Regional Forum on "Strengthening Transboundary Cooperation for Water and Climate Resilience in Glacial-Dependent Basins of Central Asia," held in the framework of the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation.
The event brought together over 120 participants, including representatives of government ministries and agencies from Central Asian countries, international organizations, the scientific community, development partners, civil society, and youth. The Forum was organized by the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) with the support of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA).
Participants of the Water Forum. Photocredit to organizers of the event.
The Forum served as a key platform to address the pressing challenges posed by glacial retreat in the region and to advance integrated approaches based on the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. Discussions focused on climate change adaptation strategies, strengthening transboundary water cooperation, and promoting the use of scientific data to enhance resilience.
The event was structured around three thematic sessions:
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Session 1 focused on transboundary governance and policy coordination. Country representatives and international stakeholders discussed preventive diplomacy tools, legal frameworks, and cooperation under IFAS and UNECE.
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Session 2 addressed the integration of scientific knowledge and data into decision-making processes. Cutting-edge research on glacier melt, water supply, and the role of mountain ecosystems was presented. Representatives from IWMI, FAO, UNESCO, and other institutions introduced analytical tools and data-driven modelling approaches.
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Session 3 was dedicated to innovative solutions and financing mechanisms, including climate-resilient investments, nature-based solutions, and multi-level planning. Participants emphasized the importance of increasing access to climate finance to enhance resilience in glacial-dependent basins.
During the concluding session, participants formulated recommendations to further strengthen transboundary cooperation, enhance the role of science in policymaking, and create enabling conditions for investment in sustainable water management. ICSD representatives highlighted the need to improve inter-agency coordination, including in the context of the Regional Environmental Programme for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REP4SD), particularly with regard to establishing thematic databases related to water security and climate change.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority Area of REP4SD No 4 dedicated to SDG 13: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” |
| 4.4 Monitoring of the glaciers’ condition in Central Asia |
| Priority Area of REP4SD No 2 dedicated to SDG 6 on "Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All" |
| 2.2 Ensuring efficiency of water quality monitoring in the Aral Sea Basin. |