Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, 15-16 July 2026 — Representatives of the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) participated in the Third Meeting of the CAREC Water Pillar Working Group, organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting brought together representatives of Central Asian countries, regional organizations and international development partners to discuss the next steps in strengthening regional cooperation on sustainable water resources management.
The meeting reviewed progress made under the CAREC Water Pillar, discussed preliminary findings of pre-feasibility studies for potential regional investment projects, examined opportunities to strengthen transboundary water cooperation, and identified priorities for future technical assistance and investment support. Discussions focused on enhancing the climate resilience of the water sector, promoting the application of digital monitoring technologies, improving water resources management, and strengthening regional cooperation.
During the meeting, the Central Asian countries presented proposals for prospective regional and subregional initiatives aimed at improving water-use efficiency, modernizing water infrastructure, advancing water monitoring systems, and accelerating the digitalization of water management processes. Dedicated thematic sessions also addressed the Water–Energy Nexus modelling activities, the implementation of a new technical assistance programme on strengthening transboundary water cooperation for climate-resilient water management, and the international Glaciers to Farms (G2F) initiative.
The participation of SIC ICSD reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing environmental sustainability across Central Asia, and fostering effective regional cooperation. SIC ICSD continues to support initiatives that strengthen the regional scientific and information base, facilitate dialogue among Central Asian countries, and promote integrated approaches to the sustainable management of natural resources.
Particular attention during the meeting was given to water resources monitoring and water quality assessment. In this context, it was emphasized that the water sector is also reflected in the Regional Environmental Programme for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (REP4SD) 2020-2030. Specifically, Sub-priority area 2.2, "Ensuring the Effectiveness of Water Quality Monitoring in the Aral Sea Basin," aims to strengthen the regional water quality monitoring system, enhance environmental data sharing among the Central Asian countries, and support evidence-based decision-making for the sustainable development of the region.
The event supports the achievement of:
| Priority Area 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. |
| Priority Area No 4 dedicated to SDG 13: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” |
| 4.2 Preparation and implementation of regional programs and projects financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other donor agencies. |
| Priority area No 6 of REP4SD dedicated to SDG 17: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development” |
| 6.2 Strengthening of cooperation among international organizations and regional and national institutions for better access to new technologies, preparation of legal and regulatory frameworks, development and implementation of national and regional strategies and plans and development of sustainable financing opportunities. |