DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, May 28. Tajikistan has
called for accelerated global action on water security and stronger
international cooperation during the Fourth High-Level
International Conference on the International Decade for Action
“Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028, Trend reports via the Tajik
MFA.


Speaking at a special panel discussion held within the framework
of the conference, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin said
that the International Decade for Action on Water, initiated by
Tajikistan and adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly
nearly a decade ago, reflected the global understanding that water
is essential for sustainable development, poverty eradication,
public health, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development
Goals.


According to him, the Decade has helped strengthen integrated
water resources management and expand cooperation and partnerships
at all levels.


Sirojiddin Muhriddin noted that the initiative contributed to
raising water issues higher on the global agenda, strengthening
political will in the water sector, and promoting water cooperation
as an effective tool of water diplomacy.


At the same time, he stressed that the world remains
significantly behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6,
with billions of people still lacking access to safe drinking water
and sanitation.


The minister pointed to worsening water shortages, rapid glacier
melting, more frequent droughts and floods, and the growing impact
of climate change on water systems.


He also noted that population growth, urbanization, industrial
development, food production, and technological progress are
sharply increasing global demand for water resources.







Sirojiddin Muhriddin emphasized that the remaining years of the
Decade should become a period of accelerated action, effective
implementation, and enhanced cooperation rather than “business as
usual.”


According to him, Tajikistan will continue implementing reforms
aimed at strengthening water governance, modernizing
infrastructure, expanding access to drinking water and sanitation,
and introducing water-saving technologies.


He added that Tajikistan’s National Water Strategy until 2040
and related state programs are focused on building a modern,
efficient, and climate-resilient water sector.


The minister also underlined the importance of strengthening
transboundary water cooperation in Central Asia, stressing that
dialogue, mutual respect, and effective cooperation remain the only
sustainable

Sirojiddin Muhriddin said Tajikistan supports bridging the gap
between commitments and implementation, increasing investment in
water infrastructure and innovation, strengthening the role of
science and digital technologies in water management, and ensuring
inclusive participation in decision-making processes.