Tajikistan to host 2026 water conference shaping global UN agenda
Dushanbe forum will serve as key step toward UN water summits in UAE and 2028, underscoring Tajikistan’s push for global water diplomacy
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — Tajikistan will host a major international water conference in 2026, positioning the Central Asian nation at the center of global debates on climate resilience and sustainable water management.
The announcement was made by Manuchehr Jobir, head of external economic cooperation at Tajikistan’s foreign ministry, during the 2nd International Conference on Water Management in Baku.
He said the Dushanbe forum will serve as a preparatory platform for the United Nations Water Conference in the United Arab Emirates later in 2026 and will pave the way for the 2028 UN Water Conference, also scheduled to take place in Tajikistan.
The meeting is part of the “Dushanbe Water Process,” a platform launched in 2018 that aims to connect global water commitments with the national and regional realities of countries most affected by climate stress.
For Tajikistan, a mountainous country heavily dependent on glaciers for its rivers, water diplomacy has become a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
President Emomali Rahmon has championed a series of UN General Assembly resolutions that highlight water’s role in development and climate action. These include the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028) and the International Year of Glacier Conservation.
Both initiatives underscore Tajikistan’s efforts to spotlight the impact of melting glaciers, a critical issue for Central Asia where millions rely on cross-border rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and energy.
Analysts note that by securing back-to-back hosting rights—first in 2026 and again in 2028—Tajikistan is positioning itself not only as a regional leader but also as a global convener on water governance.
The country argues that water security is inseparable from human well-being, economic growth, and climate stability—themes expected to dominate upcoming international discussions.
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