BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. A briefing dedicated to the preparations for the 4th High-Level International Conference within the framework of the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development" (2018–2028) was held in Baku, Trend reports.
Speaking at the event Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Analysis of International Relations, said that Azerbaijan is steadily strengthening its engagement in the global water agenda, turning it into a practical instrument for regional cooperation.
Shafiyev noted that Azerbaijan will present its achievements in the digitalization of water management at the upcoming conference in Dushanbe. He said the event will serve as an important platform to showcase progress in water governance, digitalization, and the development of a Regional Information Center.
According to him, the conference is expected to contribute to the development of new mechanisms for transboundary cooperation aimed at reducing climate risks and establishing a long-term framework for joint water initiatives by the end of the current decade.
He also emphasized that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan within the framework of the Water for Sustainable Development initiative is becoming increasingly practical, going beyond political and diplomatic support for international initiatives.
Shafiyev added that in preparation for the conference scheduled to take place in Dushanbe from May 25 to 28, Azerbaijan is further strengthening its role in the global water agenda and transforming it into an effective tool for regional cooperation.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan, Ilhom Abdurahmon, in turn, highlighted that representatives from 46 countries and 39 international organizations and financial institutions have confirmed their participation in the 4th High-Level International Conference, which will be held in Dushanbe.
“Among the participants are high-ranking officials, including prime ministers, vice presidents, deputy secretaries-general of the UN, ministers, and ambassadors,” he said.
The ambassador noted that more than 2,500 delegates are expected to attend, which demonstrates the high level of international interest in the upcoming event.
He also noted that Tajikistan highly appreciates Azerbaijan's support to its water initiatives.
According to him, this continuity has transformed Tajikistan into a recognized leader in the "Water Process," uniting the global community to address water shortages, melting glaciers, and ensure environmental sustainability for decades to come.
"The International Decade for Action, 'Water for Sustainable Development,' has given new impetus to international cooperation in the areas of efficient water use and the protection and conservation of related ecosystems. The 2023 UN Water Conference in New York, co-chaired by Tajikistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, can be considered a significant achievement," he said.
One of the key outcomes of the conference, as the ambassador noted, was the formation of the Water Action Agenda. As part of this initiative, over 840 voluntary commitments on water conservation have been registered to date by states and other stakeholders.
The ambassador recalled that Tajikistan's International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development" initiative is a continuation of the country's consistent efforts to advance the global water agenda.
"It logically links together all of Tajikistan's significant initiatives, beginning with the proclamation of 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater, continuing with the Water for Life Decade (2005–2015), and the International Year of Water Cooperation (2013)", he added.
The event was organized through the joint cooperation of the Embassy of Tajikistan in Azerbaijan and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center).
The briefing featured a panel of prominent speakers, including Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center, and Ilhom Abdurahmon, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan. They are joined by Riad Akhundzade, Head of the Department of Strategy, International Cooperation, and Science at the State Agency of Water Resources of Azerbaijan, and Tahmina Hasanova, representing the Conference Secretariat.
The gathering has brought together a wide array of participants, including officials from various Azerbaijani state agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from international organizations accredited in the country, alongside members of the media.
The primary objective of the session was to provide comprehensive information regarding the status of preparations for the upcoming conference while presenting its core priorities and anticipated results. Significant emphasis is being placed on the necessity of strengthening international cooperation for the sustainable management of water resources.
Furthermore, the briefing aimed to increase global awareness regarding the water agenda and to ensure the active involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders in the upcoming high-level proceedings.
