Ambassador Vafo Niyatbekzoda of Tajikistan hosted a briefing on 29 April 2026 about the forthcoming International Water Conference in Dushanbe.
Here is the complete text of his briefing:
4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028
May 25-28, 2026
Kohi Somon, Dushanbe
The Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development», 2018–2028, will be held from 25 to 28 May 2026 in Dushanbe within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process.
The Dushanbe Water Process is an initiative of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan aimed at supporting the implementation of the objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, through a series of conferences convened every two years by the Government of Tajikistan in close cooperation with the United Nations. The conferences are co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
To date, three Dushanbe Conferences on the Water Action Decade have been successfully held in Dushanbe:
The First High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, was held from 20 to 22 June 2018.
The Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, entitled “Catalyzing Actions and Partnerships for Water at Local, National, Regional and Global Levels”, was held from 6 to 9 June 2022.
The Third High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, was held from 10 to 13 June 2024.
The organization and convening of the Fourth Dushanbe Conference on the Water Action Decade from 25 to 28 May 2026 in Dushanbe will continue Tajikistan’s long-standing tradition of providing an inclusive platform for policy dialogue, exchange of views, partnership-building, and the promotion of global action.
| Objectives |
The main objective of the Fourth Dushanbe Conference on the Water Action Decade is to further mobilize collective efforts and support the implementation of voluntary commitments registered in the Water Action Agenda of the UN Water Conference, as well as to stimulate new partnerships and accelerate actions towards achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Conference also aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, enhance the role of water in sustainable development, raise awareness, and mobilize political will to accelerate progress in achieving water-related goals of the 2030 Agenda.
In particular, the Fourth Dushanbe Conference on the Water Action Decade will focus on the following objectives:
- to serve as a key preparatory meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference co-hosted by the Republic of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates;
- to showcase scalable solutions, strengthen cooperation and forge partnerships to address priority water-related opportunities and challenges;
- to bolster implementation of the Water Action Decade, building on the four work streams4 of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Action Plan for the Water Action Decade 2018-2028;
- to conduct an informal consultation with stakeholders for the UN 2028 Water Conference that will serve as the final comprehensive review of the Water Action Decade 2018-2028 and an initial discussion on the way forward, including post-2030.
| Dates and Venue |
Conference-related events will take place over four days, from 25 to 28 May 2026.
Forums and side events will be held on 25 May 2026, on the eve of the official opening of the Conference. The venues for these events will be determined by the organizers and communicated at a later stage.
The official High-Level Conference will be held on 26–27 May 2026 at the Kohi Somon Complex in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan.
Field visits and study tours will be organized on 28 May 2026 for international participants to familiarize them with the host country and explore Tajikistan’s experience in water resources management.
| Format and participation modalities |
The Conference is multi-stakeholder in nature and will bring together different groups and actors involved in the implementation of water-related goals and targets.
The Conference will gather high-level representatives of the United Nations Member States, UN entities, international and regional organizations, international financial institutions, the private sector, civil society, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, local governments, academic institutions, the scientific community and other stakeholders/ major groups. To provide an opportunity for the promotion of integrated approaches and partnerships, participation of representatives from different sectors “out of water box” is strongly encouraged.
The 4th Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will be an in-person event to ensure the highest level of interaction among participants.
| Side Events Organization of side events within the framework of the 4th High-Level International Conference |
Within the framework of the 4th International High-Level Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, which will be held on May 25–28, 2026 in Dushanbe, Member States and partners are invited to organize parallel events.
Parallel events are part of the Conference program and provide an additional platform for promoting key ideas and priorities of the water agenda, presenting practical solutions, sharing experiences and strengthening partnerships.
Who Can Organize?
UN system agencies, international and regional organizations, government bodies, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, academic and research institutions, representatives of the private sector and civil society.
Thematic Areas
It is recommended to consider the priority themes of the Conference:
- Sustainable water resources management;
- Implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”;
- Water-climate change nexus;
- Innovative and scalable solutions in the water sector;
- Transboundary water cooperation;
- Financing water initiatives;
- Inclusive approaches involving women, youth and local communities.
| Exhibition |
International Exhibition «Water Resource Sustainability for Climate Solutions»
We invite you to join the International Exhibition titled “Water Resource Sustainability for Climate Solutions,” which will be held as part of the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development,” 2018–2028. The Dushanbe Exhibition is the premier platform for showcasing scalable innovations and nature-based solutions aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing water and climate challenges. Venue: State Complex “Kohi Somon,” 122 Rudaki Ave., Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Who Can Participate?
Governments, international and regional organizations, financial institutions, private companies, research institutes, universities, non-governmental organizations.
| Cultural Events |
Participation in the global discussion on water issues within the framework of the Fourth Dushanbe Conference will provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Tajik people.
The program of the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” also includes exhibitions, an official reception hosted by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, excursions, and other cultural and recreational activities.
Conference participants will have the opportunity to visit exhibitions of traditional crafts and creativity, taste Tajik national cuisine, explore exhibitions of various types of drinking water, and enjoy a concert program featuring leading masters of the country’s arts, fashion shows of Tajik national clothing, and other shows.
| For all general inquiries about the conference |
+992 (37) 227 68 43 / +992(37) 221 02 59
https://conf2026.dushanbewaterprocess.org
https://www.facebook.com/DushanbeWaterProcess?locale=ru_RU
https://www.instagram.com/4th_water_conference_dushanbe
/// nCa, 30 April 2026
Here are some photos from the event:
