On January 26, a regional meeting of representatives of the MFA's and parliaments of the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan was held in Almaty. The meeting was organized by CAREC with the support of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). The purpose of the meeting was to identify ways for further cooperation in the field of water diplomacy.
"Strengthening multilateral cooperation for the benefit of the environment and sustainable development of Central Asian countries undoubtedly remains a priority. Thanks to this, relying on strong human resources, the region can achieve impressive results. We have all ingredients of such success, which are a common history, language and culture and, most importantly, political will,” noted Dr Iskandar Abdullaev, Executive Director of CAREC.
During the meeting, the participants presented analysis of proposals and expectations gathered during the work of the platform for interaction of representatives of the MFAs and parliaments of Central Asian countries during its existence (2016-2017), as well as the draft roadmap of cooperation and the draft work plan for 2018-2020, which were developed on the basis of a series of meetings: both at the national and regional levels. In addition, the participants also talked about the results of the national consultations held in the countries, during which suggestions were made for further work of the site.
At the same time, it is noted that the development of the partnership should take into account the already achieved results in the region on environmental protection and transboundary water resources management.
"Your achievements deserve recognition and praise – launching this innovative Platform, organizing national and regional consultations, visiting Stockholm to participate as a regional delegation in World Water Week two years in a row to undertake capacity building in water diplomacy as a delegation, share your experience and learn from others at the global event," Elizabeth Yaari, the Head of the Transboundary Management Program waters in SIWI. "You have given a voice to Central Asia water priorities at this key global water community event."
Based on the results of this meeting, the roadmap and work plan for the period 2018-2020 will be finalized, after which all documents will be officially sent to the countries for final comments and approval.
All countries supported the work of this platform, highlighting its timeliness and opportunities in the future. Moreover, all countries noted the involvement of Afghanistan in work on this site, as a strategically correct decision.