Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 13 November 2025 – Today, the regional seminar “Water Challenges in Central Asia” began in the capital of Uzbekistan within the framework of the Regional Advisory Committee of the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative.
The seminar is organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).
The main goal of the meeting is to identify key water challenges relevant to Central Asia in the medium and long term, discuss adaptation priorities and financing opportunities for innovative solutions, as well as hold consultations and coordination among the countries of the region.
The event brings together representatives from relevant ministries, research centers, and international organizations to discuss how the countries of the region can jointly respond to challenges related to climate change and water resources management.
The seminar is also attended by a delegation from Turkmenistan, which included:
· Mahtumkuli Akmuradov, Advisor on Environmental and Water Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan,
· Orazmuhamet Annabayev, Chief Researcher of the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan,
· Jumamurad Ovezmuradov, Chief Specialist of the Department of Higher and Secondary Professional Education of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan,
· Baygeldi Bayjanov, Head of the Irrigation Department of the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan,
· Amanberdi Beglanov, Chief Engineer of the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan,
· Maksat Tekayev, Chief Engineer of the Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan,
· Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
During the day, the participants will discuss the priority areas of cooperation for 2025–2026, including the development of hydro-diplomacy, joint management of small transboundary tributaries, as well as strengthening human capacity in the field of water and climate initiatives. It is expected that, based on the results of the seminar, the main directions of joint actions in the field of sustainable water use and adaptation to climate change will be determined.
“Today’s seminar is an opportunity not only to discuss challenges but also to see how many common goals we share. Water unites our countries, and cooperation is the key to a sustainable future for Central Asia,” noted Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan.
The seminar will continue with a series of discussions and working sessions, during which participants will present proposals for implementing the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative in 2025–2026.
Additional information:
Mergen Kepbanov – Director of the CAREC Project office in Turkmenistan, turkmenistan@carececo.org