DUSHANBE — A three-day seminar titled “Promoting Cooperation over Shared Waters: Concepts and Approaches for Building Trust and Co-operation” has successfully concluded in Dushanbe. The event took place on May 22-24, 2026 ahead of the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development,” 2018–2028.
Photocredits: SDC Office in Tajikistan
The seminar was organized by the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), and the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) as part of the Blue Peace Central Asia project.
Participants in the seminar included members of the Women in Water Diplomacy Network and representatives of the “Drops of the Future” youth series of events.
The seminar focused on integrating scientific and technical data into water resource negotiation processes, information exchange, and ensuring inclusivity in the formulation of international water policy. These areas are considered essential for building trust and developing effective transboundary cooperation.
Speaking at the event’s opening, Denise Lüthi Crisan, Head of the SDC Office in Tajikistan, emphasized the importance of women’s participation in water diplomacy processes:
“More meaningful participation of women as water diplomats, negotiators, practitioners, scientists and experts is not optional — it is indispensable. We need the full range of perspectives, experiences, knowledge, and expertise to find fair, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.”
Photocredits: SDC Office in Tajikistan
Inclusivity became one of the key themes of all the seminar’s discussions. During the session on data-driven policymaking, CAREC specialist Aizhan Kossantayeva, together with members of the “Women in Water Diplomacy” Network from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, presented the methodology and results of the gender gap assessment in the water sector conducted as part of the Blue Peace Central Asia project.
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The study’s findings served as the basis for a discussion on ways to enhance women’s role in water resource management, including professional capacity building and expanding their participation in decision-making processes.
The seminar program also included an examination of the processes shaping the global water agenda and the conduct of simulation negotiations, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice.
The main practical outcome of the three-day workshop was the joint development of coordinated policy recommendations. The prepared reports will be submitted for inclusion in the final documents of the interactive sessions of the Dushanbe Water Conference, including the “Women and Water” Forum and the Youth Water Forum.
The recommendations, developed with the support of the United Nations University, will also contribute to international discussions at the UN Water Conference, scheduled for December 8–10 in the United Arab Emirates.
Gala Reception and Distinguished Guests
The seminar program concluded with a gala evening reception at the Hyatt Regency Dushanbe, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), for seminar participants and partners of the Women in Water Diplomacy Network.
The Rector of the United Nations University, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, addressed the guests with a welcoming speech. The dinner was attended by high-ranking officials, international diplomats, and leading experts, including Dilrabo Mansuri, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, who expressed the hospitality and support of the host country’s government; Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH and winner of the prestigious 2026 SIWI Water Prize; heads and representatives of relevant ministries and agencies; and partners of the Global Network of Women in Water Diplomacy.
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The evening’s official programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony recognizing the seminar participants.
Background
The Blue Peace Central Asia initiative (2025–2029) aims to support sustainable water resources management and promote water diplomacy in the region’s transboundary basins.
The project includes three main areas: hydro-diplomacy, implementation of projects for basin and investment planning on small transboundary rivers, and capacity building for young professionals and women.
Blue Peace promotes a multi-level and multi-stakeholder approach to water governance in Central Asia. Special attention is given to equitable distribution and efficient management of water resources in close connection with the region’s socio-economic development and stability.
The project is implemented by a consortium of International Water Management Institute and International Union for Conservation of Nature in partnership with Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia.
Additional Information:
Irina Yugay — Acting Program Manager, CAREC Water Initiatives Support Program i.yugay@carececo.org