This informal discussion between RCs and UNCTs from the countries of Central Asia and UN agencies working on the topic of water in the subregion is a response to a request from the UN RC of Tajikistan to provide dedicated support with a focus on the subregion. It will address specific challenges that the subregion faces in managing its water resources and discuss solutions that the UN can offer to countries of the subregion. The agenda was developed in cooperation with RCs of Central Asia, with the RCs suggesting and prioritizing the questions for discussion. Since it is likely that the informal discussion will not address the entire spectrum of challenges, additional sessions may be organized at a later stage.

Objectives:

  • Discuss ways to strengthen support from the UN system to the countries of the subregion in implementation of water-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and how to further improve cooperation between UN agencies activities.
  • Discuss how international instruments and tools can be used to support access to water and sanitation, integrated water resources management, climate resilience, conflict prevention and conflict resolution in Central Asia and how to increase their acceptance and use by countries of Central Asia.
  • Inform about the United Nations 2023 Water Conference (New York, 22-24 March 2023), co-hosted by the Netherlands and Tajikistan, and discuss how to accelerate progress in countries of Central Asia, with support from UNCTs, building on the Conference and other processes.