The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Uzbekistan National News Agency reported that Afghanistan took part in the international forum “Tashkent Water Week – 2026,” held on March 25-26 in Tashkent.
The forum brought together representatives from governments,
international and regional organizations, the private sector, and the
scientific, expert, and analytical communities. Discussions focused on
integrating technologies and innovations into water resource management amid
climate change and increasing infrastructure demands.
Murad Uzakov, head of the Centre at the Institute for
Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS),
highlighted that effective regional coordination of water resources is
increasingly essential due to climate challenges. He noted that natural,
human-made, and technogenic processes are affecting the region’s water and
climate balance, posing significant risks to socio-economic development,
environmental health, and regional security.
Uzakov emphasized the growing need to reconsider approaches to
the rational use of water and strengthen cooperation, highlighting a climate of
political trust that enables mutually beneficial solutions. He noted that most
disputes over water facilities in border areas have been resolved, and
agreements on transboundary river water withdrawal are under coordination.
Regional joint projects were also highlighted, including
collaboration between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan on the Kambarata
Hydropower Plant-1 and shared use of water and energy from the Naryn River.
Countries in the region are increasingly implementing water-saving technologies
and balancing water and energy needs.
In Uzbekistan, the area of irrigated land using modern
water-saving technologies has expanded to 2.6 million hectares, up from 19,000
hectares before 2017, conserving approximately 2.5 billion cubic meters of
water annually.
Uzakov said Afghanistan “occupies a special place in
regional water cooperation,” emphasizing prospects for joint efforts in
modernizing irrigation systems, monitoring water conditions, introducing
innovations, conducting research, and training personnel.
He concluded that the success of future water resource
management depends on coordinated efforts and unified actions, expressing
confidence that shared experiences and collaboration will help implement best
practices across the region.
The forum was organized by the Government of Uzbekistan with
support from the Ministry of Water Resources, Iteca Exhibitions, the Tashkent
Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, the Center
for Progressive Reforms, and other national scientific, educational, and
analytical institutions, with ISRS serving as a strategic partner.
