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The European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala organised the “EU-Central Asia Young Leaders` Conference: Shifting the Paradigm for Sustainable Water Action?” in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

01.11.2024
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Strategic Communications

 

On October 30 – 31, 2024, a regional Conference, titled “EU – Central Asia Young Leaders` Conference: Shifting the Paradigm for Sustainable Water Action?” took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Conference was organised by the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia and the Nordic International University, in collaboration with the Agency for Youth Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with the “UzReportTV” Information Agency and gathered over 100 young leaders from Central Asia. The young representatives discussed topics of mutual interest, such as water efficiency, economy and water diplomacy with help of facilitators from the European Union and the region.

In her opening remarks, EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala emphasized that “it is through collaboration, dialogue, and a shared vision that we can turn the tide and achieve sustainable answers on transboundary water management”. She urged Central Asian countries to continue their regional cooperation on this critical issue, with the support of partners like the European Union.

This message was echoed by the Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Khamraev, who stressed the need for deeper dialogue among the five Central Asian nations and broader regional partners.

The Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Special Representative of the President on International Environmental Cooperation Ms Zulfiya Suleimenova addressed conference participants in a video message underlining that the Central Asia region has a potential to rise as a model of cooperation and a hub for innovation to address climate change and water challenges. Kazakhstan aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation through its chairmanship of IFAS with a focus to work with neighbours to strengthen water and energy security across Central Asia. Ms Suleimenova informed the participants that the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will co-organize a "One Water Summit" on December 3, 2024 in the margins of the next high-level session of the sixteenth session of COP16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Chief Project Engineer from the State Committee of Water Economy of Turkmenistan, Arslangeldy Amanmuradow, emphasized the crucial role of technological advancements and innovation in achieving sustainable and efficient water management. He, along with other speakers, highlighted how these developments are essential to effectively address the challenges of water management. All speakers also recognized that the knowledge possessed by the younger generation regarding the latest technological solutions is a valuable asset that should be used effectively to combat climate change and promote sustainable water usage.

During the work sessions featuring young leaders, participants acknowledged the importance of strengthening regional institutions and enhancing investment incentives. However, they emphasized that rather than pursuing immediate, large-scale transformations, achieving small changes at the national level is more feasible for everyone and serves as an essential starting point. Participants emphasized the significance of capacity-building and advocacy initiatives and the value of knowledge transfer on water related solutions. There was a strong consensus on the necessity of developing water-related curricula in educational programs in the region, and in cooperation with partners.

The conference featured an Opening Session with high-level officials from governments and regional organisations, followed by two thematic sessions focused on EU-Central Asia collaboration for Sustainable Water Action and the involvement of youth in addressing the Water Crisis in Central Asia. In addition, several interactive workshops were held throughout the event, teaching water related approaches, animating discussions and encouraging participants to actively identify practical solutions.

This Conference supports the implementation of the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia on the topics of water management and people-to-people contacts, as well as enhanced regional dialogue and partnership in Central Asia and across regions.