Tashkent Water Week 2026: A New Format of Water Dialogue

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Tashkent Water Week 2026: A New Format of Water Dialogue

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International Forum – Tashkent Water Week 2026 was held on 25–26 March 2026 in the capital of Uzbekistan, the city of Tashkent, at the JW Marriott Hotel Tashkent.

The Forum was hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan with the support of the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, and organised by Iteca Exhibitions International Exhibition Company, the National Research University – Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineers, and the Centre for Progressive Reforms.

The key theme of the Forum: “Technologies and Innovations in Water Resource Management. Central Asia and Global Water Cycle”.

The Forum’s Programme included 16 sessions, with the participation of 85 speakers and over 1,200 delegates from 19 countries: Austria, China, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

The Forum was opened with the plenary session “Water and Sustainable Development: Dialogue, Trust and Common Solutions”, represented by Jamshid Khojaev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Timur Butunbaev, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration for Water Supply System Reform, Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, Awaadh Al Otaibi, CEO, Miahona, Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, Regional Representative of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for Central Asia, Ilker Ersegun Kayhan, Operations Team Leader (Social and Agricultural Infrastructure) of the Almaty Regional Hub, Islamic Development Bank.

In his opening speech, Jamshid Khojaev set the strategic direction of the dialogue:

“Modern water resource management should be measurable and transparent at every level, from transboundary points to farms. We should implement joint mechanisms, share data and strengthen institutions. We need not just declarations, but investment in real solutions,” he emphasised.

Timur Butunbaev continued the theme, noting that water is not only a vital resource but also a shared responsibility that unites countries and shapes a common future. He expressed confidence that the Forum would become an effective platform for developing practical solutions, strengthening partnerships and fostering meaningful dialogue, and wished participants productive discussions and significant results for the benefit of the region and future generations.

Key agenda: International cooperation in the context of climate change, the role of international financial institutions in modernising water infrastructure, the importance of water resources for food and social security, green standards, integration of science, education and practice.

High-level dialogue: Participation of high-level representatives of the Government of Uzbekistan, ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the Russian Federation on issues of joint water resource management, data exchange and mitigation of climate risks.

Global partnerships: Cooperation with IWMI, UNDP, OSCE, GIZ and other leading international organisations.

The Forum’s Programme on 25 and 26 March also included the following events:

Tashkent Water Security Forum (TWSF): “From Knowledge to Action” – Integration of Science and Policy Within the Green Central Asia Initiative.
Women Water Week: More than 80 professional women discussed development of leadership and capacity in the water sector.
World Water Olympiad–2026: Development of innovation, skills and international scientific cooperation among specialists and researchers with participation of 163 students.

Over three days, from 25 to 27 March, the 21st International Agriculture Exhibition – AgroWorld Uzbekistan 2026 was held in Tashkent. Alongside practical technological solutions for agro-industrial production, the AgroWorld Uzbekistan 2026 organically reflected the water agenda of the Forum. Among the presented solutions was a wide range of technologies and equipment for irrigation and greenhouses, smart irrigation systems, microclimate systems and digital solutions for improved water use management.

Organised for the first time in this format, the Forum provided a unique opportunity for the exchange of experience, discussion of innovative approaches and development of joint strategies for water resource management at the regional level. The inclusive nature of the Forum added particular significance, bringing together all levels of the professional community – from representatives of governments and international organisations to business, as well as the research community with a focus on climate change, water scarcity, infrastructure needs and sustainable water resource management as a strategic priority of the region.

On the sidelines of the Forum, several working meetings were held involving the Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, the Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan, between representatives of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, as well as the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Afghanistan.

The first day was marked by signing agreements and memoranda. In particular, the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan and the Water Slovakia Consortium signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at developing sustainable water resource management, implementing modern technologies and improving safety of hydraulic infrastructure. The National Research University TIIAME signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in science and education with the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with the German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ.

The relevance of the Forum’s topics generated significant resonance: the event was covered in 53 mass media sources, including the top 33 domestic and international media outlets, official websites and social media of government and international organisations, diplomatic missions and major companies.

Following Tashkent Water Week, it can be confidently noted that the event reached a high level and demonstrated its significance in the water sector, as highlighted by the Forum’s participants.

Shavkat Khamraev, Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, noted with satisfaction that the Forum was held at a high professional level, played an important role in strengthening cooperation among the countries of the region and will undoubtedly deliver meaningful results in further efforts to ensure water security. He emphasised that the achievements and new solutions of neighbouring countries are of great importance for the entire Central Asian region.

Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, drew attention to the fact that water-saving technologies being implemented in Uzbekistan are of particular importance for the entire region, contributing to regular exchange of experience involving relevant organisations and farmers. According to Minister Nurzhigitov, participation in the Forum is of great importance, as it promotes experience exchange and the development of cooperation in the field of water resources.

Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, IWMI Regional Representative for Central Asia, noted the high level of organisation of Tashkent Water Week and emphasised the uniqueness of its format, bringing together governments, the academic community and the private sector to promote sustainable solutions. She expressed hope that the Forum would become a permanent platform for practice-oriented dialogue on water issues.

Maroš Nikolaj, President of Water Slovakia, highlighted the relevance of the Forum for the region, noting that water issues in Central Asia are closely linked to agriculture, energy, climate and food security. Tashkent Water Week reflects this interconnection, promoting a broader and more integrated dialogue on water resource management and cooperation. He also noted that the participation of international experts expands the dialogue, promotes the exchange of best practices and links regional priorities with global expertise and support.

Overall, Tashkent Water Week successfully bridged the global water agenda with the practical realities of Central Asia – one of the world’s most water-sensitive regions.