Dushanbe, May 23, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Republic of Tajikistan is continuing preparations for the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, scheduled to take place in Dushanbe from May 25 to 28, 2026.
Held within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process, the conference is being organized in accordance with resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and aims to further strengthen international cooperation on sustainable water resources management.
The high-level gathering will serve as a major platform for the exchange of expertise and the development of practical solutions focused on efficient water governance, climate resilience, and the achievement of water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Government of Tajikistan, in cooperation with the United Nations and development partners, is currently finalizing organizational and substantive preparations for the event. The programme will feature high-level plenary meetings, thematic sessions, special panels, forums, and side events involving a broad range of international stakeholders.
According to organizers, more than 130 delegations representing UN Member States, international and regional organizations, financial institutions, scientific bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector have already confirmed participation, highlighting strong global interest in the conference.
The event is also regarded as a key preparatory milestone ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the Republic of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates. Discussions in Dushanbe are expected to contribute to shaping coordinated international approaches to emerging water-related challenges.
The conference programme includes nine thematic sessions aligned with the interactive dialogues of the 2026 UN Water Conference, alongside pre-conference forums, panel discussions, side events, field visits, an international exhibition, and a Water Festival. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore Tajikistan’s water resources potential, climate adaptation initiatives, and achievements in sustainable water management.
In addition, a regional preparatory meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) will be held during the conference, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation and coordinating contributions from countries across the region to the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The outcomes of the conference are expected to be reflected in a Final Declaration, the Co-Chairs’ Summary, and an official contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The Fourth Dushanbe Conference is expected to reinforce Tajikistan’s leading role in advancing global water diplomacy and mobilizing international efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the field of water.
