Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29-30 November, Regional workshop on establishing the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Water Pillar started its work in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 

The Regional workshop serves as a platform to discuss regional cooperation project activities that respond to the needs of the region where demand for water is increasing amid climate change, natural disasters and economies expand. Under the CAREC Program, Water Pillar aims at being part of a broader economic framework to raise the profile of water security. It will complementing other regional and national initiatives and support achievement of national development goals.

“Effects of climate change are already being seen through the occurrence of more extremes of flood, drought and heat and greater unpredictability of river flows,” said Deputy Director of ADB’s Uzbekistan Resident Mission Enrico Pinali. “Demand for water is increasing significantly as the economies of the region expand. Such factors are challenging the whole region and require a regional response. In coordination with the regional programs of inter-governmental organizations and development partners, the CAREC Water Pillar can take its place in providing integrated support to the countries of the region”. 

During a two-day workshop, participants will attend working sessions on Water Pillar’s three blocks: 1): Climate resilient and productive water systems; 2): Sustainable water resources and water services; 3) Nexus solutions and cross sector learning. The expected outcome of the Workshop will be a set of components for inclusion in three initial project proposals. 

This workshop was preceded by several virtual consultation meetings which shaped the framework for the Water Pillar under the CAREC 2030 Strategy and involved participants from water-related government agencies, regional organizations and institutes and development partners. 

Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program is a partnership of 11 countries, including 5 Central Asia countries, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Mongolia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. This program was established by ADB in 1997 to encourage economic cooperation among countries in the region. Its overarching vision is “Good neighbors, good partners and good prospects”. Currently, 5 clusters exist. Agriculture and Water cluster is a new among these, under the CAREC 2030 in 2017. 

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.