Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 12–13 February, a regional seminar is taking place in Central Asia to discuss Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 6.5.2 and the use of reporting as a tool to strengthen transboundary water cooperation.

Ensuring access to clean water is crucial for improving global well-being. In Central Asia’s semi-arid climate, efficient water resource management and close cross-border collaboration are essential for the region’s sustainable development.

In particular, this aligns with SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring universal access to water and sanitation and promoting sustainable water management. Specifically, Target 6.5 of this goal aims to achieve integrated water resource management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation, by 2030.

SDG Indicator 6.5.2 measures the extent of transboundary water management cooperation. Regular reporting on this indicator serves as a key mechanism for building trust among regional countries and developing long-term joint water management strategies.

The seminar aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices in preparing and utilizing SDG 6.5.2 reporting to enhance water cooperation, as well as to promote concrete measures for achieving Target 6.5 in Central Asia.

Participants include representatives from the water management, environmental protection, and governance sectors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, along with international organizations, NGOs, and independent experts. Discussions will identify key challenges in meeting SDG 6.5.2 in the region and develop practical solutions to accelerate its implementation. Special attention will be given to strengthening cooperation in transboundary river basins, lakes, and aquifers across Central Asia.

The seminar will also provide a platform for an in-depth analysis of SDG 6.5.2 reporting, its practical benefits, and the capacity-building needs of countries in preparing reports and coordinating efforts at the basin level.

The event is organized by the International Water Assessment Centre (IWAC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (SIC ICWC). Financial support is provided by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).