Uzbekistan Discusses Water Management Projects With Partners

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A delegation from Uzbekistan led by Timur Butunbaev, deputy head of the Presidential Administration, held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of international organizations during the High-Level Special Event on Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Dunyo news agency reported the meetings.

During talks with Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director for the World Bank Group's Water Global Practice, the parties discussed the results of water sector reforms and prospects for further cooperation.

The World Bank representative noted the transformations being carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and stated that he presented the country's achievements at the forum as a positive example.

According to Saroj Kumar Jha, while most countries globally allocate an average of approximately 0.05 percent of budget funds to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, in Uzbekistan this figure stands at 3.2 percent, with plans to increase it to 4.2 percent by the end of this year.

Following the meeting, the parties reviewed issues regarding the conduct of joint sectoral research and the implementation of new projects in the field of water resources management.

Separate negotiations were held with Paola Deda, Director of the Forests, Land and Housing Division at the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The parties discussed the development of cooperation in environmental protection, desertification prevention, the expansion of green zones, and water resources management.

During the meeting, Paola Deda proposed hosting a conference of environmental ministers under the auspices of the UNECE in Uzbekistan in 2028. She highlighted Uzbekistan's active engagement in the environmental agenda and stated that the country is a worthy candidate to host such an international event.

Following the talks, the parties confirmed their intention to continue cooperation and maintain a regular exchange of information regarding the put-forward initiatives.

The High-Level Special Event on Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 took place at the UN Headquarters, where Uzbekistan presented the results of its work on implementing clean water and sanitation goals, as well as advancing the global water agenda.