Uzbekistan presents efforts to tackle water scarcity
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan presented its experience in reducing water scarcity, expanding water-saving technologies and developing regional cooperation on water resources at World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, according to materials from the event.
Timur Butunbayev, deputy head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, spoke at a session titled “The New Water Agenda: Entering the Era of Global Water Bankruptcy.” He said Uzbekistan is located in a region facing high levels of water scarcity, but measures implemented in recent years have helped reverse the negative trend.
In 2026, Uzbekistan, China and Sao Tome and Principe were recognized as countries that had made significant progress toward achieving the United Nations’ sixth Sustainable Development Goal. In Uzbekistan, the water stress indicator declined from 169% in 2017 to 122% in 2022. The country aims to reduce it further to 95% by 2030.
At the same time, the use of water-saving technologies in agriculture has expanded. In 2017, such technologies were used on less than 1% of irrigated land. They are now applied across 2.6 million hectares, accounting for more than 60% of irrigated areas.
According to data presented at the international event, measures being implemented in Uzbekistan have resulted in annual water savings of 11 billion cubic meters. The country plans to increase this figure to 15 billion cubic meters by 2030.
Butunbayev also spoke at the World Water Week session “2026 UN Water Conference: Space for Creating the Future.” He outlined water-sector reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The discussions highlighted water resource management as a strategic priority for Uzbekistan. The approach includes integrated management, sustainable financing, the introduction of modern technologies, digitalization and the training of qualified specialists.
Regional cooperation was another focus of World Water Week. Uzbekistan presented practical measures to strengthen cooperation among countries on water resources and promote water diplomacy.
