As part of our Frontier Talks series, we hosted Dr. Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, IWMI Country Representative for Uzbekistan, for a compelling lecture titled “Interstate Cooperation in the Aral Sea Basin – Status and Perspectives” for UWED faculty and students.

Drawing on decades of research and regional engagement, Dr. Janusz-Pawletta provided a comprehensive overview of the Aral Sea basin’s transformation from a once-thriving inland sea into one of the most alarming examples of environmental degradation caused by human activity. She traced the historical trajectory of basin management, emphasising the Soviet-era water allocation system that prioritised cotton monoculture and hydraulic infrastructure — ultimately leading to the drying of the Aral Sea.

The talk focused on the geopolitical tensions between upstream hydropower development and downstream agricultural demands, highlighting the diverging priorities of Central Asian states. Dr. Janusz-Pawletta outlined the evolution of multilateral frameworks, including the establishment and institutional structure of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), which remains the region’s central mechanism for environmental cooperation.

Key messages from the lecture included the importance of mutual trust, strategic vision, and inclusive stakeholder engagement in transboundary water governance. Dr. Janusz-Pawletta also discussed ongoing cooperation on smaller transboundary basins, capacity building at the local level, and the necessity of preparing the region’s institutions and agreements for the growing impacts of climate change.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where students and faculty explored the future of multilateral cooperation in the face of political complexities and environmental stress. IAIS thanks Dr. Janusz-Pawletta for her thought-provoking presentation, which significantly contributed to the regional conversation on water diplomacy and sustainability.