The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) welcomed representatives of the International Secretariat for Water (ISW) in a meeting aimed at fostering scientific collaboration and promoting water diplomacy in the region. The meeting served as a platform to explore avenues for collaboration in water policy, scientific research, and strengthening dialogue on water-related challenges in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The esteemed delegation included Mr. Olivier Normand, Project Manager for Central Asia, and Ms. Sara Scardavilli, Project Manager for the Youth Sector in Central Asia. Representing IAIS were Deputy Director Mr. Shakhboz Akhmedov and Senior Research Fellows Mr. Islomkhon Gafarov, Mr. Fazliddin Djamalov, and Mr. Odilbek Manabov.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Director Akhmedov expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests for their visit and underscored the importance of such engagements in addressing pressing water issues in the region. He emphasised the role of cooperative efforts in advancing projects that address water resource regulation and sustainable management in Central Asia and Afghanistan. He also highlighted UWED’s progress in promoting sustainable water governance, particularly the launch of a master’s programme on water diplomacy jointly with the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineers (TIIAME), which aims to train future leaders in managing water resources and resolving water-related issues effectively.

Mr. Normand shared insights from his extensive experience working with international organisations such as the World Bank and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, outlining future initiatives in water diplomacy and education, focusing on fostering regional cooperation to improve access to clean water and address ecological challenges.

A key focus of the meeting was the cooperation on organisation of the conferences and capacity-building projects to enhance cooperation between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. The discussions also spotlighted ongoing projects aimed at improving access to clean water, including initiatives in the Ferghana Valley, and the importance of engaging youth in decision-making processes related to water resources and environmental management.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold knowledge-sharing events. The delegation expressed optimism about future collaborations, research initiatives, and conferences, which are expected to deepen understanding and promote solutions for water diplomacy in the region.