Section 7. International water organizations and initiatives
7.1. Asia Water Council
The Asia Water Council (AWC) is a global network focused in providing tangible solutions on Asian water challenges and facilitating multilateral discussions among stakeholders. It was established at the initiative of South Korea during the World Water Forum in March 2015. AWC is composed of 176 members from 26 countries. The AWC action tools include the application of high-tech tools in all areas of water management and nature conservation through IWRM, the reduction of risks through better water security, especially as concerns prevention of floods and droughts. AWC is the main organizer and sponsor of the Asia International Water Week (AIWW).
Activities in 2024
Asia International Water Week (AIIW). Asia International Water Week (AIWW) is a triennial water event to discuss Asia’s water issues, release the joint statement, seek potential water projects, exhibit cutting-edge water technologies, and build water network. In 2024, together with the Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower and China’s Ministry of Water Resources, the 3rd AIWW was held under the theme “Enhancing Our Future Water Security,” bringing together 1,300 participants from 68 countries. The event was attended by 10 water ministers from Asian countries, more than 20 international organizations including the WWC and the UN, and over 80 exhibitors. It featured 3 plenary sessions, 25 sessions across six sub-themes, 16 side events, 13 bilateral meetings, a Water Project Business Forum, and a roundtable on water sciences. More than 10 cooperation agreements were signed. The Beijing Declaration was adopted, calling for active engagement and joint efforts to address water challenges in Asia — “Asia to World Statement” (24–28 September, Beijing, PRC).
Events. The following events were held in 2024: (1) AWC Board of Council 20th meeting, where the Council’s participation in the 10th WWF and the preparations for the 3rd AIWW were discussed, and the host city for the next, 4th AIWW — Manila, the Philippines — was announced (19 May, Bali, Indonesia), and 21st meeting, which approved three new Council membership applications, formally renewed cooperation with the IWRA, and reviewed progress in preparing for the 4th AIWW (23 September, online); (2) 3rd AIWW Stakeholders’ Advisory Meeting as a side event of the 10th WWF. “Asia to World Statement,” the session dedicated to Asia’s water challenges, and the Water Project Business Forum/EXPO were presented and discussed (22 May, Bali, Indonesia).
On June 7, AWC attended the opening of the Global Green Growth Initiative’s (GGGI) new office in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, and the project launch briefing for the “Strengthening Climate Resilience through Flood and Drought Management in Central Asia” project. For project implementation in the Kyrgyz Republic, AWC will work with GGGI and the Government of Kyrgyz Republic, and the partnership will help deliver climate-resilient water infrastructure that can help manage floods in priority areas
Publications. Insight into Asian Water_Vol.2 2024 which provides a comprehensive overview of water issues faced by each country, accompanied by the status of major projects in AWS member countries.
Source: Asia Water Council
7.2. Geneva Water Hub
The Geneva Water Hub (GWH) is a Centre of Competence on Water for Peace that is anchored in the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, with support from the Swiss Confederation. The Geneva Water Hub was established in 2014 and its mission is to advance the use of water for peace in humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts. The Geneva Water Hub also serves as the Secretariat of the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace.
2024 Activities in and on Central Asia
3rd Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference. The GWH participated in this major water-focused event, which provided a platform to follow up on, promote, and support voluntary commitments under the Water Action Agenda of the UN 2023 Water Conference, including GWH’s own commitment “Advancing Water for Peace” while accelerating progress toward Agenda 2030 (10–14 June 2024).
“Drops of the Future” Workshop Series. The Geneva Water Hub supported a series of five workshops organized by the OSCE and Switzerland. Held over eight months, five workshops took place in each of the five Central Asian countries, with each workshop engaging 35 to 90 participants, predominantly from the respective host country. Focused on empowering young professionals, particularly women, in the Water-Food-Energy Nexus, the workshops promoted systemic, cross-sectoral, and intergenerational approaches to water security governance. GWH provided expert input and facilitated discussions throughout the series, emphasizing the integration of youth perspectives in climate action and the importance of co-creating knowledge for sustainable solutions. A key outcome was the development of a Youth manifesto articulating a shared vision for addressing interconnected water, food, energy, and climate challenges.
2024 Activities of the GWH in its Five Core Programs
Shaping Policy and Law. In 2024, the GWH continued to strengthen and leverage strategic partnerships to advance the agenda of water for peace across various international fora. The goal is to ensure that water’s political weight is central in multilateral policy and legal frameworks. For instance, GWH’s proposed language for the definition of “water for peace” was utilized in the Special Rapporteur on the rights to water and sanitation’s thematic report “Water as an argument for peace, twinning and cooperation”.
Key engagements included participation in the: Stockholm World Water Week (Stokholm, 25-29 August); Geneva Peace Week (Geneva, 14-18 October); High-Level Political Forum, with a side event on the Bandung Spirit Water Summit and the 2026 UN Conference (Geneva, 12 July); explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) Conference (Oslo, 22-24 April); Gaza Health Initiative Conference (Amsterdam, 13 September); 3rd International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding (Hague, 18-21 June); tenth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention (Ljubljana, Slovenia, 23-25 October); and, Protection of Civilians Week New York, 20-24 May). The GWH’s active involvement in these events highlights its commitment to working across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus, bridging science and policy to advance its mission to promote the use of water for peace.
Furthermore, the GWH manages the secretariat of the Group of Friends on Water and Peace in Geneva. Its 19th meeting focused on "Protecting Civilians: Introducing the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts”. The discussion was extremely active, with a good mix of political and expert inputs. The event saw a record number of ambassadorial participation from the permanent missions (Geneva, 3 July).
Protecting Water During and after Armed Conflict. Throughout 2024, the GWH continued its efforts to safeguarding water resources from conflict-related damage and ensuring their inclusion in post-conflict recovery. The GWH, jointly with Slovenia and Switzerland, officially launched the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflict (GASWAC) . The GASWAC was launched as a side-event to the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians during the Protection of Civilians Week in New York. This Alliance aims to strengthen international law and promote evidence-based decision-making to reduce the impact of conflicts on water systems and ensure long-term peace and development (New York, 23 May).
Building Peace through Water Diplomacy. In West-Africa, the GWH has continued to develop an initiative in Mauritania with the objective of assisting local authorities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) in the Hodh Chargui region to promote the peaceful governance of water resources in the Sahel. In addition, the GHW along with UNECE and IGRAC continues to support the OMVS and OMVG on the Senegal-Mauritanian Aquifer Basin and the establishment of an international agreement on the transboundary aquifer.
In the Middle East, the GWH continued to strengthen the partnership with Blue Peace Middle East and the Water Diplomacy Centre. The GWH also engages in a range of water and peace related projects in the Western Asia and Northern Africa region. This programme also received funding from the G3 of the Francophonie (G3+) to support research activities on the governance of groundwater resources and the organization of a conference at the University Cheick Anta Diop of Dakar in September 2025.
Education and Training. The Geneva Water Hub continues to offer state of the art training programs, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), in-person courses, and tailor-made trainings. These programs serve as an effective platform to engage both emerging professionals and experienced decision-makers on critical water and peace issues.
The GWH’s flagship training programs include: (1) the Summer School on “Water Governance: Frameworks and Negotiations” (1-12 July); (2) Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding Training (30 September- 4 October), with participants selected through a competitive process.
The Centre also conducted: (1) the French online training course on international water law in collaboration of the Regional School of Water of the University of Kinshasa. This course attracted more than 25 participants in key positions such as diplomatic missions and basin organisations; (2) A serious game on hydro-diplomacy in the Nile basin, following the entry into force of the Nile Cooperative Framework Agreement in October 2024, was also conducted with the support of the Workshop for Water Ethics.
Setting the Research Agenda. The GWH continues to deliver cutting-edge research on the topic of water for peace and is continuously establishing an evidence-base to inform global policy. In 2024, the GWH developed a systematic review on the literature on water and peace, providing a knowledge base for academics and practitioners. The Hub also continues to investigate the socio-political impacts of damaged water systems in conflict zones to advance protective measures. Several papers were published in peer-reviewed journals or as a chapter in edited books.
Source: Geneva Water Hub
7.3. Global Water Partnership
The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is a global network of action including over 2,800 partners in 180 countries. The network has 77 accredited Country Water Partnerships (CWPs) and 13 Regional Water Partnerships (RWPs), with the mission to advance governance and management of water resources for sustainable and equitable development.
Activities in 2024
In 2024, the Global Water Partnership (GWP) continued its global and regional engagement to advance integrated water resources management (IWRM), support transboundary cooperation, and foster resilience in the face of climate and water-related challenges. GWP’s actions were marked by collaboration with governments, regional bodies, civil society, and youth networks across multiple regions.
Among key initiatives, the GWP Technical Committee launched a dedicated global AI Lab to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in accelerating water security. The committee formulated a three-part concept for the new AI Lab: new Community of Practice on AI and Water Governance; A webinar series to discuss key topics selected by the main partners in the AI Lab; A new ‘lab’ to test and develop AI solutions for water governance issues in GWP regions and countries.
Transboundary water cooperation. In 2024, GWP played an active role in supporting transboundary water governance across multiple regions. It worked with regional river basin organizations, international partners, and national governments to foster dialogue, data sharing, and joint planning. As one of the founding members of the Transboundary Water Cooperation Coalition, established in 2023, GWP contributed to developing Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure to operationalize the Coalition.
Africa: Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint management and development of the Ruvuma/Rovuma River Basin, which spans the three countries. Under the signed MoU, the three SADC member states will collaborate to promote the equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance research efforts in integrated basin development. The agreement also prioritizes improved monitoring of water quality and quantity, and the sharing of data and environmental impact assessments. GWP contributed to the development of the first national strategy and implementation plan of Chad for the UNECE Water Convention, nearly seven years after becoming the first African country to accede to the Water Convention in 2018.
Europe: Implementation began of a project focused on implementing the Strategic Action Programme of the Drin Basin, enhancing transboundary cooperation and integrated natural resources management in the Central and Eastern European basin.
Asia and Latin America: GWP supported Cambodia and Laos in developing plans for IWRM implementation and drought management. In Latin America, GWP assisted El Salvador in preparing SDG 6 reporting and identifying economic instruments for local water governance, and supported Panama in developing climate adaptation plans.
Global: GWP, a leading organization in financing water cooperation, is integrating the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus into the GEF manual on transboundary diagnostic analysis and strategic action programmes. This manual, a crucial resource for government managers and practitioners, guides the implementation of transboundary projects.
Caucasus and Central Asia. GWP activities in 2024 focused on strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing institutional capacities, and supporting basin planning.
National IWRM Support: GWP through its country water partnership in Kazakhstan contributed to development of a new water code, which was submitted to Parliament in November 2024.
Water governance: The GWP Country Water Partnership of Mongolia played a crucial role in addressing fragmented water governance in Mongolia. Through sustained engagement with the Ministry of Environment, GWP Mongolia facilitated a national consultation, involving over 30 water sector stakeholders (April). This consultation produced key recommendations, including the establishment of the Mongolian Joint Association for Water Professionals .
River basin planning: GWP supported the process of revision of the Alazani-Iori River Basin Management Plan in Georgia with both technical and financial assistance. GWP and the country’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture actively involved local communities, municipalities, NGOs, and academic institutions in this process. The updated plan is projected to benefit over 314,000 people, improve irrigation and rural development, and foster transboundary cooperation. It will also serve as a blueprint for future river basin plan updates.
Exchanges: GWP jointly with: (1) the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), organized a study tour to the Fergana Valley for specialists from South Asia. The program included visits to water management organizations in Uzbekistan and a two-day workshop with experts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The main focus was on transboundary river basin management, environmental technologies, and gender sensitivity in water policy (July); (2) UNCCD and CBD organized a webinar for Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The webinar “Drought management and biodiversity conservation” focused on the interlinkages between drought risk management and biodiversity conservation (29 October).
Source: GWP
7.4. International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage
The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) was established in 1950 as a scientific and technical organization with a view to develop scientific technologies in engineering, agriculture, irrigation and drainage, economy, ecology, and social sciences to increase food production, protect environment, improve water quality, improve land productivity, and manage floods and disasters. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are the members of ICID.
Activities in 2024
In 2024, the major events were the 75th IEC meeting and 9th Asian Regional Conference . The main theme of the conference is “Irrigation’s role in delivering economically viable food security and sustainable urban spaces in an increasingly unpredictable climate”. The sub-themes are: (a) Governance – identifying and addressing structural and policy impediments to the adoption of better irrigation practices; (b) Investment – fit-for-purpose and cost-effective technologies which support end users to implement sustainable irrigation practices (Environmental, Social, Governance); and (c) Capacity development – ensuring that end users can access and adapt knowledge and systems to support sustainable irrigation practices (Sydney, 1-7 September).
During the conference, an International Workshop on “The Water-Energy-Food-Nexus: Applications & Impact on Societies, Environment and Ecosystem” was held. The workshop aimed to unite global experts to discuss and exchange knowledge on implementing the water-food-energy (WEF) nexus in agriculture. The focus was on the examples of the application of the Nexus at different scales, the impact of the Nexus application on Societies, Environment and Ecosystem and the impact of Climate Change on the WEF-Nexus (1 September).
Other events. ICID in cooperation with the Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO) organized the First Middle East Regional Conference on the theme “Integrated Irrigation Sector Management for Sustainable Development”. The conference acted as a regional platform to discuss the main challenges being faced by the irrigation, drainage, and water resources management sectors in the Middle East region. The discussions were organized around the following sub-themes: (1) Climate Risk Management, Water Scarcity, and Environmental Sustainability in the Irrigation Sector; (2) Technologies and Innovations for sustainable Solution in Irrigation Water Management; (3) Reuse of Treated Water and its Relationship to Water and Food Security; (iv) Governance and Innovating Financing for the Irrigation Sector (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 26-29 February).
14th International Drainage Workshop was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. With the main topic: “Modernization of irrigation and drainage systems to adapt to climate change and for sustainable development”, the workshop included sub-topics as: (1) Modernization of irrigation and drainage systems to adapt to climate change: current state of management, science, technology, and successful international, regional, national practices; (2) Harmonizing Sustainability: Empowering Young Professionals and Gender Inclusivity in Integrated Water Resources Management; Nexus Approach: Strengthening the “water-energy-food” interactions. This workshop offered an invaluable platform for the exchange of ideas and insights concerning the pressing challenges posed by climate change on irrigation and drainage systems. Finally, Proceedings of the 14th International Drainage Workshop were published (30 May-1 June).
In the course of the year, ICID together with partners organized a series of webinars, in particular on: (1) The SALTMED model as an integrated management tool for water, crops, soil, salinity and N-fertilizers (11 March); (2) Application of Models in Water-Energy-Food Nexus (11 April); (3) Adaptive Flood Management: Inundation Forecast and Mitigation (1 July); (4) Accurate Estimation of Crop Water Requirement Using New Technologies (Scintillometer, Eddy Covariance and COSMOS) (5 November).
President Dr. Marco Arcieri together with group of experts from the FAO’s WASAG visited Uzbekistan to introduce water specialists and farmers in Uzbekistan the advanced approaches: “Recommendations for farmers on managing soil and water resources in saline areas” (13-17 March). An official meeting was held at the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent, 17 March). The delegation attended the first WASAG seminar held at Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture in the Southern Regions of Uzbekistan (Karshi city, 19 March).
Publications. ICID technical papers in the ‘Irrigation and Drainage Journal (2023-24)’: "Restructuring the Knowledge Platforms of ICID," Volume 73, Issue 1, February 2024; ‘Building Capacities for Managing Agricultural Water under Climate Change’, Volume 73, Issue 2, April 2024.
Irrigation and Drainage Special Issue “Selected papers of the 25th Congress of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) on the theme “Tackling water scarcity in agriculture” (Volume 73, Issue 5).
Source: ICID, IFAS Agency for Implementation of the Aral Sea Basin Projects in Uzbekistan
7.5. International Network of Basin Organizations
The International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) is a non-profit association under French law, created in 1994 and based in Paris. It has 192 Members from 88 countries, organized into Regional networks to encourage exchanges based on specific geographical contexts. The International Office for Water (OiEau) is in charge of its Permanent Technical Secretariat.
Activities in 2024
At the core of INBO’s work is the promotion and support of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) at both national and transboundary basin levels. INBO focuses on all operational aspects of IWRM implementation, including: basin management planning, data sharing, transboundary cooperation, institutional and legal framework, etc.
For the period 2024-2027, INBO’s strategy is structured around three key thematic priorities and four strategic levers to drive action at the basin level. Thematic priorities: (1) Adapting to climate change; (2) Preserving biodiversity; (3) Transboundary cooperation. Levers for action: Concerted governance and stakeholder participation; Water information systems; Sustainable financing; Strategic planning.
Projects and programs. Peer-to-Peer learning among River Basin Organizations – P2P. In partnership with the European Commission, INBO has launched a four-year Peer-to-Peer (P2P) learning program to strengthen integrated and sustainable water resource management at the basin level. This initiative addresses increasing pressures on freshwater resources and the impacts of climate change. The P2P for Basin Organizations aims to: (1) Enhance the capacities of basin organization professionals through peer-to-peer exchanges and institutional partnerships; (2) Improve governance and institutional structures for IWRM; (3) Strengthen legal frameworks, basin planning, knowledge-sharing, monitoring, and financing mechanisms; (4) Foster cooperation between river basin organizations.
Participation is open to a diverse range of stakeholders from Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe (excluding the Mediterranean region), including:
• National or transboundary basin organizations managing rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
• Public authorities responsible for water resource management.
• Civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs active in the water sector.
• Private sector stakeholders and research institutions interested in water resource governance.
In the coming months, INBO will focus on identifying Basin Organizations and key stakeholders to participate in the Peer-to-Peer learning program, fostering a collaborative approach to effective water resource management on a global scale.
Events. 10th World Water Forum - Basin Segment day (Bali, Indonesia, 18-24 May). The Basin Segment Day is the World Water Forum’s high level political segment dedicated to basins and the promotion of an operational approach to IWRM at basin level for the acceleration of the SDG6 achievement, by the basins and for the basins. It was organized for the second time in the World Water Forum history by the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), in partnership with the Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO), under the auspices of the Government of Indonesia and the World Water Council. Nearly 60 speakers from 21 countries, 6 transboundary basin organizations, and 8 ministers took part in 5 thematic sessions during the Basin Segment Day of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali:
• Pawongan: Governance, planning and financing of basin management
• Subak: Transboundary cooperation
• Tektekan: Water information systems
• Palemahan: Better integration of ecological security in basin level approaches
General Assembly of INBO – Water resources and climate change: how can basins management be more resilient? The 12th General Assembly of the INBO stood out as a very special edition: the celebration of INBO’s 30th anniversary in Bordeaux, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of France’s Water Law, which led to the creation of Water Agencies responsible for basin management (Bordeaux, France, 6-10 October).
Facts and figures:
• Over 350 participants
• Nearly 70 water directors
• 9 Ministers, Secretaries of State and Special Envoys
• More than 60 countries
This Assembly brought together representatives from national administrations, basin organizations (both national and transboundary), technical institutions, regional commissions, funding agencies, United Nations agencies, and other key stakeholders interested in implementing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) at the basin level.
Key thematic areas involved: (1) International and transboundary cooperation for basin management; (2) The dual challenge of restoring and maintaining water quality (Agriculture, good ecological status); (3) Water scarcity: planning and tools for quantitative management; (4) Tools and measures for adapting to climate change (natural and urban water cycles, data and information, nature-based solutions); Meeting the challenge of climate change.
Other events. On the occasion of the One Water Summit, INBO in partnership with WMO launched the One Water Vision Coalition. This ambitious initiative brings together over 20 research institutions, including space agencies and universities from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. The coalition aims to harness innovative satellite technologies to provide concrete solutions for managing water resources, addressing water-related risks, early warning systems, and agriculture under water stress, planning. It will focus on real-time observation, reliable data, and implementation approaches, adapted to diverse climatic and geographic contexts (3 December, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
Publications. INBO Newsletter No.31; Handbook “Transfer of waste and plastics in aquatic environments”.
Source: INBO
The Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Network of Water Management Organizations (EECCA NWO)
EECCA NWO is one of eight regional networks of INBO. It was established in 2010 to exchange views, experiences, and information on various aspects of water management activity. The Network is administered by SIC ICWC, and Network's activities are coordinated with those of INBO.
EECCA NWO is one of eight regional networks of INBO. It was established in 2008 to exchange views, experiences, and information on various aspects of water management activity.
The Network is administered by SIC ICWC, and Network's activities are coordinated with those of INBO.
In 2024, a scientific-practical conference "Water in Central Asia: The Future in Cooperation" dedicated to the 90th anniversary of V. Dukhovniy (posthumously) and N. Kipshakbaev and the 80th anniversary of R. Giniyatullin was held in Tashkent by the decision of the ICWC (Tashkent, 9 November). The Conference aimed at building a dialogue between decision makers and experts, between seniors and youth on water management in line with water, energy and land nexus in Central Asia. On the occasion of the Conference, the collection of memories about Prof. Dukhovniy titled “I served both people and water…” was issued.
Among big events organized by members of the Network were the following: II International scientific and practical conference "Current issues of efficient and integrated use of water resources" Международная научно-практическая конференция «Актуальные вопросы эффективного и комплексного использования водных ресурсов» (21 – 22 March, Minsk); Central Asian Conference on Climate Change (CACC-2024) (Almaty, 27-29 May); National Water Forum (Bishkek, 29 November). The Network’s members contributed to trainings on adaptation planning in the water sector of Turkmenistan and to the next development phase (2024-2028) of the Expert Platform on Water Security, Sustainable Development, and Future Studies with the aim to expand the partnership, with a view to enhancing capacity of practitioners in the nexus approach and building trust and networks among present and future policy makers (through the Project “Regional mechanisms for the low-carbon, climate-resilient transformation of the energy-water-land nexus in Central Asia”).
The information on the activities of the Network and its members is disseminated via the special website (http://www.eecca-water.net/index.php?lang=english), as well as the social media (https://www.facebook.com/eecca.nwo and https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9023073/).
In 2024, the Network members contributed to the 2023 Water Yearbook: Central Asia and around the Globe.
Source: EECCA NWO Secretariat
7.6. International Water Management Institute
International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a research-for-development (R4D) organization, with headquarters in Colombo, Sri-Lanka, offices in 15 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 30 countries. IWMI is a Research Center of CGIAR, the global research partnership for a food-secure future. IWMI’s Vision for 2024–2030 is focused on “Research and innovation for water security,” guiding its leadership in the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land, and Ecosystems. The strategy aims to address complex water management challenges, advancing SDG 6 and supporting regional development through agile, interdisciplinary research for development.
Activities in 2024
IWMI continues to implement its Strategy 2024-2030, an ambitious agenda focused on research and innovation in water security. This strategy directly responds to the growing demand for scientifically tested water management solutions that promote sustainable development. It addresses the most pressing water challenges of today and the future, with a primary focus on food security, climate change, and growth. The successful implementation of this strategy is further supported by the IWMI Gender and Inclusion Strategy 2020-2023.
Research projects involving Central Asian countries: (1) H2020: Hydropower For You (EU, 2021 – 2026, 5 Central Asian countries); (2) Assessment of Water and Land Resources in Small Transboundary Tributaries of the Amu Darya River (2024-2025, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan); (3) Enhancing Forest Fire Risk Management and Watershed Resilience in Central Asia and Pakistan (2024-2025, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan); (4) Sustainable resource use in the Aral Sea region for improving rural livelihoods and cross-border cooperation (phase 2) (2023-2025, Kazakhstan, Republic of Karakalpakstan and Khorezm Region (Uzbekistan)).
A number of projects were completed in 2024: (1) From Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa (CGIAR Trust Fund, 2022-2024, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan); (2) NEXUS Gains: Realizing Multiple Benefits Across Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (Forests, Biodiversity) (CGIAR, 2022-2024, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, South Africa); (3) Global partnership for sustainable cooperation on shared waters (2020-2024, Global, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan); (4) Implementation of water efficient technologies in the cotton production sector in Uzbekistan (2021-2024, the Project covers 17 cotton and textile clusters in seven Uzbekistan’s constituencies (Tashkent, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Navoi, Bukhara, Syrdarya and Andijan Regions)).
Work with partners. Collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders is crucial for addressing water security challenges. Through workshops, seminars, and training programs, IWMI brings together experts, practitioners, and decision-makers to exchange knowledge and develop practical solutions. These events foster dialogue and the sharing of best practices across sectors, including policy, business, and the scientific community. By working with partners from diverse fields, IWMI strengthens efforts to promote water management solutions that are based on scientific evidence and have practical applications. This approach ensures that the latest research and innovations are integrated into real-world strategies, enhancing resilience and sustainability in water resource management.
Publications. (1) IWMI Research Reports, (2) Information meets innovation: Climate data for resilient food value chains in CWANA, (3) Geodatabase and atlas: Khorezm Province, Uzbekistan, (4) Geodatabase and atlas: Kyzylorda Region, Kazakhstan, (5) Development and application of standardized tools to support assessment of the socio-economic impact of water reallocation through compulsory licensing, (6) NEXUS Gains: Initiative overview, including number of blog posts.
Source: IWMI
7.7. World Water Council
The World Water Council (WWC) is an international multi-stakeholder platform. It was established in 1996 on the initiative of renowned water specialists and international organizations, in response to an increasing concern about world water issues from the global community.
The World Water Council catalyzes collective action during and in between each World Water Forum – the world's largest event on water. Organized every three years with a host country, the Forum provides a unique platform where the water community and key decision makers can collaborate and make long-term progress on global water challenges.
Activities in 2024
The 10th World Water Forum was held in Bali, Indonesia, from 18 to 25 May 2024 under the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity.” This Forum edition marks the first time it was hosted in Southeast Asia.
Key numbers
• Over 20,000 registered participants and 75,000 visitors from 160 countries around the world
• Participation included 6 heads of state, 51 ministers, 216 parliamentarians, 300 local and regional government/basin representatives, and 1,000 journalists
• More than 4,000 youth participants.
The Forum combined three parallel tracks: (1) Thematic sessions (125+ held across 30 topics like governance, finance, water security, disaster risk, and nature); (2) Regional dialogue tracks (Asia–Pacific, Africa, Americas, Mediterranean, with tailored solutions); (3) Political segment, culminating in a Ministerial Declaration on shared water goals.
In total, over 280 sessions, 254 Expo booths and 19 country pavilions showcased innovations and partnerships.
One of the Forum's major achievements was the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration by over one hundred governments. It puts forward concrete initiatives, such as the establishment of a Center of Excellence on Water or the creation of a World Lake Day. The Compendium accompanying the Declaration details specific actions through 113 projects valued at approximately $9.4 billion, including the creation of a Global Water Fund to renovate infrastructure.
The Bali Basin Action Champions Agenda prioritizing river basin governance as a political focus was also launched at the Forum.
Finally, the 10th WWF marked a diplomatic success for Indonesia and regional water leadership in Asia-Pacific. The Forum generated concrete global commitments, extensive cross sector collaboration, and continued follow through to shape water governance policy and action worldwide.
Other events. WWC took active part in: (1) 5th Mediterranean Water Forum (Tunis, February 5-7); (2) 6th Arab Water Forum (Abu Dhabi, 16-18 September); (3) 8th India Water Week (New Delhi, 17-21 September); (4) Asia International Water Week (Beijing, 24-28 September) НАСТЯ, ссылку на раздел 7.1; (5) INBO General Assembly (Bordeaux, France, 6-10 October); (6) Cairo Water Week and the 9th Africa Water Week (Cairo, 13-17 October); (7) World Water Cities’ Forum (WWCF) and Korea International Water Week (KIWW) 2024 (Daegu, South Korea, 13-15 November).
In 2024, the Board of Governors convened three times. The 86th meeting of the Board of Governors elected Saudi Arabia and Riyadh to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027 on the theme "Action for a Better Future" (Istanbul, February 17).
WWC Task Forces. In 2024, the Task Forces the Task Forces engaged on the coordination of the Thematic process of the 10th World Water Forum and then continued their work to reflect on how to make water a political priority around five themes: (1) water security and resilience; (2) water for humans and nature; (3) financing water; (4) water quality and health; (5) observatory of non-conventional water resources and associated renewable energies.
Publications. 10th World Water Forum Highlights; Water Policy Journal
Source: The World Water Council
Development and support
Scientific-Information Center ICWC