DUSHANBE: World leaders and UN officials have convened in Dushanbe for a major international conference aimed at accelerating global cooperation and action on water sustainability ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018-2028) has commenced in Dushanbe, bringing together world leaders and senior United Nations officials to accelerate global action on water.
Tajikistan, in partnership with the United Nations and key international stakeholders, is hosting the conference from May 25 to 28, 2026 in the capital.
The meeting opens as countries continue efforts under the UN Water Action Decade framework, aimed at strengthening implementation of water-related development goals and international cooperation.
Global water diplomacy
Tajikistan, as the initiator of the Water Action Decade and co-host of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference, continues to position Dushanbe as a central platform for global water diplomacy.
The conference builds on the Dushanbe Water Process meetings held in 2018, 2022, and 2024, and serves as a preparatory step toward the 2026 UN Water Conference, while supporting progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
Broad global participation
The gathering brings together heads of state and government, ministers, UN entities, international and regional organizations, financial institutions, civil society, scientific institutions, youth, indigenous peoples, and the private sector.
Discussions will focus on sustaining momentum from the UN 2023 Water Conference, advancing implementation of the Water Action Agenda, and initiating dialogue toward the 2028 UN Water Conference, which will also be hosted by Tajikistan.
Program highlights
Over the coming days, participants will engage in high-level plenaries, nine thematic sessions aligned with the interactive dialogue structure of the 2026 UN Water Conference, pre-conference forums, side events, and an international exhibition.
A regional preparatory meeting convened by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) is also bringing together countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Field visits will highlight Tajikistan’s cultural heritage and its experience in water management and hydropower infrastructure.
Expected outcomes
The conference is expected to conclude with a final declaration, a co-chairs’ summary, and a formal contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference.
A UN framing note describes the gathering as a platform to “strengthen partnerships, foster innovation, mobilize financing, and accelerate concrete action” on global water priorities.
