Kuwait, Tajikistan Strengthen Cooperation Ahead of Dushanbe Water Conference 2026

Kuwait City, The Gulf Observer: The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Kuwait has announced that the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028, will be held in Tajikistan from May 25 to 28, 2026.

Speaking during a press conference, Tajik Ambassador Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda said the Dushanbe Conference is being organized within the framework of the “Dushanbe Water Process,” an initiative launched by the Government of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations to support the implementation of the goals of the International Decade for Action on Water and Sustainable Development.

The ambassador said Tajikistan considers water not merely a natural resource, but also a humanitarian, developmental, security and climate issue, particularly amid the growing effects of climate change and increasing pressure on global water resources.

He noted that water has become a key factor in food security, energy, public health, urban planning and resilience against climate-related challenges.

Dr. Zubaydzoda highlighted the importance of participation by Kuwait and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, noting that Kuwait’s advanced expertise in desalination and management of limited water resources could make a valuable contribution to international discussions on water security, modern technologies and efficient water use.

He stressed that the 2026 Dushanbe Conference aims to mobilize collective international efforts, encourage new partnerships and accelerate progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.

The ambassador added that despite geographical differences, Kuwait and Tajikistan share a common understanding that water is the foundation of stability, emphasizing that there are broad opportunities for bilateral cooperation in this sector.

He also expressed appreciation to Kuwait’s leadership, government and people for their continued support for multilateral international cooperation and commitment to sustainable development and environmental security.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ameera Alhassan, Head of Mission of UN-Habitat Kuwait, said the conference comes at a time of growing global recognition that water is no longer only an environmental or technical issue, but has become an urban and humanitarian challenge directly affecting the future of societies.

She said the conference serves as an important international platform bringing together governments, United Nations organizations, international institutions and civil society to accelerate efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Alhassan further noted that water is closely linked to adequate housing, public health, infrastructure, urban planning and addressing the impacts of climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as Kuwait and the Gulf countries.

She emphasized that investment in water is ultimately an investment in people and social stability, while calling on partners in Kuwait and GCC countries to engage with the conference outcomes and strengthen regional and international cooperation on water-related challenges.