Dushanbe, May 10, 2026: The Government of Tajikistan, in collaboration with the United Nations and key international partners, will host the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018–2028 in Dushanbe from May 25 to 28, 2026.
As the initiator of the global Water Action Decade and co-host of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference, Tajikistan continues to play a leading role in advancing the international water agenda and promoting sustainable water governance worldwide.
Building on the outcomes of previous Dushanbe Water Process conferences held in 2018, 2022, and 2024, the 2026 gathering is expected to serve as a major preparatory milestone ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. The event will also focus on accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, along with other internationally agreed water-related targets.
The conference will bring together Heads of State and Government, ministers, UN agencies, regional and international organizations, financial institutions, scientists, civil society representatives, youth groups, Indigenous Peoples, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen commitments and promote transformative solutions for global water challenges.
According to organizers, discussions will centre on maintaining momentum generated by the 2023 UN Water Conference, advancing the Water Action Agenda, and initiating dialogue toward the planned 2028 UN Water Conference, which will also be hosted by Tajikistan.
Participants will take part in high-level plenary meetings, nine thematic sessions aligned with the Interactive Dialogues of the 2026 UN Water Conference, side events, pre-conference forums, and an international exhibition highlighting innovative water solutions and sustainable practices.
The programme will additionally feature a regional preparatory meeting convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, aimed at helping countries across Asia and the Pacific coordinate regional priorities and strengthen collective contributions to the upcoming global water conference.
Organizers said the conference will also include special field visits to Tajikistan’s cultural and historical landmarks, showcasing the country’s Silk Road heritage as well as its experience in water management, hydropower development, and sustainable water infrastructure.
Key outcomes of the conference are expected to include a Final Declaration, a Co-Chairs’ Summary, and an official contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The 4th Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference is expected to provide a vital global platform for strengthening partnerships, encouraging innovation, mobilizing financing, and accelerating concrete action toward sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient water development around the world.
