The Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Republic of Azerbaijan co-organized a briefing regarding the 4th High-Level International Conference to be held in Dushanbe from May 25 to 28 within the framework of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018-2028).

The primary objective of the briefing was to enhance awareness of the priorities and expected outcomes of the forthcoming conference, draw attention to the global water agenda, support the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of sustainable water resources management, and encourage the active participation of stakeholders in the conference.

In his opening remarks, Farid Shafiyev, AIR Center’s Chairman of the Board, noted that water scarcity remains a pressing and serious global challenge. He emphasized that water security constitutes a strategic component of national security. He further stated that while conflicts in international relations in previous periods were largely driven by oil, gas, and energy agendas, water scarcity has now emerged as one of the principal factors underlying a number of conflicts and confrontations, with significant potential to influence global politics.

Farid Shafiyev also noted that water-related issues have consistently remained at the forefront of Azerbaijan’s state policy. He stated that, within the framework of COP29, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of implementing innovative mechanisms and fostering cross-sectoral partnerships to ensure long-term water security.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilhom Abdurahmon, stated that the international community continues to face serious challenges in the field of water security. He noted that, in this context, the conference to be held in Dushanbe will serve as an important platform for the development of practical solutions, the strengthening of partnerships, and the mobilization of international efforts.

Speaking about the preparations, Ambassador Ilhom Abdurahmon said that the National Action Plan has already been approved, a National Organizing Committee has been established under the Prime Minister’s leadership, and an International Advisory Committee bringing together leading international experts has also been formed.

“Participation has already been confirmed by representatives from 46 countries, as well as 39 international organizations and financial institutions. Attendees will include high-level officials such as prime ministers, vice presidents, UN Deputy Secretaries-General, ministers, and ambassadors. Overall, the number of participants is expected to exceed 2,500, which reflects the significant level of international interest in the event,” the Ambassador noted.

Speaking next, Riad Akhundzadeh, Head of the Strategy, International Cooperation, and Science Department at the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan, noted that in April 2020, Azerbaijan was ranked 18th among countries at high risk of severe water-related challenges. However, he stated that in recent years, institutional and infrastructural improvements in water resource management have significantly changed the situation in the country.

“At the end of 2020, Azerbaijan regained access to the water resources of Karabakh and East Zangezur. Nearly 25% of our internal water resources originate in these regions. Since then, we had successfully finished infrastructure development projects like Zabukhchay, Kondalanchay, Sugovushan, Tartarchay irrigation channel and etc. Currently a lot of construction works is going on as well like construction of Yengica and Alicanchay reservoirs, rehabilitations of Shirvan and Karabakh irrigation channels.”

Tahmina Hasanova, a representative of the Secretariat of the 4th High-Level International Conference, spoke about the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan in the field of water security.

She expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s consistent support of all Tajikistan’s international initiatives related to the water agenda, noting that cooperation between the two countries is developing successfully not only at the bilateral level but also within regional and global water frameworks.

Hasanova also emphasized Azerbaijan’s continued support for Tajikistan within the Dushanbe Process. In particular, she highlighted that glacier-related issues occupy an important place on the global water agenda and underlined Azerbaijan’s support for initiatives put forward by Tajikistan in this area.