The Future of Central Asian Water Diplomacy

Jun 4, 2024 | Eleanor Greenbaum
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Central Asia is known for its rich mineral resources and oil reserves, and its unique geographic position between Russia, China, and Iran. But it is also beginning to position itself as a potential leader in water diplomacy. This June, policymakers, academics, and those in the private sector will convene in Tajikistan for the Dushanbe Water Process. In partnership with the United Nations, the country is hosting biennial conferences between 2018-2028; this June will mark the third international high level conference on the topic.

This gathering comes amid intensifying water challenges for the region. The Aral Sea, once the fourth largest in the world, has now dwindled to 10% of its original size. The Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which have long been Central Asia’s primary water source for domestic and agricultural use, face severe depletion.