Section 7. International water organizations and initiatives

7.1. Asian Water Council

The Asian Water Council is a global network focused in providing tangible solutions on Asian water challenges and facilitating multilateral discussions among stakeholders. It was established at the initiative of South Korea during the World Water Forum in March 2015. AWC is composed of 176 members from 26 countries. The AWC action tools include the application of high-tech tools in all areas of water management and nature conservation through IWRM, the reduction of risks through better water security, especially as concerns prevention of floods and droughts. AWC is the main organizer and sponsor of the Asia International Water Week (AIWW).

Activities in 2025

Asia International Water Week (AIWW). In 2025, preparations continued for the 4th Asia International Water Week, to be held in Manila, the Philippines, in 2027 under the theme “Sustainable Water Solutions for a Resilient Asia.” Program development and partner participation were discussed at meetings of the Board of Council.

AWC–GGGI cooperative project. As part of the project “Strengthening Climate Resilience through Smart Techniques in Flood and Drought Management in Central Asia” (2024–2027), a field mission was conducted in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan to select sites for installing smart pumping stations, regulating structures, and early warning systems. Five sites were inspected in the Kyrgyz Republic, some of which were found suitable for project implementation. In Uzbekistan, work was carried out in the area of the Andijan reservoir. The mission confirmed the importance of regional cooperation and hydrological data exchange for strengthening resilience to floods and droughts (August 19–27).

Board of Council meetings. At the 22nd AWC Board of Council meeting, held on February 27 in Phnom Penh, participants considered the admission of new members, the outcomes of the 3rd AIWW and preparations for the next Water Week, progress in cooperative projects, and the application of advanced water management technologies. At the 23rd meeting, held on November 5 in Hanoi, discussions covered the themes of the 4th AIWW in 2027, AWC’s participation as a co-coordinator of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the 11th World Water Forum and the 2026 UN Water Conference, new cooperative projects, and the development of regional cooperation, including the application of digital and AI-based solutions.

Events. AWC co-organized the 2nd Climate and Water Roundtable and the 8th meeting of the Asian National Assembly Water Consultative Board (July 30–31, Bishkek). The events resulted in the signing of memoranda of cooperation and the adoption of the Bishkek Statement, which reaffirmed the intention to strengthen legislative and inter-parliamentary cooperation on climate, water security, and the achievement of SDGs 6 and 13.

Publications. White Paper: 3rd Asia International Water Week “Enhancing Our Future Water Security,”

Source: Asian Water Council

7.2. Geneva Water Hub

The Geneva Water Hub (GWH) is a Centre of Competence on Water for Peace anchored in the University of Geneva and the Geneva Graduate Institute, with support from the Swiss Confederation. The Geneva Water Hub was established in 2014 and its mission is to advance the use of water for peace in humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts. The Geneva Water Hub served as the Secretariat of the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace and currently serves as the Secretariat of the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts (GASWAC).

2025 Activities of the GWH in its Core Programs

Shaping policy and law. At the thematic meeting of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Committee on the climate–water nexus, GWH presented the e-learning course Data Sharing and Digitalization in the Water Sector developed jointly with the OSCE and partners and featuring practical examples and case studies from Central Asia (Vienna, 21 November).

As the Secretariat of GASWAC, GWH continued to promote the protection of water resources and water infrastructure in situations of armed conflict. In May, the issue was addressed at a UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting, while the work of the Alliance was reflected in the UN Secretary-General’s report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Setting the research and policy agenda. GWH continued to produce policy-relevant research and contribute to global discussion on water and peace, strengthening the evidence base for cooperative water governance and advancing the integration of water for peace in international policy frameworks.

Education and training. GWH expanded its training and knowledge-sharing opportunities provided to strengthen capacities in water governance and diplomacy. In June and July, the eighth edition of the Summer School on Water Governance provided interdisciplinary training on hydropolitics, international water law and cooperative approaches to water governance. The Geneva Water Hub also offered the third edition of the training on “Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding” supported by Switzerland and Slovenia. Overall, the Hub’s educational programs reached more than 200 participants from 27 countries in 2025.

Building peace through water diplomacy. GWH continued to promote water diplomacy as a means of strengthening dialogue across borders. Activities in 2025 highlighted the importance of inclusive participation, including youth and women, in water governance processes, as well as the role of science–policy exchange in addressing complex transboundary water challenges. The Hub also continued to position itself as a Geneva-based center of competence ready to support international partners, including in preparation for Switzerland’s upcoming chairmanship of the OSCE.

Activities in and on Central Asia in 2025

“Drops of the Future” Initiative. The Geneva Water Hub contributed to the concluding event of the Drops of the Future workshop series held in Vienna on 26–27 February. Organized by the OSCE in partnership with Switzerland, the initiative engaged young professionals across the five Central Asian countries on the Water–Food–Energy nexus and climate challenges. The final event highlighted the importance of water diplomacy, data sharing, and technological tools for trust-building, as well as the critical role of youth and women in advancing regional cooperation.

Women in Water Management Network in Central Asia (WWMN) study tour. The Geneva Water Hub welcomed approximately 25 participants from Central Asia and the Caucasus as part of the Women in Water Management Network study tour to Germany and Switzerland. During the visit to the Hub’s office in Geneva, participants engaged in discussions on water diplomacy and transboundary cooperation, strengthening professional networks and promoting knowledge exchange among women water professionals in the region (Geneva, 30 September).

Cooperation on groundwater. GWH hosted a delegation of groundwater experts from Tajikistan for an exchange on groundwater governance, monitoring and data management. The meeting presented the Hub’s work on groundwater and peace, including initiatives linking groundwater governance and stability in other regions (Geneva, 29 November).

Group of Friends on Water and Peace. The Geneva Water Hub, as the Secretariat of the Group of Friends on Water and Peace in Geneva, convened two meetings in 2025. The first meeting focused on “Water, Youth and Peace,” highlighting the role of young people in advancing dialogue and cooperation around shared water resources. A second meeting was held in October and focused on “International Geneva and its contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference.” Central Asian states, including Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, actively participated in these discussions (Geneva, July and October).

Source: Geneva Water Hub

7.3. Global Water Partnership

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is a global network of action including over 2,800 partners in 180 countries. The network has 77 accredited Country Water Partnerships (CWPs) and 13 Regional Water Partnerships (RWPs), with the mission to advance governance and management of water resources for sustainable and equitable development.

Activities in 2025

In 2025, GWP’s activities focused on implementing the Global Transformation Agenda, aimed at leveraging $15 billion by 2030 for climate-resilient water security and the achievement of SDG 6, including mobilizing $500 million directly for countries and network partners.

Institutional reform. At the GWP General Assembly attended by 150 partner organizations from 85 countries, participants adopted the proposed amendments to the GWP and GWPO Statutes and approved resolutions on the Global Transformation Agenda, including the relocation of GWP’s global headquarters from Stockholm to a country in the Global South, the establishment of four Regional Technical Support Hubs and the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments. A Transition HQ office will also established in South Africa to support the transformation process (May 22).

Investment platform. In August, GWP announced the launch of the Global Water Investment Platform. The Platform aims to mobilize international investment under the Global Transformation Agenda to finance projects for climate-resilient water management, climate change adaptation, and water infrastructure development. GWP provides organizational and technical support to the Platform.

2026–2030 Strategy. In August 2025, GWP presented its new 2026–2030 Strategy focused on addressing the global water investment gap and ensuring climate-resilient water security.

Central Asia and Caucasus. The Regional Water Partnership for Central Asia and the Caucasus (GWP CACENA) continued to serve as a platform for cooperation among government agencies, research institutions, international organizations, and civil society on water security and IWRM.

ТTransboundary cooperation. GWP CACENA contributed to the regional workshop for Central Asian countries on SDG indicator 6.5.2 and transboundary water cooperation. Discussions addressed monitoring and reporting under international agreements, data exchange, and regional cooperation toward the achievement of SDG 6 (February 12–13, Tashkent).

National initiatives. The National Water Partnership of Uzbekistan participated in discussions on the development of a national wetland management strategy, including the use of remote sensing and geographic information technologies. In Armenia, work began on an Integrated Drought Management Plan and an accompanying Program of Measures. The Ararat River Basin was selected for pilot assessments of climatic and hydrological drought. The project was expected to be completed in February–March 2026.

Exchange of experience. With the support of GWP CACENA, study tours were organized for experts from Turkmenistan: to Uzbekistan to study water and land management, modern irrigation methods, transboundary water monitoring, and climate change adaptation (June 22–28); and to Georgia to learn about national park management and the conservation of water-related ecosystems (July 8–13).

Forum on water-saving. On July 24, the IFAS Agency began preparations for the International Forum on Water-Saving Technologies in the Aral Sea Region, to be held in Uzbekistan in 2026. The Country Water Partnership of Uzbekistan expressed its readiness to participate in the organizing committee, expert discussions, and preparation of analytical materials. The first preparatory meeting was held on July 24, 2025.

Source: GWP

7.4. International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage

The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) was established in 1950 as a scientific and technical organization with a view to promote sustainable water management in agriculture and the development of irrigation, drainage, and flood management. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are represented in ICID by their national committees.

Activities in 2025

World Irrigation Forum. The key event of the year was the 4th World Irrigation Forum, held together with the 76th International Executive Council Meeting . Under the theme “Is Irrigation a Sunset Industry?”, discussions focused on four key areas: (1) challenges of irrigation and drainage for food security in the changing world; (2) technology and modernization in the agricultural sector towards food security; (3) innovation policy, service delivery, and financing mechanisms to meet the challenges of the future; and (4) nature-based solutions in agriculture to foster ecological resilience (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 7–13). The Forum included meetings of the International Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC) and the High-Level Advisory Group, while dedicated workshops addressed the water-energy-food nexus, digitalization of water management, and sustainable agricultural development.

Regional events. The 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID), held under the theme “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” addressed such issues as climate adaptation of irrigation systems, the exchange of experience in project implementation, capacity building, and financing mechanisms for sustainable water infrastructure (Abuja, Nigeria, April 14–18). The 11th International Micro Irrigation Conference was held as part of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference and focused on the sustainability of micro-irrigation systems, adoption of innovative technologies, improvement of water management, and raising awareness of the benefits of water-saving irrigation methods (May 24–26, Baghdad, Iraq).

Webinars. In the course of the year, ICID held a series of international online webinars, including “Catalysing SDGs through the Water-Energy-Food Nexus” (April 24) and “Smart Irrigation Management,” which focused on the modernization of irrigation canals and the adoption of sensors, automation systems, digital monitoring, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to improve agricultural water-use efficiency (October 30, November 28, December 18).

Awards and heritage. The 2025 World Irrigation and Drainage Prize was awarded to Dr. Zhanyi Gao (China) for his contribution to the modernization of irrigation systems and the development of water-saving technologies.

The World Heritage Irrigation Structures Register (WHIS) was expanded with 23 structures, including the Dustlik and Eski Tuyatortar canals nominated by Uzbekistan, recognizing their historical and engineering value for the development of irrigated agriculture.

Publications. Following the 4th World Irrigation Forum, collections of abstracts and full-length papers were published, along with materials from sessions on sustainable irrigation, food security, climate adaptation, and innovative agricultural technologies.

Source: ICID

7.5. International Network of Basin Organizations

The International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) is a non-profit association created in 1994 and based in Paris. It has 192 member organizations from 88 countries, grouped into regional networks to facilitate the exchange of experience while taking geographical specificities into account. The International Office for Water (OiEau) is in charge of the Network’s Permanent Technical Secretariat. The promotion and support of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) at the river basin level is at the core of INBO’s work.

2024-2027 INBO Action Plan

In 2025, the Network continued implementing its 2024–2027 Action Plan. For the period 2024–2027, INBO’s strategy is structured around three key thematic priorities - adapting to climate change, preserving biodiversity, transboundary cooperation - and four strategic levers to drive action at the basin level: concerted governance and stakeholder participation, water information systems, sustainable financing, and strategic planning.

Activities in 2025

Promoting the river basin management model. INBO is involved in the preparatory process for the 11th World Water Forum and was selected to coordinate the policy segment dedicated to river basins, as well as the “IWRM” and “Data” working groups. The Network co-organized numerous events as part of major United Nations conference programs, including COP30 on Climate Change, COP15 of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, notably by co-hosting the World Delta Summit.

Peer-to-Peer Project. Implementation continued of the PEER-TO-PEER (P2P) Support for Lake and River Basin Organisations project, the first pillar of the Twin Basin Initiative. The project is supported by funding from the European Union and is led by INBO with the support of the African Network of Basin Organisations (ANBO). In 2025, 61 organizations were selected to form future pairings. Twenty-one pairings, each involving two to four partners from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, were formally associated in October. Each pairing began its activities in December 2025 with the production of joint action plans, defining common thematic priorities and leading to the allocation (in January 2026) of a budget of €1,500,000. Implementation of the planned activities is scheduled to begin in 2026.

Satellite monitoring. INBO, a co-founder of the “One Water Vision” (in partnership with French institutions: INRAE and CNES), has worked on developing satellite monitoring projects. The network has expanded its offering of thematic webinars to include sessions on satellite monitoring, nature-based solutions, and innovative financing.

EURO-INBO. The EURO-RIOB conference gathered the European water community in Parma, Italy, at the invitation of the Po River Basin District Authority. Discussions focused on the European Water Resilience Strategy, aimed at adapting river basin management to climate change and integrating it into all sectoral policies. Discussions focused on flood and drought prevention, the fight against emerging pollutants, and the restoration of free-flowing watercourses under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) (May 19-23).

Publications. INBO Newsletter No.32.

Source: INBO

The Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia Network of Water Management Organizations (EECCA NWO)

EECCA NWO is one of seven regional networks of INBO. It was established in 2008 to exchange views, experiences, and information on various aspects of water management activity. The Network is administered by SIC ICWC.

Activities in 2025

Network members took part in: (1) the Central Asia Climate Change Conference (CACCC-2025), held under the theme “Achieving the Global Climate Finance Goal through Regional and National Actions in Central Asia” (Ashgabat, May 13–15); (2) the Regional Forum “Enhancing Transboundary Cooperation for Water Sustainability and Climate Resilience in Glacier-Dependent Basins of Central Asia” (Dushanbe, May 29), organized as part of the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation (Dushanbe, May 29–31); and (3) the International Scientific Conference “Scientific Approaches to Addressing Global Environmental and Water Challenges in Central Asia,” dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of SANIIRI. The Network Secretariat co-organized a session on the scientific foundations of irrigated land reclamation in the context of climate change (Tashkent, June 20).

Within the Expert Platform on Water Security, Sustainable Development and Future Studies, Network members issued: (1) the publication “Water Heritage of Central Asia: Its Value for Present and Future Generations”; and (2) the discussion paper “Water - Energy coordination in the riparian countries of the Syr Darya River Basin: Hierarchies, Networks and Economic Mechanisms” in the Water and Energy series.

The information on the activities of the Network and its members is disseminated via its website as well as the social media (www.facebook.com/eecca.nwo and www.linkedin.com/groups/9023073/).

In 2024, the Network members contributed to the 2024 Water Yearbook: Central Asia and around the Globe.

Source: EECCA NWO Secretariat

7.6. International Water Management Institute

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a leading CGIAR research center dedicated to advancing water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development through research-for-development, strategic partnerships, and policy engagement. Its headquarters are located in Colombo, Sri-Lanka, with offices in 15 countries. The Institute brings together a global network of scientists operating in more than 30 countries.

Activities in 2025

In 2025, IWMI activities in Central Asia focused on transboundary cooperation, climate resilience, water digitalization and capacity building. According to IWMI’s Central Asia office, 26 major events engaged nearly 1,000 participants in the course of the year.

Transboundary cooperation. IWMI promoted cooperative governance for shared water resources through a series of high-level regional events, including the Regional Workshop “Water Challenges in Central Asia” (Tashkent, November 13) and WE-ACT Transboundary Cooperation Week (Osh, Kyrgyzstan, November 12–15). IWMI also supported intergovernmental processes, including the working meeting of water ministries of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan (Khujand, Tajikistan, August 4) and the first meeting of the Kyrgyz-Tajik Water Commission (Dushanbe, October). IWMI team have conducted four national drought missions in Central Asian countries and one dialogue in Turkmenistan with participation of researchers, technical staff, project staff, civil society representatives as part of the Central Asia Rapid Drought Risk and Resilience Assessment. The national dialogue helped to select important drought measures in the country.

Basin-level cooperation through Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA). IWMI achieved significant progress in moving the BPCA agenda from dialogue toward tangible action in 2025. Key milestones included the Steering Committee Meeting (November 13) in Tashkent and a national workshop in Almaty focused on "Benefit Sharing" at the basin level (November 27). By facilitating expert meetings in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to agree on methodologies for selecting pilot sites, IWMI supported the development of a more structured, country-led approach to basin-level cooperation and joint investment.

Innovation and digital transformation. IWMI promoted the uptake of digital technologies and modern approaches to water management. A regional training on Earth observation was held in Tashkent (August 18–20), while scientific consultations on climate change adaptation were organized in Astana. Testing and scaling up of the Next-Generation Water Monitoring Tool (NEXAR) continued in Karshi district of Qashqadarya province, Uzbekistan. In November, training sessions were held in Dushanbe on the use of digital dashboards developed within the U.S. Forest Service (USFS)-funded project “Degradation Prevention: Integrated Land and Climate Vulnerability Assessment to Mitigate Against Erosion and Flash Floods in Central Asia.”

Climate resilience. IWMI organized a series of events on glaciers, watersheds and forest conditions. Strategic workshops in Bishkek, Dushanbe, Zamin and Almaty highlighted the critical links between forest health and water security. The International Scientific Conference “Innovative methods for monitoring mountain glaciers under climate change and current challenges in glaciology” underscored the growing importance of mountain glacier monitoring (Tashkent, September 16–17). The Regional Working Group’s activities in Astana fostered regional cooperation on water quality and groundwater management. These initiatives strengthened regional collaboration and helped integrate climate and environmental considerations into the water security agenda, integrating environmental protection into the broader water security dialogue.

Water supply and sanitation. As part of the World Bank-funded Water Services and Institutional Support Project (WASISP), IWMI has been closely cooperating with UzSuvTaminot - national water supply and sanitation operator. Through targeted capacity building, citizen engagement, gender policy interventions services, the national operator is planned to become more oriented towards needs of the consumers, transparent and gender inclusive. Already IWMI team have conducted water users’ surveys in Samarkand, drafted gender policy for the organization and developed ToT modules.

Capacity development and inclusive leadership. Investing in human capital remains a cross-cutting priority for IWMI. The Hydro-Diplomacy Master’s Program launched in Tashkent and the regional training and exchange between the Women’s Networks of Central Asia and the South Caucasus reflect a commitment to developing diverse, long-term leadership. By strengthening regional expertise and ensuring inclusive participation, IWMI is helping build a more resilient and equitable water governance framework for Central Asia.

Publications. (1) Water Security in Central Asia: Towards Sustainable Development and Resilience in “Sustainable Water Management and Irrigation Systems. Tackling Climate Change”; (2) Water resources management and planning under climate uncertainty: assessment of the droughts in Uzbekistan in International Conference proceedings “Innovative methods for monitoring mountain glaciers under climate change and current challenges in glaciology”.

Source: IWMI

7.7. World Water Council

The World Water Council (WWC) is an international multi-stakeholder platform established in 1996 and headquartered in Marseille, France. It brings together more than 240 member organizations from 51 countries and works to ensure that water remains a priority on the global political agenda. Every three years, the Council co-organizes the World Water Forum with a host country.

Activities in 2025

Preparations for the 11th World Water Forum. The 11th World Water Forum is scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027 under the theme “Action for a Better Tomorrow.” More than 600 representatives from 60 countries and international organizations attended the Kick-Off and 1st Stakeholders’ Consultation Meetings in Riyadh, where the main elements of the Forum’s political, regional, and thematic processes were developed (April 14–15). An open call invited contributions under six themes: Water Security, Water Financing, Water Diplomacy, Water for Humans & Nature, Value of Water, and Innovation for Water. The thematic framework was subsequently refined into six themes and 30 topics (May 26–June 25). To promote youth participation, the Council proposed establishing the Riyadh Water Youth Committee, whose members will contribute to the Forum’s political, regional, and thematic processes. During Cairo Water Week, the WWC held a special session titled “Towards Riyadh,” which presented the thematic program, key preparatory milestones, and expected outcomes of the Forum (Cairo, October 12–16).

Promoting the One Water – One Health approach. At the XIX World Water Congress in Marrakech, the Council advocated integrating health considerations into water management policy. It presented the Five Fingers Alliance, which brings water, energy, food, health, and nature together within a single sustainable development framework. To advance this initiative, the Council began work on a Global One Water – One Health Center for knowledge sharing, innovation, and stronger cooperation among countries (Marrakech, Morocco, December 1–5).

Task forces and international cooperation. In 2025, the Council’s task forces focused on five areas: Water Security & Resilience, Water for Humans and Nature, Financing Water, Water Quality and Health, and Non-Conventional Water Resources & Associated Renewable Energies. These areas shaped the Council’s program of work and its contribution to the thematic process of the 11th World Water Forum.

Publications. In 2025, the WWC published several analytical materials, including Financing Water Projects: Building a Sustainable Future, which examines investment in water infrastructure and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Publication also continued of the science-policy journal Water Policy, covering current issues in water policy and water management.

Source: WWC