The international Conference “Central Asia: Towards sustainable future through strong regional institution” dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for saving the Aral Sea was held on 5-7 June 2023 in the National library of Tajikistan in Dushanbe.
For 30 years of its activity, IFAS has been able to provide a regional platform for dialogue and cooperation to address the region’s most pressing problems related to water and the environment. IFAS contributed to the development of qualitatively new interstate relations in the region by strengthening regional cooperation and conflict-free resolution of complex water management issues.
The conference was designed to highlight the role of IFAS as a unique platform for water and environmental cooperation in Central Asia, reflect on past accomplishments, provide insight into current areas of cooperation and develop a program for the future vision.
The conference was organized by the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea with the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with development partners.
Including the pre-conference day – on 5 June in which 7 special and side events were organized by development partners and aimed at facilitating dialogue between various stakeholder groups, lessons learned from years of cooperation in the region, and the need to respond to new challenges, requiring a more inclusive and transformational approach, the Conference includes three days of events.
The Conference was attended on behalf of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the President of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, H.E. Emomali Rahmon, by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Qohir Rasulzoda, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Sklyar R.V., Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Ganiev Sh.M., Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Yazmiradov A.O., Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic Ramatov Murat Samidinovich, high-ranking representatives of development partners – Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana- Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Ms. Antonella Bassani – World Bank Regional Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Terhi Hakala – European Union Special Representative for Central Asia and others.
Within the framework of the Conference, the Executive Committee of IFAS also hold the IFAS Board meeting.
Various interactive dialogue sessions were held within the framework of the Conference, which provides participants with the opportunity to share knowledge, and many years of experience, and discuss interesting projects, approaches, initiatives, and solutions related to the history and future of water partnership and cooperation in the field of environmental protection.
The total number of participants in the Conference was more than 500 people, including experts, scientists, and enthusiasts from IFAS Founding states and other regions, representing government bodies, international organizations, financial institutions, academia, youth, women, civil society, etc.
As a result of the Conference, a RESOLUTION of the Participants of the International Conference “Central Asia: towards Sustainable Future through a Strong Regional Institution” dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea was adopted.
