Central Asia

UN World Water Development Report 2021 Valuing Water

Regional online launch for the countries of Central Asia, Southern Caucasus, Afghanistan and Mongolia

On June 8, 2021, an online presentation devoted to the presentation of the UN World Water Development Report 2021, was organized by the UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty in cooperation with the Public Fund "Cooperation for Sustainable Development" and the Central Asia Regional Water Network CAR@WAN. Representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutes and universities took part in the event. Also among the participants were experts who participated in the preparation of the report itself, which made the event special. The total number of participants was more than 130 people (76 of them were women). During the meeting, the participants were able to get informed about the main conclusions and recommendations of the Report, and also regional experts made their presentations in a panel discussion on the topics presented in the report and relevant for the whole of Central Asia. In their presentations, the experts answered several important questions regarding the value of hydrological infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and sanitation, including issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants of the event actively discussed the main topics during the discussion, in particular, the problems of water supply in the regions, water treatment, tools and methodologies for assessing the value of water resources and appropriate adaptation measures. Due to the interactive nature of the event, each participant shared their opinions and expanded their understanding of the value of water.

The report gives insight into the main trends concerning the state, use and management of freshwater and sanitation, based on work by members and partners of UN-Water. The report provides decision-makers with knowledge and tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies. It also offers best practice examples and in-depth analyses to stimulate ideas and actions for better stewardship in the water sector and beyond.

Download the Report