Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan in Geneva

Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan in Geneva page of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva

Transport and Logistics Connectivity of the SCO Amid Geopolitical Turbulence: New Opportunities for the RegionsIn the cu...
23/08/2026

Transport and Logistics Connectivity of the SCO Amid Geopolitical Turbulence: New Opportunities for the Regions
In the current geopolitical climate, Uzbekistan's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is acquiring particular strategic importance. The SCO serves as a crucial platform that allows member states to combine their efforts, both in times of stability and during periods of crisis and external shocks, as well as to develop coordinated approaches and joint solutions to issues of common regional interest.
In the transport sector, this is especially vital for maintaining the stability and continuity of international supply chains, diversifying routes, developing new transport corridors, and strengthening the interconnectedness of member states.
Over the past five years, Uzbekistan's international freight traffic with SCO member countries has increased by approximately 9 million tons, or 40%, reaching 33.5 million tons in 2025 and accounting for 80% of the country's total freight volume. Within this volume, the largest shares belong to Russia (33%), Kazakhstan (32%), China (16%), and Kyrgyzstan (10%).
According to the author's calculations, international freight traffic between Uzbekistan and SCO member states could reach up to 47 million tons by 2030.
Established in 2001 primarily as a mechanism for ensuring regional security, the SCO has significantly expanded its agenda over its 25-year history. Today, its framework addresses issues of trade, investment, energy, transport, logistics, digitalization, ecology, culture, and other areas.
With the expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to 10 member states, transport cooperation has acquired key importance in the organization's activities. The SCO's geographical area covers a vast territory, stretching from Belarus to India in the south—through Afghanistan, which has observer status—and latitudinally from China to Iran and Türkiye, a dialogue partner. Furthermore, an opportunity is emerging for the first time to connect the land transport systems of the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia, including China. This geographic configuration creates the foundation for linking key trade regions across Eurasia and establishing new international transport routes.
In recent years, the organization's member states have adopted a set of strategic documents that have formed the institutional framework for developing transport connectivity. These include:
The Concept for Cooperation of the SCO Member States on Developing Connectivity and Creating Efficient Transport Corridors – Samarkand, September 16, 2022;
The Concept for Cooperation between SCO Member States on Transport Decarbonization, Promoting Digital Transformation, and Innovative Technologies to Achieve Greater Efficiency and Sustainability – New Delhi, July 4, 2023;
The Concept for Cooperation of SCO Member States in the Development of Ports and Logistics Centers – Astana, July 4, 2024.
Concurrently, the SCO regularly holds meetings of the Joint Commission on Creating Favorable Conditions for International Road Transport, meetings of the heads of railway administrations, and meetings of transport ministers.
One of the key responses to contemporary challenges is the development of alternative land-based communications and the creation of a sustainable, interconnected digital transport ecosystem. This principle is shaping a new paradigm in the SCO's approach to logistics development.
The Tianjin Declaration of the SCO Council of Heads of State, adopted on
September 1, 2025, directly reflects this trend.
The document notes that, "The Member States, sharing the international community's aspiration to strengthen interconnectedness, advocate for the further development of cooperation in the transport sector on a fair and balanced basis in accordance with international law and the goals and principles of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter. They emphasize the importance of creating new and modernizing existing international transport routes, including promoting the activities of the North-South and East-West corridors, and harnessing the transit potential of the SCO Member States. They also note the SCO countries' initiatives on transport infrastructure and on ensuring the stable and uninterrupted functioning of supply chains through the digitalization of logistics procedures, including the organization of electronic data exchange on goods transported between SCO countries and the introduction of technological innovations".
At the same time, to achieve an integrated transport and logistics system for the SCO, it is necessary to eliminate the existing infrastructure gaps between the Organization's individual subregions. One of the key challenges to transport interconnectivity among the SCO states remains the insufficient level of railway connectivity between the member countries. This hinders the formation of a unified, integrated railway network not only for the SCO but for all of Eurasia.
In this regard, the implementation of new transregional railway projects aimed at bridging existing infrastructure gaps and creating additional routes between Central, South, and East Asia is of particular importance.
In this respect, the projects initiated and supported by Uzbekistan to build new railway lines are of a significance that extends far beyond national infrastructure, acquiring a regional character.
One of the most significant infrastructure projects is the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway .
The Tianjin Declaration specifically noted the launch of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway's construction. In this project, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan can serve as a key link in a new transport logistics network. Furthermore, the development of land routes will allow the region's states not only to compensate for their lack of direct sea access but also to form a regional transport bridge between the largest markets of Eurasia.
On December 27, 2024, an official ceremony marking the start of the railway's construction was held in the Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyzstan. The total length of the project is approximately 532.5 km. It involves the construction of railway stations, bridges, and tunnels, making it one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the region .
According to preliminary estimates, after commissioning, the freight volume on the new railway could reach 8 million tons by 2030, 10 million tons by 2040, and 13.5 million tons by 2050.
The project's importance lies not only in shortening the distance between China and Central Asia. Its strategic impact is the creation of a new component of the transportation network, which can later be integrated with routes to South Asia and onward to the ports of the Indian Ocean.
To link the countries of East Asia (China) with those of South Asia (India and Pakistan), the swift implementation of another project vital to the region is necessary: the construction of the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway line. The implementation of this project will create a new international multimodal transport corridor capable of connecting the European Union, the CIS countries, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, with subsequent access to the markets of Southeast Asia.
The project's fundamental importance lies in establishing a new, shorter overland route and providing a direct transport link between the SCO countries via a unified railway network.
As part of the project preparation, field studies have already been conducted, orthophoto maps and a digital terrain model have been prepared, and the technical part of the preliminary feasibility study for the route has been developed by the Boshtransloyiha design institute.
In July 2025, during the first meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries in Kabul, a framework intergovernmental agreement was signed on the development of a feasibility study.
Preliminary estimates by the consulting firm EY (one of the Big Four) project a significant cargo potential for the project: up to 22 million tons per year by 2030 and up to 34 million tons by 2040 . A significant portion of this cargo base, up to 80%, is expected to come from transit flows.
The economic significance of the corridor extends beyond the transport sector. Its implementation could help bring Afghanistan's natural resources into economic circulation, create new professions and jobs, develop infrastructure, and establish new production and logistics chains.
The most significant strategic effect will be achieved not by implementing individual railway construction projects, but through their synchronized development and mutual integration. This will allow for the formation of an interconnected system of transport routes, expand the transit and export potential of the SCO countries, including Uzbekistan, and create the conditions for redistributing freight flows between East, Central, and South Asia.
In the long term, this will lay the groundwork for forming international multimodal transport corridors along the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India," "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey–EU," and "CIS countries–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan" routes, providing access to Indian Ocean ports.
In this regard, the initiative by Uzbekistan's railway authorities to establish a Council for the Integration of SCO Railway Spaces, proposed in 2024 , is of particular importance. The draft Concept for the Council was supported on March 27, 2026, at the sixth meeting of the heads of SCO railway administrations and was approved by the organization's transport ministers in April 2026.
The creation of the Council will make it possible to coordinate joint efforts to eliminate existing barriers, including differences in railway gauge, technical and technological standards, and rolling stock parameters, as well as to improve border procedures and unify transport documents.
Thus, the development of transport connectivity within the SCO creates opportunities not only for the member states as a whole, but also for individual regions, promoting their integration into international transport and logistics chains, expanding their transit potential, and attracting new cargo flows.

D. T. Ibragimova
Head of the Department, Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan

BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR MUTUALLY BENEFICIALPARTNERSHIPThe true strength of interstate relations is determined not only by p...
23/08/2026

BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
PARTNERSHIP

The true strength of interstate relations is determined not only by political agreements or economic indicators. The better nations understand one another, and the greater the respect they show for each other’s history, culture and values, the stronger and more sustainable relations between states become.
In this regard, relations between Uzbekistan and Serbia are acquiring new substance and significance.
Over the past year, important steps have been taken to lay the foundation for a new stage of cooperation between the two countries. In particular, on 28 October, talks were held in Tashkent between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić. Among the documents signed following the talks, the Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields of Education, Science and Culture is of particular importance, reflecting the strong attention being paid to the cultural and humanitarian dimension of bilateral relations.
Today, it is essential for us to transform the existing legal framework into practical, substantive cultural projects that produce tangible results for our peoples.
From dialogue to practical cooperation
When discussing the role of Uzbekistan’s national culture on the international stage, we should not limit ourselves to showcasing historical monuments or examples of national art. Culture is a spiritual process that encompasses history, creativity and the worldview of the younger generation. From this perspective, it is important to develop cultural ties with Serbia not as a series of one-off events, but as a systematic and continuous process of creative cooperation.
Uzbekistan’s music and dance, theatre and cinema, visual and applied arts, literature and traditional crafts offer broad opportunities to introduce Serbian audiences to the rich cultural heritage of our country. At the same time, broader promotion and presentation of Serbian culture and art in Uzbekistan will help transform cultural dialogue between our two peoples into a mutually beneficial and mutually enriching process.
In this regard, Days of Culture, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, theatre tours, creative meetings and master classes are among the most effective instruments for advancing cultural cooperation.
“From Al-Khwarizmi to Tesla”
Cinematography holds a special place in Uzbek-Serbian cultural cooperation. In particular, on 3 April 2026, during a meeting at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan with Lav Pajkić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, organisational issues related to the joint film project “From Al-Khwarizmi to Tesla”, planned to be produced with the participation of the two countries, were discussed. This project represents an important step towards further developing cooperation in the field of cinematography.
The concept of the project itself carries profound symbolic significance. On the one hand stands Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, who made an outstanding contribution to the development of world science; on the other, Nikola Tesla, who holds a prominent place in the history of electrical engineering and invention. Bringing these two outstanding figures together within a single artistic concept provides a unique opportunity to highlight the contributions of the two peoples not only to culture, but also to science, intellectual thought and the advancement of civilisation.
The strength of modern cinema also lies in its ability to convey historical memory to younger generations and a broad international audience through a compelling and accessible language.
Days of culture — not merely a showcase, but a platform for dialogue
The discussion of holding “Days of Uzbek culture” in Serbia in 2026 is also an important area of cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Such an event should not be viewed merely as a concert or exhibition. Days of Culture are a broad platform for presenting a nation’s cultural identity, learning about another people’s culture, and fostering mutual understanding.
Therefore, when presenting Uzbekistan’s culture in Serbia, it is important to combine national music and dance, visual and applied arts, cinema, literature and traditional crafts with creative meetings, master classes, academic and practical conferences, and literary evenings.
Preserving cultural heritage is a shared responsibility. The historical and cultural heritage dimension also holds particular importance in Uzbek-Serbian cultural cooperation.
Uzbekistan’s historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have played an important role in the development of world civilisation. Serbia, in turn, is also rightfully proud of its historic cities, architectural monuments and rich cultural heritage.
In this regard, the exchange of expertise between museums, archives, research institutions and organisations working in the field of cultural heritage preservation is one of the promising areas of cooperation. Particularly meaningful practical results can be achieved through cooperation in such fields as restoration, museology, the study of archival materials and the digitisation of cultural heritage.
Translation — a strong bridge between two literatures
One of the most important means of bringing peoples closer together is literature. Translating works of Uzbek literature into Serbian and Serbian literature into Uzbek creates opportunities for a deeper understanding of the inner world, historical memory and spiritual values of the two peoples.
In this area, important tasks include organising literary meetings with the participation of writers and poets, holding seminars for translators, establishing dedicated sections in literary journals, and expanding cooperation between higher education and research institutions.
Indeed, every quality literary work translated into another language becomes a bridge not only between two languages, but also between two peoples.
Tashkent and Belgrade: from сity-to-сity сooperation to people-to-people diplomacy
The signing, on 28 October 2025, of the agreement establishing partnership relations between the cities of Tashkent and Belgrade also opens new opportunities for the development of cultural ties. Going forward, these relations can be enriched through concrete cultural exchanges between the two cities.
Mutual visits by artists, theatre companies, musicians, young cultural and creative professionals, as well as museum and library specialists, can bring cultural diplomacy even closer to the people. People-to-people diplomacy begins not only at major international platforms, but, above all, through direct human interaction.
The tasks ahead are clear
At the next stage of Uzbek-Serbian cultural cooperation, it is necessary to clearly define the key priorities.
First, to establish the systematic organisation of “Days of Uzbek culture” in Serbia and Days of Serbian Culture in Uzbekistan.
Second, to ensure the practical implementation of joint film projects such as “From Al-Khwarizmi to Tesla” and further expand creative cooperation in the field of cinematography.
Third, to increase the number of creative exchanges among representatives of theatre, music, dance, visual and applied arts.
Fourth, to strengthen professional cooperation among museums, archives and institutions working in the field of cultural heritage preservation.
Fifth, to intensify the mutual translation of Uzbek and Serbian literary works, support young creative professionals and establish joint creative platforms for them.
Sixth, to expand the use of digital technologies in culture and the arts and develop joint digital projects.
Most importantly, these tasks should not remain merely on paper. They must be supported by concrete projects, clear implementation timelines and tangible results.
The most effective language of closer relations
The role of culture in relations between Uzbekistan and Serbia is steadily growing. The primary purpose of this process is not merely to showcase our national art abroad. Its fundamental objective is to deepen mutual understanding, bring creative communities together, jointly study historical and cultural heritage, and create new platforms for dialogue among younger generations.
Today, the task of cultural diplomacy is to elevate existing ties to a new level, enrich them with meaningful content and transform them into lasting relations between our peoples.
In Uzbekistan’s international cultural policy, it is important to approach relations with each country with due regard for its historical and cultural characteristics. In cooperation with Serbia, we are united by such important principles as shared human values, respect for history, and a strong commitment to science and creativity.
The greatest achievement of culture is that it brings people, rather than borders, closer together.
Developing cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia on the basis of this principle is a task for today and our responsibility to future generations. Culture is one of the most powerful factors contributing to the unity, spirituality and enlightenment of peoples.
As long as our national culture remains vibrant, every sphere built upon it can achieve significant success and make a worthy contribution to the development and prosperity of our country.

Ozodbek Nazarbekov
Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT-DELHI: A NEW STAGE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPUzbekistan-India relations are moving from historical affinity towar...
23/08/2026

TASHKENT-DELHI: A NEW STAGE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Uzbekistan-India relations are moving from historical affinity toward a practical partnership based on industrial cooperation, investment, technology and regional connectivity
The current stage of Uzbekistan-India relations can be described in one phrase: it is a time to turn historical affinity into practical partnership. The ties between the two peoples, linked for centuries through trade routes, science and culture, are now gaining new substance in investment, industry, technology, transport, pharmaceuticals, education and energy.
The upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan could give fresh momentum to this process. The significance lies not simply in another high-level meeting, but in the opportunity to translate political trust built over many years into tangible economic and technological outcomes. Uzbekistan and India established a strategic partnership in 2011. In the years since, regular dialogue between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought continuity and consistency to this partnership.
From political trust to economic outcomes
Economic interest is one of the main drivers of bilateral relations today. According to India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, bilateral trade has exceeded USD 1.5 billion. At the same time, both sides acknowledge that the existing potential is considerably greater and have set the goal of doubling trade over the next three years.
The new stage is not only about increasing trade volumes. What matters is raising the share of higher value-added products, expanding joint investment and production, and entering third-country markets together. The bilateral investment agreement signed in 2024 and brought into force in 2025 is also intended to strengthen legal guarantees for investors.
Mining, textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food processing, information technology and mechanical engineering are regarded as key growth areas for economic partnership. The interest of Indian businesses in hydropower, mining and infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan also shows that cooperation is taking on an increasingly practical character.
Industry and technology - new opportunities
Critical and rare-earth minerals have gained particular importance in recent discussions. Demand for these resources is rising as electronics, batteries, electric mobility and renewable energy develop. For Uzbekistan, the main interest is not to be limited to exporting raw materials, but to develop domestic value chains for deeper processing and the production of finished goods.
Pharmaceuticals and the digital economy are also natural areas of cooperation. India has extensive experience in medicines, medical technologies, information technology and digital services. For Uzbekistan, key priorities include establishing joint ventures, localising production, developing software products, supporting start-ups and training highly skilled professionals.
The two countries also share common interests in energy. Cooperation in solar and wind power, energy-efficient technologies, energy storage systems, water-saving solutions and cleaner production can link economic partnership more closely with sustainable development objectives.
Transport and human capital
The absence of a direct overland route between the two countries remains one of the main constraints on fully realizing their trade potential. For this reason, developing transport routes through Iran's Chabahar Port is of strategic importance. Yet an efficient corridor requires more than ports and railways: competitive tariffs, simplified customs procedures, mutual recognition of standards and digitalised logistics are also essential.
Human capital, meanwhile, forms the long-term foundation of the partnership. According to the Secretariat of the President of India, more than 3,000 civil servants, professionals and students from Uzbekistan have participated in India's technical and economic cooperation and scholarship programmes. At the same time, more than 16,000 Indian students are studying at higher education institutions in Uzbekistan. This potential can be further developed through joint research, engineering and IT programmes, and academic exchanges.
Security cooperation is another important pillar of the strategic partnership. In April 2026, the armed forces of Uzbekistan and India held the joint 'Dustlik' exercise in Namangan Region. Countering terrorism and extremism, supporting stability in Afghanistan and developing secure transport corridors are among the shared interests of Tashkent and Delhi.
The key measure of the new stage
Uzbekistan-India relations today rest on a solid political foundation. Trade is growing, the legal framework for investment has been strengthened, and new industrial and technological areas of cooperation are emerging. The central task now is to turn these opportunities into practical results.
In this context, the effectiveness of the upcoming high-level dialogue should not be measured solely by the number of documents signed. The key measure will be the extent to which agreements translate into new production capacities, investment projects, technologies, jobs, export markets and training programmes.
Uzbekistan lies at the heart of Central Asia, while India is one of South Asia's major economic and technological centres. A new stage in the Tashkent-Delhi strategic partnership therefore offers an opportunity to give historical friendship modern economic substance and to strengthen bridges of trade, technology and development between the two regions.
Jakhongir Isaev,
Head of Department, NGO Center for Sustainable Development

Uzbekistan and Serbia expand prospects for cooperation in ecology and environmental protectionUzbekistan and Serbia are ...
23/08/2026

Uzbekistan and Serbia expand prospects for cooperation in ecology and environmental protection

Uzbekistan and Serbia are exploring new avenues for cooperation in environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and environmental education.
As an important step in advancing environmental dialogue, the participation of a delegation from the Republic of Serbia, led by Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov, in the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility, held in Samarkand from May 30 to June 5, 2026, as well as in the international exhibition “Eco Expo Central Asia 2026,” held on June 2–4, can be highlighted. In particular, the Serbian side participated in the high-level plenary session on “Green Investments and Innovations” held as part of the exhibition.
One promising area of cooperation is the exchange of experience in forestry and sustainable forest management. Serbia has considerable practical expertise in managing forest resources and developing public–private partnerships. Between 2008 and 2023, the share of forested land in the country increased from 25% to 37%. Of Serbia’s forests, 53% are state-owned, while the remaining 47% are privately owned.
Cooperation in biodiversity conservation and the protection of natural ecosystems is another area of particular importance. Serbia has granted protected status to 460 natural sites, including five national parks, 17 nature parks, 20 protected landscapes, 68 nature reserves, 309 natural monuments and three protected habitats. Studying this experience is of practical interest for the further development and improvement of approaches to the conservation of natural areas and biodiversity in Uzbekistan.
Environmental education and scientific and academic cooperation represent another promising avenue for partnership. In particular, there is potential to expand cooperation between Serbia’s leading universities and the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies, Green University. Such initiatives could include joint academic programmes, scientific research, student and faculty exchanges, as well as the implementation of collaborative projects in the fields of climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development.
Serbian universities, including the University of Belgrade and the University of Novi Sad, have significant capacity in environmental sciences and are recognised among the world’s leading universities in relevant fields. This creates favourable opportunities for strengthening academic and research partnerships.
Eco Expo Central Asia 2027 could also serve as an important platform for further strengthening the environmental dialogue. The exhibition is scheduled to take place in June 2027 in Tashkent, alongside the Tashkent International Investment Forum, which will focus on “Sustainable Development and Green Investment”.
The Serbian side is invited to take an active part in the exhibition, which has already established itself as one of Central Asia’s leading environmental platforms. The successful organisation of Eco Expo Central Asia in Tashkent in 2025 and in Samarkand in 2026 demonstrated the strong interest of the international community in the region’s environmental initiatives.
The development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Serbia in these areas will help expand the exchange of advanced practices, promote joint environmental and investment projects, strengthen scientific and educational ties and create new opportunities for advancing the principles of sustainable development and “green” economy.

Mahmud Khaydarov,
Chief Specialist of the Department of International Cooperation, Grants and Rankings of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change

SCO AND WATER DIPLOMACY: IN PURSUIT OF COMMON INTERESTSTransforming water from an object of competition into a factor of...
23/08/2026

SCO AND WATER DIPLOMACY: IN PURSUIT OF COMMON INTERESTS

Transforming water from an object of competition into a factor of cooperation is a vital condition for regional stability.

Water is a precious resource and a source of life. It is not merely a natural resource but also a strategic factor that determines a country's food and energy security, economic development, environmental stability, and the well-being of its people.
Against this backdrop, there is a growing need for political dialogue and practical cooperation aimed at the rational, equitable, and mutually beneficial use of transboundary rivers and shared water resources. In other words, water diplomacy is needed to turn water into a tool of cooperation that brings states together rather than a source of conflict.
The founding documents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization list the rational use of natural resources, including water, environmental protection, and the implementation of joint ecological programs as main areas of cooperation. Therefore, the issue of water is not a topic that was later added to the SCO agenda, but one of the organization's initial priorities.
In recent years, the political and legal foundations of this area have been further strengthened. The SCO's Dushanbe and Samarkand Declarations identified access to safe drinking water and the integrated, rational management of water resources as important conditions for sustainable development.
At the seventh meeting of the heads of ministries and agencies of SCO member states responsible for environmental protection, held in Bishkek on April 3, 2026, issues of climate change adaptation, glacier preservation, and water resource management were discussed. This indicates that the topic of water is taking on an increasingly important role in the organization's practical agenda.
At the same time, representatives of the SCO member states are seeking practical solutions to water-related issues through meetings, consultations, and negotiations in various formats. On August 7, 2026, the 94th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) was held in the city of Turkestan, Republic of Kazakhstan.
The water management ministers and officials from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan reviewed proposals for water limits and operating regimes for reservoirs in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins for the 2026 growing season, as well as a plan to introduce an automated water accounting system in the Syr Darya basin. The development of the document was approved, and special working group is expected to be established by September of this year.
Furthermore, the parties discussed the implementation of the $20 million Regional Cooperation for Improving the Efficiency of Water Resources Use in Central Asian Countries (CAWEC) grant project, in partnership with the World Bank, as well as the ex*****on of tasks stemming from the decisions of the Council of Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
With the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), measures are being taken to implement a pilot project to automate the water resources monitoring and accounting system at transboundary water facilities between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
From August 10-12, 2026, a three-day regional training was held in Tashkent on the topic "Introduction of Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies and Digital Solutions in the Water Management Sector of Central Asia under Climate Change."
The training was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, within the framework of the National Water Resources Management Project in Uzbekistan and the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) project, with the participation of the "Suvchilar maktabi" (School of Water Professionals).
Water management specialists from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the event.
The primary objective of the event was to enhance the professional capacity of water management specialists from Central Asian countries, expand the mutual exchange of experience, and strengthen practical cooperation in the efficient use of water resources, the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, and the digitalization of the sector, as well as to familiarize them with the advanced solutions being implemented in Uzbekistan.
It is important to emphasize that Uzbekistan views water diplomacy not only as an instrument of foreign policy but also as a logical continuation of the large-scale reforms being implemented domestically. Indeed, to promote the idea of efficient water use in regional dialogue, each state must first reduce water waste within its own territory and establish a modern management system.
In his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that water scarcity is becoming an increasingly urgent global issue; for this reason, the rational use of water was elevated to the level of state policy from the very first days of the reforms.
The results achieved in the sector in recent years are reflected in the figures . In 2025, construction and reconstruction work was carried out at 258 irrigation and melioration facilities, and 723 kilometers of canals were lined with concrete. Additionally, 158 kilometers of irrigation and 303 kilometers of collector-drainage networks were built or reconstructed. As a result, the water supply for 364,000 hectares of land was improved, and the loss of more than 500 million cubic meters of water was prevented.
In 2026, a total of 2 trillion 199 billion soums were allocated from the state budget for construction and reconstruction work under 308 irrigation and melioration projects.
As of August 1 of the current year, construction work worth 1.3 trillion soums has been completed, which constitutes 59% of the established annual plan. Specifically, 637 kilometers of canals were lined with concrete and reconstructed. Furthermore, 52 kilometers of irrigation networks—flumes and pipes—and 27 hydraulic structures were built and reconstructed. To increase the energy efficiency of water management facilities and ensure uninterrupted water supply, pumping stations with a capacity of 13 m3/sec, 31 irrigation wells, 33 kilometers of pressure pipelines for pumping stations, and 268 kilometers of collector-drainage networks were built and reconstructed.
Significant progress is also being made in the introduction of water-saving technologies. By the end of 2025, the coverage of such technologies reached 2.6 million hectares, or 61% of irrigated areas. Of this, drip irrigation technology was introduced on 664,000 hectares. Thanks to these technologies, 3 billion cubic meters of water were saved. By the end of 2026, the goal is to increase the coverage of water-saving technologies to 3.1 million hectares and save 5 billion cubic meters of water. To date, water-saving technologies have been implemented on a total of 638,000 hectares across the republic.
These figures are significant not only for the national economy but also for the regional water balance. Every cubic meter of water saved in one country reduces the pressure on the entire basin. In this sense, lining irrigation canals with concrete and implementing water-saving technologies are not only national-level initiatives but also diplomatic contributions that strengthen regional trust.
To manage water effectively, it must be accurately measured. Where there is no accounting, it is difficult to assess savings, identify losses, and ensure fair distribution.
From this perspective, the digitalization efforts underway in Uzbekistan's water management sector not only increase the efficiency of domestic management but also create a technological foundation for the reliable exchange of transboundary water data in the future.
In 2025, the Center for Digitalization and Monitoring of Water Management was established, and a modern Situational Center was launched to consolidate industry data at a single point. Ten information systems were introduced. The "State Water Cadastre" and "Melioration" information systems were enhanced with the capability to analyze data, generate forecasts, and develop recommendations using artificial intelligence.
Forty-four sensors were installed in reservoirs, enabling remote monitoring of water levels and volumes. A design organization is conducting nationwide studies for the installation of 272 devices to measure water intake across the state border in real time, as well as for the installation of specialized equipment at 1,895 points for the online management and monitoring of inter-district water resources.
The significance of such projects goes beyond technical convenience. Reliable real-time data increases transparency in water distribution, reduces the human factor, and prevents contentious situations.
In the future, it may be possible to coordinate the national information systems of the SCO member states. This does not mean transferring all data to a single center. On the contrary, it envisions the formation of a mechanism for exchanging necessary hydrological indicators in an agreed-upon format, while respecting the sovereignty and national legislation of each state.
The water-energy-food nexus is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Within the framework of the SCO, it is advisable to form a permanent mechanism that integrates cooperation between water, energy, and agriculture agencies. Such a mechanism would enable the joint analysis of seasonal reservoir operation, electricity exchange, irrigation needs, and ecological flows.
The SCO region has accumulated extensive experience in using drip and sprinkler irrigation, canal lining, closed pipeline networks, smart water meters, energy-efficient pumps, and forecasting systems based on artificial intelligence.
By consolidating this experience, it is possible to implement model projects adapted to various climatic conditions. For example, within the SCO, it would be beneficial to establish pilot zones to demonstrate water-saving technologies, train specialists and farmers, and evaluate the results based on a unified methodology.
Sound decisions on water issues must be based on scientific research. Therefore, it is important to implement joint scientific programs among the research institutes, universities, and water management organizations of the SCO countries.
When managing water resources, considering only today's needs is insufficient. The impact of every decision on future generations, natural ecosystems, and the interests of neighboring states must also be thoroughly assessed.
Today, it is not enough to view water diplomacy solely as a means of preventing conflict. It must also stimulate economic development, attract investment, accelerate the exchange of technologies, and strengthen food and energy security.
The SCO is a major regional structure capable of uniting these opportunities. Cooperation within the Organization must transition from negotiations over water distribution to the stage of creating common economic benefits and ensuring sustainable development through water.
Indeed, water does not recognize state borders. Its flow interconnects the destinies, well-being, and futures of peoples.
The rational use of water is economic development, its just management is good neighborliness, and conserving every drop is our shared responsibility for the future.

Zokir Ishpulatov,
First Deputy Minister of Water Management of the
Republic of Uzbekistan

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