The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has urged governments and global partners to move from water commitments to practical action as countries work toward achieving water security goals.
At the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, representatives from more than 100 countries discussed the growing gap between global promises and real-world delivery.
The UN Water Action Decade, running from 2018 to 2028, aims to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all. However, progress remains uneven, with integrated water resources management implementation still facing major challenges worldwide.
IWMI Director General Mark Smith highlighted that water is connected to food security, climate resilience, economic stability, environmental protection, and peace. He called for stronger focus on practical solutions rather than additional commitments without implementation.
IWMI identified three key priorities for accelerating progress: better water intelligence, stronger connections between water and food systems, and improved governance.
During the conference, IWMI launched the Water Governance Accelerator, a platform designed to help governments, river basin organizations, and development partners improve water management through scientific expertise, digital tools, economic analysis, and climate information.
The initiative aims to strengthen accountability and support action at national, regional, and transboundary levels by helping countries turn water policies into measurable results.
The conference also highlighted the importance of cooperation over shared water resources. IWMI, along with international partners, organized discussions focused on transboundary water management in Central Asia, bringing together representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Participants emphasized that trust, data sharing, inclusive decision-making, and institutional cooperation are essential for managing shared rivers and improving regional stability.
With upcoming global water discussions approaching, IWMI aims to contribute research, partnerships, and innovative solutions that can help countries respond to climate risks and growing water pressures.
The organization stressed that the success of global water efforts will ultimately depend not on the number of promises made, but on whether water security improves for communities, farmers, and ecosystems facing increasing challenges.
