UN General Assembly
2009

the cross-flow of water and energy resources between upstream countries that are rich in water resources and downstream countries where hydrocarbon deposits are primarily located would promote long-term mutually beneficial cooperation among those States. Having put forward the idea of using safe drinking water from Lake Sarez to meet the needs of the population of the entire region, we propose specific measures in that area. We hope that the United Nations and other international organizations, regional commissions and relevant institutions can offer constructive and unwavering assistance on that issue, which is of utmost significance to our region. As the initiator of the International Year of Freshwater 2003 and the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015, Tajikistan believes that it is of paramount importance to expedite the implementation of the United Nations water agenda and to enhance it by achieving the Decade goals. World Water Day on 22 March 2010 will mark the fifth year since the commencement of the Water Decade. In that regard, Tajikistan proposes holding on that day a high-