Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action“Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028

ORGANIZERSThe Second High-Level International Conference on the International
Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028
is organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan withthe support of the United Nations and other partners.
In order to successfully convene the Second High-Level International
Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for
Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, the Government of the
Republic of Tajikistan established the Organizing Committee under
the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan,
H.E. Mr. Qohir Rasulzoda.

SECRETARIAT
Address: 33 Sheroz str., Dushanbe 734001, Republic of Tajikistan
Phone: +992 (37) 227-68-43
E-mail: secretariat@dushanbewaterprocess.org

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Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action“Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028

BACKGROUND
Today, per capita freshwater availability is diminishing. Over the past four
decades, it dropped by one-third. According to UN-Water’s World Water
Development Report (2018), by 2050, between 4.8 billion and 5.7 billion people
out of 9 billion will live in areas that are water-scarce for at least one montheach year, up from 3.6 billion today, while the number of people at risk of floods
will increase to 1.6 billion, up from 1.2 billion today.
Water is a powerful tool for cooperation and dialogue in support of sustainable
development and safer and resilient societies. However, there is a need for more
effective, integrated and coordinated actions, coupled with strong political will.
All stakeholders, including those in government, international organizations,civil society, the private sector and academia, should be engaged, paying special
attention to the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable people, leaving no one
behind.
To bridge the achievement gap, the United Nations launched the SDG 6 Global
Acceleration Framework. The Framework emphasizes that there are many
examples from around the world which prove that dramatic gains are possible
and that some of the solutions are inexpensive, effective and can be quickly
deployed. The Framework aims at delivering fast results at an increased scale.
Coordinated by UN-Water, the Framework is driven by country demand andwill unify the international community’s support to countries to achieve SDG 6.
Action is driven by five accelerators: financing, data and information, capacity
development, innovation, and governance.
Mobilizing political will and commitments to address water issues worldwide
plays a crucial role. Equally important are forward-thinking and a willingness topromote innovative ways to approach local, national, regional and international
water cooperation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. Open discussions
about the issues shaping water resources management today and public
participation in decision-making, including, among others, of women, youth,minorities, migrants, refugees and persons with disabilities, can stimulate
cooperative solutions and actions. Promoting a culture of consultation anddialogue, increasing participatory engagement and partnership will help todeliver benefits for all.

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Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action“Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028

WATER ACTION DECADEAND THE DUSHANBE WATER PROCESSIn December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly declared the period
2018-2028 as the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable
Development” (hereinafter Water Action Decade), which aims at supporting
sustainable development and integrated management of water resources, while
promoting cooperation and partnerships to support achieving internationallyagreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. On 22 March 2018, the United Nations
Secretary General’s Plan for the Water Action Decade was released duringa High-Level Launch Event, convened by the President of the 73rd United
Nations General Assembly. The plan outlines current activities and capabilitiesof the UN system and international organizations and the operational setup
envisaged to support Member States in the implementation of the Water
Action Decade.
In this connection, the Government of Tajikistan, committed to continue
providing a platform for policy dialogue, partnership and action at the global,
regional and national level, is organizing, with the support of the United
Nations and other partners, high-level international conferences throughout
the Water Action Decade. This series of events constitutes the so-called“Dushanbe Water Process”. As part of this process, the First High-level
International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for
Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028 (First Dushanbe Water Action Decade
Conference) was held in Dushanbe on 20-21 June 2018. The outcomes of theConference included recommendations to the UN High-level Political Forumon Sustainable Development that took place in 2018, for its in-depth reviewof the implementation of SDG 6. The Final Declaration of the First Dushanbe
Conference confirmed the focus of the next conference to be on “Catalyzingwater action and partnership at the local, national, regional and global levels”
to achieve the goals of the Water Action Decade and other water-related SDGs
and targets. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemics, the Second Dushanbe
Water Action Decade Conference had to be postponed to 2022. Taking into
account the rapidly evolving development challenges, and the fact that thecoronavirus disease demonstrated a crucial role of the safe and affordable
drinking water, and adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene whichshould be available, accessible, and affordable to all, as well as importanceof water for economic recovery the Conference planned for 2022 will havea renewed focus on “Catalyzing water action and partnership at the local,
national, regional and global levels” for the water-smart recovery path in the
post-COVID world.

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The importance of the Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference wasfurther reaffirmed at the global level through the adopted UN GA resolution
75/212, indicating it as the key preparatory event for the United Nations
Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of
the Objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable
Development”, 2018-2028. The Midterm Review Conference will takeplace from 22 to 24 March 2023 in New York and will be co-hosted by theGovernments of Tajikistan and the Netherlands. The resolution calls on theoffer of the Government of Tajikistan to use the Dushanbe Water Action Decade
Conference in 2022 as a platform to support an effective preparation for the
Midterm comprehensive review. The Conference in Dushanbe shall also ensure
linkages with other water-related meetings that may serve to provide input forthe preparatory process of the Midterm Conference, e.g. high-level symposium
on water during the UN Ocean Conference, Bonn Water Dialogue for Results,
Asia-Pacific Water Summit and the 9th World Water Forum.
The Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference is organized by theGovernment of Tajikistan with the support of the United Nations and will beheld from 6 to 9 June 2022. The Conference will be co-chaired by the Prime
Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan and the United Nations Under-SecretaryGeneral for Economic and Social Affairs.

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OBJECTIVESThe Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will focus on how
governments, the United Nations and its entities, other international andregional organizations, international financial institutions, the private sector,
civil society organizations, academia, communities, local governments andother stakeholders can catalyze water action and partnerships to contribute to
the implementation of water-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, the Paris Climate Agreement, the Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Risk Reduction, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing forDevelopment and the New Urban Agenda at all levels, while supporting the
global response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will also serve asa platform for soliciting and consolidating inputs in preparation of theUnited Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the
Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action,“Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028 in 2023 in New York (UN2023 Water Conference) and will feed the upcoming UN High-level Political
Forum on Sustainable Development.

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In particular, the Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will focus on:• Providing an update on the activities and actions indicated in the
Final Declaration, the Co-Chairs’ Summary and the Call for Action andPartnerships of the First Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference, coorganized by the Government of Tajikistan and the United Nations;• Accelerating the implementation of internationally agreed water-related
goals and targets at the regional and national level, particularly throughthe SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework;• Promoting science-based solutions and tools, including data, technologies
and innovations;• Improving capacity building, knowledge and education through sharing
information and best practices;• Showcasing successful partnerships, advocacy and networking actions bystakeholders at all levels;• Strengthening cooperation at different levels by promoting dialogue,
partnership and cross-sectoral approaches.
The Conference in 2022 will also provide a mechanism to encourage
governments, the United Nations and all other partners to translate goodintentions into actions on the ground.

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Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action“Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To facilitate an inclusive preparation for the Conference, as well as to develop
a comprehensive program and outcome documents of the Conference, anInternational Advisory Committee (IAC), involving the representatives of thepartner governments, United Nations institutions, international and regional
institutions, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders has been
established. IAC members represent a diverse group of stakeholders.
The International Steering Committee (ISC) of the Group of Friends of Water in
New York is engaged in the preparation of the Conference through its regularmeetings, convened by Permanent Missions to the United Nations.

OUTCOMES
In continuity with past events, this Conference will produce a Final Declaration
and a Co-chair’s Summary, as well as a compendium of actions, partnerships
and other initiatives, presented during the Conference.
The outcome documents of the Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade
Conference will consolidate critical views of the stakeholders on key actions andpartnerships necessary to take the water sector agenda forward globally andprovide valuable inputs to the preparation of the UN 2023 Water Conferencein New York. The outcomes of the Conference will be presented to the 77th
session of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations HighLevel Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

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FORMAT AND PARTICIPATION MODALITIESThe Conference is multi-stakeholder in nature and will bring together different
groups and actors involved in the implementation of water-related goals andtargets.
The Conference will gather high-level representatives of the UN member
states, UN institutions, international and regional organizations, international
financial institutions, businesses, river basin authorities, local governments,
non-governmental organizations, civil society, academia and media. To provide
an opportunity for the promotion of integrated approaches and partnerships,
participation of representatives from different sectors out of water box is
encouraged.
Given the uncertainties associated with the realities of the COVID-19 and a
global nature of the planned event, while the Second Dushanbe Water Action
Decade Conference is expected to be physical in-person event to ensure thehighest level of interaction among participants, the format of the Conference
will be adjusted to allow for a combination of carefully planned offline, online
and potentially hybrid events, as needed. Format of the Conference sessions
will be defined based on the availability of the speakers, required level ofinteraction between online and offline participants, with the view of ensuring
inclusive approach to participation and wide outreach. Preparation of theConference will be completed mostly online. The Conference will incorporate
safety measures for preventing COVID-19 transmission; specific standard
operating procedures for the prevention, containment and management of
COVID-19 will be communicated closer to the event.

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DATES AND VENUEThe Conference will be held from 6 to 9 June 2022 in Dushanbe, Republic of
Tajikistan.
The Conference forums will take place on 6 June 2022. The venue for these
events will be determined by the organizers separately.
The opening and closing ceremonies, plenary session, thematic and interactive
panels will be held on 7-8 June 2022.

REGISTRATION
Registration is free of charge. Online registration is available on the website of
the conference: www.dushanbewaterprocess.org
The registration deadline is 6 May 2022.

LANGUAGES
The working languages of the Conference are English and Russian (simultaneoustranslation will be provided). Translation into other UN official languages will be
provided to the possible extent for the Opening Ceremony and Closing Session.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
The Conference program includes opening and closing ceremonies, a plenary
session, thematic and interactive panels, special forums for regional and majorgroups, as well as side events. Cultural events including an exhibition will also
be organized.

PLENARY SESSION
The Plenary session will provide an opportunity for the Heads of Delegation
to make political statements. Guidelines to make statements consistent with
the Water Action Decade and SDG 6 will be provided to Heads of Delegations
through diplomatic channels, as appropriate.
The Plenary Session will also include a presentation on the progress madetowards objectives of the Water Action Decade.

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REGIONAL AND MAJOR GROUPS FORUMSThe Forums will be held before the opening ceremony of the Conference andwill provide focused engagement of different regions, women, youth and othermajor groups, in the manner consistent with objectives of the Conference.
The objective of the Forums is to create an additional platform for broader
discussion of water-related issues among specific types of stakeholders or incertain regions.
The Forums make it possible to involve different types of stakeholders,
including women, youth, indigenous people, professional groups, scholars,
private sector and others in the implementation of the water agenda with afocus on catalyzing water action and partnership at the local, national, regionaland global level. Factual and relevant deliberations, findings and solutions may
effectively contribute to the theme of the Conference and address the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the SDG 6 Global Acceleration
Framework.
The Forums will provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on theoutcomes of the First Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference in theirnarrow context. The outcomes of the Forums will be presented at the Plenary
session and reflected in the outcome documents of the Second Dushanbe
Water Action Decade Conference.

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Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action“Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028

THEMATIC AND INTERACTIVE PANELSThe Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference includes twelve
Thematic and Interactive Panels. The Panels will focus on SDG 6, other water
related goals, the goals of the Water Action Decade and the areas on means of
implementation. The Panels are co-organized by partners of the Dushanbe Water
Process, including Member States, United Nations agencies and programs, otherinternational and regional organizations, international financial institutions,other development partners, private companies, as well as academia and nongovernmental organizations. As a general rule, each Panel will be co-organizedby two partners. They will cover the following issues:
Three Thematic Panels on Water for Health and People (WHP)• Increasing water-health nexus for responding to the challenges of the postCOVID world (WHP1)• Accelerating access to safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
conditions, leaving no one behind (WHP2)• Advancing water sustainability in urban and rural areas (WHP3)
Three Thematic Panels on Water for Livelihoods and Inclusive Economic Growth(WEG)• Promoting integrated water resources management, water efficiency andvaluing water (WEG1)• Accelerating the water-energy-food nexus in post-COVID recovery (WEG2)• Transboundary water cooperation for inclusive economic growth andsustainability (WEG3)
Three Thematic Panels on Water, Environment and Climate Resilience (WEC)• Promoting nature-based water solutions, water quality and ecosystems(WEC1)• Resilient infrastructure and disaster risk reduction (WEC2)• Water resources and climate: reinforcing the interlinkages (WEC3)
Three Interactive Panels on Education, Technology, Awareness and Knowledge(ETAK)• Promoting science-based water solutions, tools and technology (ETAK1)• Moving out of water box and promoting integration at all levels (ETAK2)• Improving knowledge, education and communication (ETAK3)
The outcomes of the Panels will be presented at the Closing session. They will
also be reflected in the outcome documents of the Second Dushanbe Water
Action Decade Conference.

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CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES: SDG 6 GLOBAL ACCELERATIONFRAMEWORK AND WATER ACTION DECADEAll Forums and Panels will be organized in an inclusive approach and address thefive dimensions of the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework as cross-cutting
issues: financing, data and information, capacity development, innovation andgovernance, as well as the objectives of the Water Action Decade.

SIDE EVENTSThe Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will provide
opportunities for interested parties to organize side events on relevant matters/
issues on the sidelines of the Conference.

EXHIBITION
An exhibition will be organized at the sidelines of the Conference. Partners
interested in organizing their thematic booths shall contact the Conference
Secretariat for more information.

FIELD TRIPS
Participants will be invited to participate in a tour/field trip the day after the
Conference to get acquainted with the cases of integrated and sustainable water
resources management in Tajikistan. Participants who plan to arrive before theConference or stay longer and wish to visit other parts of Tajikistan can contact
the Conference Secretariat for more information.

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Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action“Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028

ABOUT TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan is a country in Central Asia which borders on the west and north with
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, on the south with Afghanistan, and on the east with
China. Total area of the territory of the country is 142,600 km².
Tajikistan is a typical mountainous country with absolute heights from 300 to
7,495 m. 93% of its territory is occupied by mountains. The majority of the
population and economic activities of Tajikistan are concentrated on 7% of its
territory, in the valleys.
By 1 January 2021, the population of Tajikistan estimated 9.5 million people,
26.4% of which live in cities and 73.6% in rural areas. The average annual
population growth is about 2.5% per year.
Tajikistan ranks the first in Central Asia in terms of water resources. More than
80% of the runoff of the Amudarya and 1% of the Syr Darya River is formed in
Tajikistan. In general, it provides 64 km³ per year or 55.4% of the water resourcesof the Aral Sea basin. The total volume of glaciers of the country is more than
845 km³, underground waters reach 18.7 km³ per year, and lake waters reach46.3 km³.
With very little oil and gas reserves, difficulties for industrial developmentof coal fields, Tajikistan possesses vast inexhaustible reserves of hydropower
resources. By estimations of experts, these reserves are approximately 527
billion kWh of electricity per year. The potential exceeds three times the existing
electricity consumption of the whole of Central Asia. With the efficient use ofthis potential, the region can be provided with affordable and environmentallyclean electricity.

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