DUSHANBE, 15.03.2018. /NIAT «Khovar»/. On March 14, 2018, the High-level Panel on Water (HLPW) issued the Outcome Document: Not a Single Water Drop to Spare: Agenda for Water Action, which summarizes the recommendations of the HLPW and its initiatives in addressing water issues at the local, country and regional levels, and in the Global Development Agenda.

United Nations Secretary-General and President of the World Bank Group convened a High Level Panel on Water (HLPW), consisting of 11 sitting Heads of State and Government, in particular Mauritius, Mexico, Australia, Bangladesh, Hungary, Jordan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Africa, Senegal and Tajikistan, as well as one Special Adviser, Dr. Han Seung-soo, Minister of the Republic of Korea.

Taking into account the active role and merits of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon in advancing water problems in the global Agenda, he was invited to become a member of this Panel and to make his valuable contribution to provide the leadership required to champion a comprehensive, inclusive and collaborative way of developing and managing water resources, and improving water and sanitation related services.

The HLPW action areas include the main recommendations and new initiatives that were developed by the HLPW members. Together, the action areas represent a comprehensive and integrated approach to helping ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6), as well as contribute to the achievement of the other SDGs that rely on the development and management of water resources.

The recommendations, in the first place, are aimed at political leaders and public opinion makers who represent both the public and private sectors that can determine and influence water policy.

The final document of the HLPW consists of three parts: 1) the basis for action; 2) an integrated agenda for action at the local, country and regional levels; and 3) accelerating the change, building partnerships and international cooperation at the global level.

The HLPW recommendations emphasize the importance of giving value to water and understanding its social, cultural, economic and natural values, an integrated approach to managing water resources, increasing the volume and efficiency of investments in water infrastructure, promoting innovation, expanding international cooperation using the Panels’ initiatives, including — the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028, as a platform for dialogue on policy development, exchange of best practices and creation of a global partnership.

The Tajikistani Initiative within the framework of the HLPW — the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028 is one of the important initiatives adopted by the UN General Assembly resolution and serves as a timely basis for the implementation of the recommendations and other initiatives of the HLPW.

The recommendations of the HLPW also call upon all stakeholders to join the preparation of a water management tool and to strengthen work in this direction, which has already been launched in a number of countries. Governments play a leading role in addressing water issues, including aspects of cross-border cooperation. Nevertheless, an important role is also assigned to civil society and the private sector by international organizations in the solution of water problems at the global and local levels.

The document also highlights the human rights of access to safe drinking water and sanitation and notes that the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028 will mobilize financial and other resources for the implementation of water projects and programs, will create a platform for cooperation and partnership at all levels, in order to contribute to the achievement of the internationally agreed goals and objectives in the field of water resources.

The members of the Panel and the participating countries declare their commitment to action on water and invite leaders, as well as politicians, leaders from civil society and the private sector to seek creative ways and joint solutions.

Source: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/HLPWater