DUSHANBE, 22.03.2018. /NIAT “Khovar”/. On the sidelines of the opening of the launch event of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2018, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon received Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Chair of UN-Water / President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in New York.

At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the country Emomali Rahmon congratulated the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert F. Houngbo on his appointment as Chair of UN-Water.

The head of state noted that we must be aware of the importance of water to human development and its service for future generation and added that Tajikistan is an active country in advancing water issues and the launcher of most international initiatives in this field.

The Chair of UN-Water, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert F. Houngbo, in his turn, highly appreciated the merits of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, as a leader of initiator state in advancing water problems, efficient use of water resources calling the role and presence of the Head of State in the launch event of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2018 as decisive.

The sides noted successful initiatives of Tajikistan on declaring of International Year of Fresh Water (2003), International Decade of Action “Water for Life” (2005-2015) and the International Year of Water Cooperation (2013).

It was stressed that the objectives of the Decade consist in sustainable development, integrated water resources management (IWRM), implementation and promotion of relevant programs and projects, expansion of cooperation and partnership in all spheres. It can be said with confidence that the Decade will also aim to achieve sustainable development goals related to water resources and preserving this precious blessing for future generations.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.

President Emomali Rahmon invited the Chair of UN-Water, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert F. Houngbo to participate in the work of the International High-Level Conference on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 to be held from 20 to 22 June 2018 in Dushanbe.

As a sign of support of the global efforts of the Leader of the Nation His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, Gilbert F. Houngbo confirmed his readiness to participate in the International High-Level Conference on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028.