DUSHANBE, 23.03.2018. /NIAT “Khovar”/. In the sidelines of the launch of the International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028», the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon attended the High-level luncheon hosted by the President of the General Assembly and UN-DESA titled «In search of water energy nexus: SDG 6 and SDG 7 Synergy».

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon extended his sincere appreciation to organizers of today’s event and noted that Tajikistan in every possible way supports an idea of seeking water energy nexus and is willing to build strong cooperation with all stakeholders in promoting the best solutions in water and energy sector.

The President of the country pointed out that hydropower continues to be an important driving element for socio-economic development in many countries. Being endowed with tremendous water resources and immense hydropower potential, Republic of Tajikistan continuously declares its willingness to cooperate with all interested parties, and first of all, with neighboring countries, on efficient, mutually beneficial and rational use of water and energy resources in the interests of all countries of the region.

It was noted that shared use of this enormous potential would contribute to the comprehensive solution of a number of socio-economic and environmental challenges the Central Asia is facing.

In particular, first of all, it facilitates ensuring water security and guaranteed water supply for irrigation of lands in all Central Asian countries in droughty season (year) through construction of reservoirs that allow to regulate river runoff in long-run and short term seasons. Reservoirs may serve to prevent such disastrous hydro-meteorological phenomena as floods, mudflows and inundations.

Second, exploration of an immense hydropower potential of Tajikistan would enable providing the region with affordable and environmentally friendly electricity, thus helping to the achievement of SDG-7 in the region. Third, development of the country’s hydropower resources will likewise contribute to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions into the air.

To conclude the President of the country, Emomali Rahmon, expressed the hope that today’s event will be yet another milestone meeting advancing review of water and energy nexus, as well as help to draft specific recommendations on an integrated, effective and sustainable development of natural resources.