DUSHANBE, 21.03.2026 (NIAT Khovar) – On 19 March 2026, a high-level event entitled ‘Water and Gender Equality: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows’ was held at the United Nations Headquarters to mark World Water Day, Khovar reported, citing Tajik MFA Information Department.

At the opening ceremony, the event was addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr.Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, the President of the UN Economic and Social Council, Mr.Lok Bahadur Thapa, Deputy Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Mr.Li Junhua and Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund Ms.Catherine Russell.

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan emphasized the importance of water-related issues and noted that the Republic of Tajikistan remains committed to promoting the goals of the Decade of Water Action and supporting global efforts to strengthen cooperation, share best practices, and accelerate progress towards the water-related Sustainable Development Goals.

S. Muhriddin also paid special attention to the role of women in water management. In this regard, he noted that within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process, several thematic forums are regularly held, including the International Forum “Women and Water”, which is aimed at strengthening the role of women in water management and promoting inclusive participation in water-related decision-making, is held.

Furthermore, the audience was informed about the preparations for the Fourth International High-Level Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028”, to be held in Dushanbe. It was noted that the conference serves as a timely milestone for advancing the implementation of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028”, and will make a significant contribution as an important platform for preparing for the UN Water Conference in 2026, to be co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.

In conclusion, S. Muhriddin invited all participants to actively participate in the Fourth International Water Conference in Dushanbe in May 2026.