Dushanbe hosted a Water Festival and cultural program titled “Water – the Source of Humanity’s Life” on Monday evening as part of the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028.”

Held at Navruzgoh Culture and Recreation Park, the event brought together senior Tajik officials, international delegates, UN representatives, media and conference participants for an exhibition highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and water-centered development agenda.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Dilrabo Mansuri attended the festival alongside representatives of ministries and agencies, officials from the Dushanbe City Executive Authority and guests participating in the international water conference.

The festival featured displays from cities and districts across Tajikistan showcasing traditional handicrafts, including wood carving, jewelry making, atlas and adras weaving, gold embroidery, chakan embroidery, basket weaving and beadwork. National dishes and agricultural products — including fresh and dried fruits — were also presented to visitors.

Delegations toured exhibitions dedicated to folk crafts, agricultural products and Tajik cuisine before attending a cultural performance organized as part of the evening program.

The 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028,” is being held in Dushanbe from May 25 to 28 at the initiative of the Government of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations and international development partners.

The conference has brought together high-level representatives of governments, UN member states, international and regional organizations, financial institutions, academia, civil society and youth organizations to advance global dialogue on water security, sustainable development and climate resilience.

Participants are also expected to visit several regions of Tajikistan to explore the country’s natural landscapes, tourism potential and water and energy infrastructure.

A thematic exhibition dedicated to water resources is being held on the sidelines of the conference, highlighting Tajikistan’s hydro-energy capabilities and its efforts to use water resources as a driver of economic development and regional cooperation.

The event further reinforces Tajikistan’s growing international profile as a country with vast water resources and an active advocate for global water and climate initiatives.