The Fourth International High-Level Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028,” concluded in Dushanbe, with officials highlighting strengthened global cooperation on water and climate issues, Tajikistan’s prime minister said Tuesday.

Kokhir Rasulzoda, who chairs the national organizing committee, said the conference served as a global platform to advance sustainable water management, expand partnerships and accelerate progress toward U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 6.

He said discussions focused on integrated water resources management, access to safe water and sanitation, transboundary cooperation and financing for water-related initiatives, alongside links between water security, climate change, ecosystems and development goals.

Rasulzoda noted that thematic sessions and forums brought together governments, U.N. agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, scientists, civil society groups, youth and private-sector representatives.

Special attention was given to inclusive participation, including women, youth and academic institutions, as well as innovation and technology in water management, he said.

According to organizers, more than 2,500 participants from 110 countries attended the event, along with representatives of 75 international and regional organizations and 170 NGOs and academic institutions.

The conference adopted the Dushanbe Declaration and will prepare a co-chairs’ summary and contributions to the 2026 U.N. Water Conference.

Officials said the outcomes are expected to feed into preparations for the 2026 U.N. Water Conference and the broader Water Action Decade leading up to 2028, with Tajikistan pledging continued engagement in global water diplomacy.