DUSHANBE, 19.06.2018 /NIAT “Khovar”/. Within the framework of the International High-Level Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 to be held in Dushanbe on June 20 — 22, the Children’s Water Forum was held today, June 19 in the National Library of Tajikistan. This event was jointly organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNICEF, NIAT “Khovar” correspondent Christina ERLICH reports.

The festive opening ceremony of the Children’s Water Forum was attended by the First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan Rahmatullo Mirboboev, the head of UNICEF Office in Tajikistan Luciano Calestini, as well as over 350 national and international partners, children and adolescents interested in water, sanitation and hygiene issues and their impact on the better future of each child.

During the event, it was noted that over the past decade, Tajikistan has played a significant leading role at the international level in uniting Member States to ensure safe water and sanitation for children, mothers and families. Undoubtedly, access to safe water and sanitation is now a global development priority and a prerequisite for sustainable, equitable and prosperous communities. SDG 6 is an evidence of this international commitment.

It was also said that the Children’s Water Forum is organized for that every child everywhere had access to safe water and sanitation.

The Children’s Water Forum had three main components. The first component was held in the form of a round table with the participation of boys and girls entitled “Voices of Children”. The second component was a discussion panel on the early development of children in water, sanitation and hygiene issues under the title “Best investments on Earth” and the third component entitled “Youth Innovative Solutions” and aimed at solving local problems in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene.

One of the forum main components was an exhibition, showcasing the 14 best projects of the Youth Innovation Challenge, organized in Tajikistan to bring together the most innovative WASH solutions, designed by adolescent girls and boys.

The event also provided an opportunity to hear the voice of children and adolescent girls and boys from across Tajikistan on WASH issues. The forum culminate became the award ceremony for the best three projects of the Youth Innovation Challenge.

It is expected that the Children’s Water Forum will play an important role on the way to achieving the main goal of the 2030 Global Agenda – “Leaving no one behind”.