On September 18, 2023, Dr. Сarolinе Milow, Manager of the Green Central Asia Program of GIZ, took part in the round table organized by the International Institute of Central Asia in Tashkent which was organized after the results of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia, as well as the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
Speaking at Session 2 “On the outcomes of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) Summit”, Dr. Milow noted the crucial importance of regional cooperation especially concerning integrated water resources management in light of of a very concerning climate change in Central Asia. She also emphasized the often missing basin approach in water resources management. The Central Asian countries are all working on national strategies, which is very important to organise and pool resources; unfortunately, quite often, these strategies are not fully compatible with each other, and silo thinking is still prevailing. In Uzbekistan, the water management/water supply and sanitation sector working group chaired by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services and co-chaired by the Swiss Development Agency is actively working to coordinate and bring about integrated water resources management and increase water efficiency, which is crucial for the future. The group comprises of all relevant ministries as well as engaged international and donor organisations. Dr. Milow also mentioned the importance of including the views and active participation of women and Youth in all public processes concerning water. She also mentioned the progress in drafting a regional climate change adaptation strategy for Central Asia, which should be presented in the regional Central Asia pavilion at CoP 28 in Dubai in December this year.
Dr. Caroline Milow was also interviewed by local journalists.
