How can water resources management in Central Asia become more efficient under climate change? This question was at the heart of a panel session organized by the regional programme of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, within the framework of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES) – 2026.
The session brought together representatives of water authorities from all five Central Asian countries, along with international organizations, financial institutions, and experts to discuss not only challenges but also concrete solutions. The focus was on practical measures from digital technologies and smart irrigation to improved water accounting and reduction of losses.
Participants emphasized that the region is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including increasing water scarcity, growing pressure on agriculture, and more complex water management conditions. In this context, scalable and actionable solutions that can be implemented in the near term are becoming increasingly important.
Representatives of Central Asian countries shared their national priorities for the coming years, while development partners presented available support instruments ranging from technical assistance to financing opportunities. Special attention was given to the use digital tools to support more informed and timely decision-making.
A key outcome of the session was a shared commitment to move from dialogue to action. Participants agreed to develop a portfolio of joint pilot initiatives for 2026–2027. Priority areas include digitalization of water management, promotion of water-saving technologies, and modernization of infrastructure.
GIZ will continue to support countries in the region in implementing these initiatives through capacity development, project preparation, and hands-on support for piloting and scaling solutions.
The session marked another important step toward strengthening regional cooperation and advancing sustainable water management solutions in Central Asia.
