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Background

The Third High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 will be held from 10 to 13 June 2024 in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process.

The Dushanbe Water Process is an initiative of the Government of Tajikistan to support the implementation of the goals of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028” through a series of biennial conferences hosted by the Government of Tajikistan in close cooperation with the United Nations. Prime-minister of the Republic of Tajikistan and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs are the Co-Chairs of the conferences.

To date, two Dushanbe Water Conferences successfully have been held in 2018 and 2022 in Dushanbe. The Second Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference in 2022 played a significant role in shaping the themes of interactive dialogues of the UN 2023 Water Conference and launching the Water Action Agenda.

Within the sidelines of the Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference the Government of Tajikistan aims to provide a platform for monitoring and promoting the outcomes of the UN 2023 Water Conference.

Based on this, the program structure of the Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will follow that of the UN Water Conference, including five interactive dialogues that will comprehensively review progress made since the UN Water Conference in New York. The conference also includes a thorough assessment of the implementation of the Water Action Agenda.

Goals

The main objective of the Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference is to further enhance common efforts and support the implementation of voluntary commitments registered in the Water Action Agenda of the UN Water Conference, as well as to stimulate new partnerships and accelerate actions to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Dushanbe Conference also aims to share best practices and innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, promote the role of water in sustainable development, raise awareness and mobilize political will to accelerate progress towards achieving the water-related goals of the 2030 Agenda and contribute to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2024 and preparatory process of the UN Water Conference in 2026.

In particular, the 3rd Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will focus on:

– providing a platform to support the implementation of the goals and targets of the Water Action Decade, as well as for the follow up to the UN 2023 Water Conference;

– providing an update on the activities and actions indicated in the Final Declaration, the Co-Chairs’ Summary and the Call for Action and Partnerships of the 2nd Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference;

– accelerating the implementation of internationally agreed water-related goals and targets at the regional and national level, particularly through the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework;

– promoting science-based solutions and tools, including data, technologies and innovations;

– improving capacity building, knowledge and education through sharing information and best practices;

– showcasing successful partnerships, advocacy and networking actions by stakeholders at all levels towards the implementation of the goals and targets of the Water Action Decade;

– strengthening cooperation at different levels by promoting dialogue, partnership and cross-sectoral approaches.

The Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference will also provide a mechanism to encourage governments, the United Nations and all other partners to translate intentions into actions on the ground and catalyze new commitments to be registered in the Water Action Agenda.

Dates and venue

The Conference will be held on 10-13 June 2024 at Kokhi Somon, Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan.

Conference forums will be held prior to the official opening of the Conference. Venues for these events will be decided by the organizers separately.

Participation

The Conference is multi-stakeholder in nature and will bring together different groups and actors involved in the implementation of water-related goals and targets.

The Conference will gather high-level representatives of the UN member states, UN entities, international and regional organizations, international financial institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, academia, communities, local governments, and other stakeholders. To provide an opportunity for the promotion of integrated approaches and partnerships, participation of representatives from different sectors out of the water box is encouraged.

Format of participation

The Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference is expected to be a physical in-person event to ensure the highest level of interaction among participants, as well as widely broadcasted via YouTube and other channels.