Bridging Climate and Water for a Greener Central Asia
Last week, I had the privilege of joining the Samarkand International Climate Forum, where leaders and experts from across Central Asia and the EU came together to discuss one of the region’s most urgent challenges: the growing impact of climate change on water resources. Held alongside the EU–Central Asia Summit, the Forum offered a powerful reminder that climate resilience in this region must start with water. From shrinking glaciers to rising demand, water scarcity is intensifying — and with it, the pressure to act collectively.
The Power of Dialogue and Cooperation
At SIWI, we’ve long believed in the power of transboundary water cooperation as a lever for both sustainable development and peace. That’s why our participation in Samarkand focused on climate and water diplomacy, with insights drawn from our flagship programme, Shared Waters Partnership. These discussions reinforced a central message: regional collaboration and diplomacy are no longer optional — they are essential. Shared water resources connect us, across borders and interests. Through science-based policy, open dialogue, and mutual trust, we can turn shared challenges into shared solutions.
Forests, Water, and a Sustainable Future
The Forum also served as a platform for promising announcements — including one that links directly to SIWI’s work on forest and landscape restoration. The World Bank’s $153 million investment in Uzbekistan to restore forests and degraded lands is a landmark step. The Restoration of Sustainable Landscapes in Uzbekistan project will not only expand forest cover and strengthen food systems, but also promote transboundary cooperation in restoring natural ecosystems. Covering six regions and supporting reforestation, local livelihoods, and ecotourism, this initiative complements the climate–water agenda beautifully. Healthy forests mean healthier watersheds, stronger biodiversity, and more resilient communities — a vision we fully support at SIWI.
What Comes Next
In Samarkand, the message was clear: climate action must be rooted in collaboration, resilience, and inclusivity. As we move forward, SIWI will continue to work alongside partners in Central Asia and beyond to support regional dialogue, sustainable water governance, and the restoration of ecosystems that sustain life. This is how we build peace through water — and grow hope from the ground up.
