DUSHANBE, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation in the field of water resources has become more urgent than ever against the backdrop of growing global challenges, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin said in a video message released Wednesday.
The message was dedicated to the 4th high-level International Conference on the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development," 2018-2028, to be held on May 25-28 in Dushanbe.
Muhriddin noted that humanity is currently facing multiple water-related challenges, including floods, droughts, water scarcity, pollution of freshwater systems and the rapid melting of glaciers driven by climate change. At the same time, demand for water continues to grow across cities, agriculture, industry and energy sectors, while climate risks are becoming increasingly severe and unpredictable.
The minister stressed that under these conditions, strengthening international cooperation in the water sector has never been more necessary. Sustainable water management contributes to ensuring food security, protecting public health, promoting clean energy, supporting economic growth and achieving sustainable development goals.
Muhriddin added that the upcoming conference will serve as an important platform to accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 and to strengthen international cooperation in the field of water resources, noting that joint efforts could help shape a more effective global water agenda in the years ahead.
