Preliminary Findings on the Progress of Uzbekistan towards Achieving SDG 6 and Reducing Water Stress Discussed in Tashkent

March 12, 2026, Tashkent - A preparatory workshop on a thematic study aimed at accelerating Uzbekistan’s progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) was held in the UNDP conference hall. The event brought together the Deputy Minister of Water Management of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, as well as representatives of relevant ministries and agencies.

Each year, UN-Water selects three countries that have demonstrated significant progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals to be highlighted through case studies. In 2026, the selected countries are China, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Uzbekistan.

The main objective of the workshop in Tashkent was to discuss the preliminary findings and key messages of the study focusing on Uzbekistan. The thematic study serves as an important recognition of the progress the country has made toward achieving SDG 6. In particular, the study highlighted a significant reduction in water stress (SDG indicator 6.4.2), which decreased from 169% in 2018 to 122% in 2022. Total water withdrawal has also shown a steady decline, from 58,918 mcm in 2017 to 45,281 mcm in 2024. Participants also noted that this progress has been driven by several key factors, including substantial government investments (including in concreting canal), promotion of public–private partnerships, and financial support mechanisms. These include preferential loans provided through Agrobank (at interest rates of 10–14% for up to five years), as well as subsidies supporting the adoption of water-saving technologies.

The thematic study aims to encourage further action toward achieving SDG 6 in Uzbekistan and to share the country’s experience with other nations. Uzbekistan’s approach — combining financial instruments with capacity-building measures — may serve as a valuable example for countries facing water scarcity and managing closed drainage basins.

The final version of the study on Uzbekistan will be launched at the annual Special Event on SDG 6, to be held in July as part of the UN High-Level Political Forum.