SIC ICWC Participates in the 2nd Technical Multi-Stakeholder Workshop under the Protocol on Water and Health and the 4th Meeting of the Inter-Institutional Working Group on the Prevention of Water Pollution and Tailings Safety in Uzbekistan

On 30 June – 1 July 2026, Tashkent hosted two important events: the 2nd Technical Multi-Stakeholder Workshop under the Protocol on Water and Health and the 4th Meeting of the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IWG) on the Prevention of Water Pollution and Tailings Safety in Uzbekistan. The events brought together representatives of government institutions, international organizations, and the scientific community to address measures for further improving water management, preventing environmental pollution, and enhancing resilience to environmental risks. SIC ICWC was represented by experts Z. Yarullina and D. Usmankhodjaev.

The technical workshop, held on 30 June focused on reviewing and refining Uzbekistan's draft national targets under the Protocol on Water and Health, taking into account comments and recommendations from national and international experts. Participants exchanged international lessons and discussed further steps to strengthen national policies on safe drinking water, sanitation, and public health. Particular attention was paid to strengthening intersectoral coherence, improving monitoring systems, and advancing the achievement of the country's targets under the Protocol.

On 1 July, participants convened for the 4th Meeting of the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IWG), where they reviewed progress in implementing measures to prevent water pollution from industrial facilities and to improve tailings safety. The meeting also focused on the implementation of the Roadmap for Uzbekistan's accession to the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents. During the meeting, the 2026 work plan of IWG was presented. Participants discussed current challenges and identified priority areas for strengthening cooperation among relevant ministries, government agencies, and international partners. Particularly, international expert Elizaveta Rubach delivered a presentation " UNECE Convention on Industrial Accidents: Key Requirements, Benefits, and Implications of Accession." In an online session, Daisuke Maruiti, Economic Affairs Officer at UN ESCAP, presented "Risk Mapping Integrating Natural Hazards and Tailings Dams in Central Asia on a Single Map, and the ESCAP Risk and Resilience Portal".

Following the events, participants reaffirmed the importance of enhancing inter-institutional coordination, implementing international standards for environmental risk management, and promoting scientific and technical cooperation. They emphasized that close collaboration among government institutions, the expert community, and international organizations is essential for ensuring environmental safety, promoting sustainable water management, and protecting public health.

The workshop marked another important step toward advancing Uzbekistan's national priorities in environmental protection and sustainable development and strengthening international cooperation in preventing water pollution and ensuring environmental safety in Uzbekistan.