BRIDGES OF KNOWLEDGE AND WATER: ITALY AND CENTRAL ASIA DEEPEN COOPERATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In the Joint Declaration adopted at the Italy-Central Asia Leaders' Summit (1+5 format) held on 30 May 2025 in Astana, the Heads of State advocated for enhanced knowledge exchange to more effectively address shared global challenges such as energy, water resources, sustainable agriculture, irrigation, healthcare, and connectivity. They also welcomed the establishment of Knowledge Networks between the countries of Central Asia and Italy.
On 19 June 2025, Ca' Foscari University of Venice hosted the international conference "Of Bridges and Nexuses: Italy-Central Asia Cooperation towards a Sustainable Future", which served as the first concrete step toward implementing the commitments made at the Summit and focused on developing robust Knowledge Networks between the two regions.
Organized by Ca' Foscari University with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the conference gathered representatives from academia, international organizations, public institutions, and the business sector. The agenda centered on key thematic areas of the Italy-Central Asia dialogue: water management, public health, sustainable agriculture, connectivity, and higher education.
Water as a Priority Focus
The opening session, "Water and Health", featured a presentation by Dr. Dinara Ziganshina, Director of SIC ICWC. Her intervention provided an overview of regional and national water governance initiatives in the Aral Sea Basin. Key highlights included achievements of the ICWC over the past 30 years; the status of national water management plans and strategies across Central Asian countries; Uzbekistan's accession to the UNECE Protocol on Water and Health, marking a milestone toward a cross-sectoral approach to water and health.
Special attention was given to the IKI Nexus project, funded by the Government of Germany, which promotes the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus approach. Within the project, Nexus Profiles are being developed for governmental institutions, analytical capacity is being strengthened, and cross-sectoral dialogue is being facilitated across the region.
Looking Ahead
Participants emphasized the importance of regular platforms for knowledge exchange, innovation, and best practices, supported the development of joint research and pilot projects, and expressed strong interest in continuing such multistakeholder events on a rotational and institutionalized basis. Regional water issues, they agreed, must remain central in the broader intergovernmental cooperation agenda.
About Ca' Foscari University
Founded in 1868, Ca' Foscari University is the oldest higher education institution in Venice and a leading center of academic excellence in economics, international relations, environmental science, and languages. The university actively promotes ecological research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international cooperation, including in the area of sustainable water governance, in line with the Triple Mission of universities: education, research, and societal engagement.
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