Environment Minister Taraba visits Azerbaijan for World Urban Forum

Slovakia's commitment to international cooperation in water management was highlighted during Minister of Environment Tomáš Taraba's working visit to Azerbaijan. The minister's participation in the World Urban Forum (WUF13), a significant United Nations event held for the first time in the Caucasus, underscores Slovakia's proactive stance on global environmental issues.

Taraba's agenda included crucial bilateral discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other high-ranking officials. These meetings focused on strengthening ties and exploring avenues for collaboration, particularly in the realm of water diplomacy. The minister articulated a vision where Slovakia, a nation rich in water resources, can serve as a valuable partner for countries facing water scarcity.

"Slovakia is rich in water, and the world has little of it," Taraba stated, emphasizing the potential for technical cooperation and knowledge exchange in water management. This initiative positions Slovakia not just as a recipient of international aid but as a provider of expertise and solutions. The emphasis on water diplomacy is strategic, aiming to open doors to new forms of international partnership and enhance Slovakia's global standing in environmental stewardship. The World Urban Forum itself provides a critical platform for these discussions, fostering dialogue on sustainable urban development and resilience in a changing world.

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Slovakia is rich in water, and the world has little of it. There are states that have to manage every drop, and Slovakia can be an inspiration and a good partner for technical cooperation and exchange of knowledge in water management.