Water conference in Dushanbe underscores global deficit in clean water access

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, served as the center of global water dialogue once again as the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the Decade of Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028” convened from May 25 to 28, 2026. Organized by the government of Tajikistan, the UN, and international partners, the event brought together approximately 2,500 participants, including representatives from 110 countries, 75 international organizations, and 170 NGOs and academic institutions.

The conference agenda focused on critical issues such as access to clean water and sanitation, sustainable water resource management, transboundary cooperation, financing, and the interconnectedness of water, climate, and development. President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan emphasized the conference's role within the ongoing Dushanbe Water Process, underscoring the high international interest in addressing global water challenges.

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The remaining years of the Decade cannot proceed on a “business as usual” basis.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the stark reality that the world is lagging behind the ambitious targets set by Sustainable Development Goal 6. UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, reported that 2.2 billion people still lack access to clean drinking water, and 3.5 billion lack safe sanitation conditions. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for accelerated action in the remaining years of the Water Decade.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, stressed that the current pace is insufficient, stating that the remaining years of the Decade cannot proceed on a “business as usual” basis. The outcomes and discussions from the Dushanbe conference are set to be integrated into the broader UN Water Agenda, contributing to preparations for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference and the final review of the Water Decade in 2028.

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2.2 billion people still lack access to clean drinking water, and 3.5 billion people do not have safe sanitation conditions.