Uzbekistan presents experience in combating water shortages
In Stockholm, Uzbekistan presented measures to reduce water stress, implement water-saving technologies, and develop water diplomacy.
Uzbekistan shared its experience in combating water scarcity at World Water Week 2026, held in Stockholm. The country presented its achievements in reducing water resource scarcity, implementing water-saving technologies, and developing regional cooperation in this area, according to event materials.
Timur Butunbayev, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, spoke at a session titled "The New Water Agenda: Entering the Era of Global Water Bankruptcy." He emphasized that, despite the country's location in a region with high levels of water scarcity, measures taken in recent years are helping to reverse the negative trend.
In 2026, Uzbekistan, along with China and Sao Tome and Principe, was recognized as a country that had achieved significant progress in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 6. In Uzbekistan, the water stress indicator decreased from 169% in 2017 to 122% in 2022. By 2030, the country plans to reduce this figure to 95%.
At the same time, the use of water-saving technologies in agriculture is rapidly expanding. While in 2017, they were used on less than 1% of irrigated land, they are now used on 2.6 million hectares, representing over 60% of irrigated land.
According to data presented at an international forum, thanks to these measures, annual water savings have reached 11 billion cubic meters. By 2030, this figure is planned to increase to 15 billion cubic meters.
Butunbayev also spoke at the World Water Week session "UN Water Conference 2026: Space for Creating the Future," where he discussed water reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
During the discussions, it was noted that water resources management has become a strategic priority for the country. This area includes integrated management, sustainable financing, the implementation of modern technologies, digitalization, and the training of qualified specialists.
Special attention was paid to regional cooperation during World Water Week. Uzbekistan presented practical measures to develop cooperation between states on water resources and promote water diplomacy.