Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable water cooperation in Central Asia
Switzerland has been actively supporting sustainable water management in Central Asia for over 30 years. As a trusted partner in the region, the country has funded a variety of initiatives, including the flagship Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative, support for national water reforms in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and the development of regional platforms. Switzerland also contributes to climate adaptation strategies, modern water information systems, and basin-level cooperation, fostering stability and sustainable development across the region. These efforts are further reinforced through water diplomacy and dialogue, helping to transform shared water challenges into opportunities for cooperation and peace. Additionally, Switzerland supports education and training initiatives to build local capacity and ensure long-term impact.
Key areas of engagement:
Transboundary water cooperation: SDC facilitates dialogue among Central Asian countries to promote equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources. This includes support for institutional frameworks and regional platforms that encourage collaborative decision-making.
Capacity building and education: Investing in human capital is central to SDC’s approach. Through partnerships with regional universities and training centers, SDC supports the development of educational programs and professional training in water management and diplomacy.
Climate resilience and adaptation: Acknowledging the impacts of climate change on water availability, SDC supports projects that enhance the resilience of water infrastructure and management practices, ensuring adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
Integrated water resource management: SDC promotes holistic approaches that consider the interconnections between water, energy, food and ecosystems, aiming for sustainable and efficient resource use.
Through these efforts, Switzerland contributes to the long-term goal of a water-secure Central Asia, where cooperation over shared resources leads to mutual benefits and regional stability.
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