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Reaffirming its commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED), together with the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME-NRU) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), will host a high-level Policy & Science Dialogue “Bridging Waters, Building Futures: Advancing Water Diplomacy in Central Asia” on 20 November 2025 in Tashkent, as part of a flagship THINK ROAD FORUM. This event is supported by a PRIM grant within the framework of The World bank’s MUNIS development project, as well as by the Erasmus+ HWCA Water Diplomacy Project.
Building directly on the successful training course on water diplomacy and the signing of an initial Memorandum of Understanding between UWED and TIIAME-NRU the Dialogue marks the next strategic step: moving from pilot training and institutional partnership towards a more structured ecosystem for education, research, and policy engagement in water diplomacy across Central Asia. In a region where climate change, upstream–downstream dynamics and water-intensive development models increasingly intersect with security and economic agendas, the event is designed as a catalyst for practical, long-term collaboration.
At the heart of the Dialogue are two milestone moments. First, the formal launch of Central Asia’s first Master of Water Diplomacy program, developed jointly by UWED, TIIAME-NRU and IWMI, which aims to cultivate a new generation of professionals capable of navigating complex negotiations at the interface of hydrology, international law, climate policy and regional security. Second, the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding among UWED, IWMI and TIIAME-NRU, setting the framework for sustained cooperation on joint research, co-authored publications, graduate training, and practice-oriented policy advice in the field of water and climate diplomacy.
The event’s panels will focus on the challenges and opportunities of regional water diplomacy, the role of universities in strengthening analytical and negotiation capacity, and how young researchers and practitioners can be integrated into real regional processes rather than confined to the classroom. Additionally, drawing on experiences from Europe, other transboundary basins and international development cooperation, the discussion will explore innovative teaching methods, joint degree models, research partnerships and donor-supported initiatives that can reinforce the region’s own efforts.
By convening “Bridging Waters, Building Futures: Advancing Water Diplomacy in Central Asia” as a dedicated Policy & Science Dialogue within the THINK ROAD FORUM, UWED, IAIS, TIIAME-NRU and IWMI are sending a clear signal: Central Asia’s water future will be shaped not only at negotiation tables, but also in classrooms, laboratories and joint research platforms. The event is designed to transform recent progress into an enduring community of practice that links students, scholars, negotiators and development partners in a shared endeavour to secure sustainable development, peace and prosperity for the region through effective water diplomacy.
For preliminary enquiries, interested institutions and partners are encouraged to contact us at think-road-forum@iais.uz.
