{"id":4458,"date":"2026-06-10T16:44:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T11:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/?p=4458"},"modified":"2026-06-10T16:44:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T11:44:50","slug":"english-hydrogeopolitics-hydrodiplomacy-and-hydropolitics-the-triad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/?p=4458","title":{"rendered":"(English) HYDROGEOPOLITICS, HYDRODIPLOMACY AND HYDROPOLITICS: THE TRIAD"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u0411\u0443\u0431\u0430\u0445\u0448\u0435\u0434, \u0438\u043d \u043c\u0430\u0442\u043d \u0442\u0430\u043d\u04b3\u043e \u0434\u0430\u0440 \u201cEnglish<\/a>\u201d. For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.<\/p>

Water is traditionally considered one of the most important resources to which adequate access must be ensured. It is directly related to food security, especially agriculture, and affects all types of industry (as water is needed for a wide range of production cycles, from the creation of semiconductors to the operation of standard equipment) and the production of electricity.<\/p>\n

Water is the basis of the modern world, ensuring the vital activity, survival of people and the universe as a whole, driving the world economy, and contributing to the production of food and energy. Water and access to it were one of the main goals of the international community until 2030, in the \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d agenda, the issue of water includes several related environmental and economic aspects. In this regard, the human being and his right to access water, which ensures his right to life, are at the center of attention. The \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d agenda prioritizes human health and well-being: disease prevention, hygiene, physiological needs; the food-water-energy nexus: agriculture, energy production; economic sustainability; climate regulation, and ecosystem sustainability.<\/p>\n

If problems arise in accessing water resources, this automatically leads to negative consequences, such as migration, epidemics, economic decline and conflict. In this regard, the concept of water hegemony has emerged in the context of state sovereignty (or, more precisely, the relationship between different states and their national interests). Hydrohegemony is hegemony at the river basin level, achieved through water resource management strategies such as resource mobilization, integration and containment.<\/p>\n

Water is a key factor in the geopolitics of great civilizations, since its availability and control determine the development of agriculture, trade and military superiority. Historically, civilizations have emerged and developed around water resources, such as rivers (e.g., Mesopotamia and Egypt) and sea routes, building their economic and political power. Geopolitics studies how control over natural resources, including water, affects relations between states and how water resources become objects of strategic competition. In this regard, the following aspects are necessary and important:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Origin of civilizations: The greatest ancient civilizations arose in river valleys (e.g., the Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates), where water provided agriculture and population growth;<\/li>\n
  2. Trade and transportation: Sea routes and large rivers became the main arteries of trade, ensuring economic development and state expansion;<\/li>\n
  3. Military importance: Control of water resources and communication routes was essential for military operations, allowing the movement of troops to be controlled;<\/li>\n
  4. Modern geopolitics: Water resources remain an object of geopolitical competition today, as their scarcity or control can become a source of conflict and a strategic tool of influence.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Great civilizations arose and developed not only in the corners of the world near the largest rivers of the world — the Yangtze and Yellow (Huanghe), the Indus and Ganges, the Tigris and Euphrates and the Nile. This was a great civilizational progress that ancient society achieved in harmony with the water element.<\/p>\n

    Geographical determinism and the influence of the water factor in the formation of civilizations related to Central Asia (Central Asia) played a major role, taking into account the Amu and Syr rivers in the development of agriculture and industry of countries, and before that, in the development of civilizational elements, settlements, and the development of cities. Tajikistan is located in Central Asia at the crossroads of the region’s water sources and has huge water resources. Taking into account this situation and global problems related to water and climate, the country’s humanistic policy and the shortage of water for the peoples of the world, the Republic of Tajikistan, under the leadership of the Leader of the Nation, the Honorable Emomali Rahmon, has introduced water diplomacy — water-related initiatives on the international agenda.<\/p>\n

    The position of the Republic of Tajikistan on the issue of the use of water resources as an upstream country respects the vital interests of other Central Asian countries that are downstream, and this is considered one of the principles of Tajikistan\u2019s peaceful and humane policy. In light of this principled position, Tajikistan will not use water and water-related resources as an object of conflict or a means of sanctions under any circumstances. This principle is also expressed in the Concept of Foreign Policy of the Republic of Tajikistan: \u201cIn this regard, Central Asia is one of the sensitive regions. Tajikistan, as a country with abundant water resources, is in favor of the fair and rational use of these resources through international and regional cooperation and considers the consistent implementation of cooperative diplomacy in the field of water to be the only means of solving problems in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Considering the water problems of the peoples of the world and the humanitarian policy of the Republic of Tajikistan, led by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Honorable Emomali Rahmon, for more than two decades, water-related problems have been at the forefront of the international agenda, and with these actions and initiatives and the implementation of \u201cwater diplomacy\u201d, it has become the most important issue to be resolved.<\/p>\n

    Considering that water is considered a source of life, its shortage and scarcity lead to a violation of the right to life of all people. Every year, more than 1.4 million people die worldwide due to lack of clean drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene. This situation forces world leaders to take necessary measures in this regard. However, Tajikistan\u2019s role is reflected in its deep understanding of this situation for more than two decades in eliminating water-related problems through water and climate initiatives. Global solidarity in solving water problems is essential.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Global Water Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The global water challenges include:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. According to a UN report from January 2026, the world has entered a period of \u201cwater bankruptcy,\u201d with more than 2 billion people lacking access to clean drinking water and nearly 4 billion facing severe shortages for at least one month a year. Climate change, poor governance, and population growth are contributing to these crises, with particular damage to glaciers, groundwater, and wetlands.<\/li>\n
    2. A UN report from 2026 warns that humanity is living beyond its hydrological capacity and that 70% of major groundwater resources are in a state of chronic depletion. More than 50% of the world\u2019s great lakes have lost water since 1990.<\/li>\n
    3. The agricultural sector consumes approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater supplies, leading to drinking water shortages.<\/li>\n
    4. Pollution from untreated wastewater, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff is reducing the supply of safe, usable fresh water.<\/li>\n
    5. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are accelerating the loss of glaciers that serve as water sources and reservoirs.<\/li>\n
    6. 3.4 billion people \u2013 almost half the world \u2013 lack access to safe sanitation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Tajikistan and \u201cWater Diplomacy\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

      With the initiative and contribution of the Republic of Tajikistan, in March 1993, together with the leaders of the Central Asian states, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea was established. In 2002, in order to resolve the issue related to water and environmental issues of the Aral Sea, a summit of the Heads of State of Central Asia was held in Dushanbe, at which the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea from 2002 to 2008 was entrusted to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.<\/p>\n

      With a high understanding of the importance and fundamental role of water as a source of life, the Leader of the Nation, the President of the country, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, has presented wise, beneficial and far-sighted initiatives in the field of water and climate from the prestigious podium of the United Nations over the past two decades, and is the author of six global initiatives: the International Year of Freshwater (2003), the International Decade for Action «Water for Life» (2005\u20132015), the International Year of Water Cooperation (2013), the International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development» (2018\u20132028), the International Year of Glaciers (2025) and, together with France, the International Decade for Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025\u20132034). It should also be noted that, in accordance with one of the guidelines of the UN General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 the «International Year of Glaciers», World Glacier Day will be celebrated every year on March 21, starting in 2025.<\/p>\n

      In addition, on April 25, 2025, at the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, a resolution proposed by the Republic of Tajikistan entitled «Strengthening cooperation on water resources and climate change for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific» was unanimously adopted.<\/p>\n

      On December 12, 2025, at the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan and Peru, the resolution «Protection of glaciers and the cryosphere» was adopted at the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly.<\/p>\n

      From the perspective of foreign policy and taking into account the active role of the Republic of Tajikistan in promoting the global water agenda, through the Dushanbe Water Process, which contributes to efforts to achieve the goals of the «International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development in the 2018-2028\u201d.<\/p>\n

      The Dushanbe Water Process is an initiative of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan aimed at supporting the implementation of the goals of the International Decade for Action \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d, 2018-2028, through a series of conferences organized every two years by the Government of Tajikistan in close cooperation with the United Nations. The conferences are co-chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. To date, four Dushanbe Conferences on the Decade for Action on Water have been successfully held in Dushanbe:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. The First High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d, 2018\u20132028, was held from 20 to 22 June 2018.<\/li>\n
      2. The Second High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action on \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d, 2018\u20132028, entitled \u201cImproving Action and Partnerships on Water at Local, National, Regional and Global Levels\u201d, was held from 6 to 9 June 2022.<\/li>\n
      3. The Third High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development, 2018\u20132028, was held from 10 to 13 June 2024.<\/li>\n
      4. The Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action on \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d, 2018\u20132028, was held from 25 to 28 May 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The Dushanbe Water Process, organized by high-level conferences within the framework of the International Decade for Action \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d, 2018\u20132028, is aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (2030).<\/p>\n

        It is worth noting that the Sustainable Development Goals include 17 global goals, the 6th of which is dedicated to the issue of water and sanitation at the global level.<\/p>\n

        In general, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The goal is to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all people by 2030.<\/p>\n

        At the same time, sustainable development is a development model that meets the needs of humanity today without compromising the ability of future generations. It is based on three pillars: economic growth, social justice and environmental security.<\/p>\n

        The goal of the International Decade for Action \u201cWater for Sustainable Development\u201d, 2018-2028 is to draw greater attention to these issues and contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular (target 6), which addresses access to and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In light of the above, it is important to note that water is a fundamental building block of sustainable development, linking human health, the environment and the economy. Without access to clean water and basic sanitation, it is impossible to eradicate poverty, ensure food security, halt ecosystem degradation and take action against climate change.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Karim Nazriev,<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Head of the Department of <\/strong>records management and control of<\/strong><\/p>\n

        the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan<\/strong><\/p>\n

        <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        \u0411\u0443\u0431\u0430\u0445\u0448\u0435\u0434, \u0438\u043d \u043c\u0430\u0442\u043d \u0442\u0430\u043d\u04b3\u043e \u0434\u0430\u0440 \u201cEnglish\u201d. For the sake of viewer convenience, the content is shown below in the alternative language. You may click the link to switch the active language.Water is traditionally considered one of the most important resources to which adequate access must be ensured. It is directly related to food security, especially […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4457,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,63,76,74,64,36,77],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis_and_forecasting_of_foreign_policy","category-analysis_and_forecasting_of_regional_security_issues","category-programs","category-public_articles","category-analysis_of_social_issues_migration_and_public_opinion_research","category-news","category-latest_news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4458"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4458\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mts.tj\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}