Uzbekistan Joins Global World Bank Initiative to Secure Water for One Billion People
On April 15 Uzbekistan alongside 13 other nations officially joined the World Bank Group’s (WBG) «Water Forward» initiative. Launched during the WBG Spring Meetings in Washington this global platform aims to guarantee water security for one billion people by 2030.
The launch event featured high-profile attendees including WBG President Ajay Banga, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and leaders of various international financial institutions. Uzbekistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov.
Water Forward is designed to help developing countries implement vital sector reforms and modernise their water infrastructure. The primary goal is to improve service reliability for households, boost food production and fortify water systems against the growing threats of droughts and floods.
By participating in the scheme developing nations will gain access to essential financial and analytical support from governments, charitable organisations, the private sector and major multilateral development banks. These future projects are expected to elevate living standards, generate employment and stimulate economic growth.
Ambitious targets and financial backing
As part of its internal operations the WBG has pledged to secure water resources for 400 mln people by the end of the decade. This commitment covers expanded access to drinking water and sanitation, improved irrigation systems and robust flood protection measures.
With additional pledges from partners such as the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Islamic Development Bank, the initiative targets a total reach of over one billion people.
The foundation of the Water Forward programme relies on national water pacts drafted by participating governments. These tailored agreements outline key reform priorities and attract targeted funding in direct coordination with international backers.
During the inaugural event a first cohort of 14 countries announced their commitment through these established national pacts. The diverse group includes Uzbekistan, Albania, Angola, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Vietnam.
In his address Kuchkarov highlighted that the government had developed Uzbekistan’s water pact in close collaboration with the World Bank.
«The pact fully aligns with the goals of the Uzbekistan 2030 development strategy,» Kuchkarov stated.
He detailed that the document outlines ambitious plans to implement water-saving technologies across all 4.1 mln hectares of the country’s irrigated land, reduce irrigation waste by 25%, guarantee universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities and fully digitise national water management systems.
