Türkiye actively participated in the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development" 2018-2028, held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, from 25 to 28 May 2026. The Turkish delegation comprised representatives from the Turkish Water Institute (SUEN), the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), the General Directorate of Water Management, all under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Leading the delegation, SUEN President Prof. Dr. Lütfi Akca delivered Türkiye’s national statement during the Plenary Session held on 27 May. He also served as a panelist in the session dedicated to the review of the 2018-2028 Water Action Decade.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Akca highlighted that the use of smart irrigation systems and remote sensing technologies has reduced water consumption by up to 50 percent in certain regions. He also emphasized the implementation of key water governance mechanisms, including the National Water Plan (2026-2035) and the National Water Board. Furthermore, he underlined that the Water Cooperation Framework established between Türkiye and Iraq represents a successful example of dialogue-based diplomacy in the field of transboundary waters.
The conference concluded as the final official preparatory meeting ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates in December 2026. During the conference, Türkiye invited the international water community to attend the 20th World Water Congress, to be held in Istanbul between 4 and 8 October 2027.
