Addressing Central Asia’s Water Crisis: Challenges and Pathways to Regional Cooperation

Central Asia faces a critical challenge in managing its shared water resources, with major rivers like the Amu Darya and Syr Darya crossing multiple national borders. As population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion heighten the demand for water, competition over limited resources intensifies, especially in countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, where agriculture heavily relies on irrigation. Climate change exacerbates these pressures, underscoring the urgent need for regional cooperation and sustainable water management strategies. 

This panel discussion will explore the complexities of water resource management in Central Asia, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and coordinated efforts to prevent conflicts and ensure equitable access. It will aim to identify both natural and human-induced factors driving water scarcity, such as inefficient agricultural practices, population growth, and climate change. Panelists will evaluate current water management strategies across Central Asian countries and discuss potential long-term solutions that balance industrial needs, environmental preservation, and population demands. The discussion will seek to generate actionable recommendations and foster collaborative efforts toward sustainable water use and conservation in the region.

SPEAKERS

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has been the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States since April 2021. He is a lead communicator on the Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue with the United States.

Dr. Suriya Turaeva is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Economics at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Uzbekistan specializing in environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources and holds a PhD in chemistry.

Gulnara Baikushikova, PhD, is the Head of the Department of International Relations and World Economy at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty.

Elira Turdubaeva has a PhD in media and communications. She is currently a Fulbright Scholar in the School of Communication at the University of Miami conducting research for the project, “Social Media’s Role in Civic Engagement in Central Asia: Pilot Study of Kyrgyzstan.”

MODERATOR:

Sebastien Peyrouse is Director of the Central Asia Program and Research Professor, IERES, The George Washington University.