On August 4, 2025, the Agency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), a GWP CACENA partner, hosted a high-level working meeting at its headquarters with a delegation from the Asian Water Council (AWC). The meeting brought together Vadim Sokolov, Head of the IFAS Agency; Mr. Yun Dok Cho, Secretary General of AWC; representatives from K-Water Corporation; and Adham Tulaganov, Coordinator of CWP-Uzbekistan.
The dialogue centered on exploring avenues for strategic collaboration between IFAS, AWC, and K-Water Corporation. Participants underscored the critical importance of sustainable water management, the adoption of innovative technologies, and ecological restoration efforts in the Aral Sea region.
A key theme of the discussions was the integration of national and regional platforms—particularly CWP-Uzbekistan—into the design and implementation of joint initiatives. Special attention was given to the greening of the dried-up seabed of the Aral Sea, with K-Water’s expertise in irrigation systems for forest plantations identified as a valuable asset. CWP-Uzbekistan is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating knowledge exchange, organizing capacity-building activities, and engaging local communities.
In the agricultural sector, the parties emphasized the need to introduce advanced water-saving technologies, such as precision and subsurface irrigation, alongside digital monitoring systems and demonstration sites to showcase best practices.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of professional development. A consensus was reached to launch joint training programs, internships, and seminars—
creating new opportunities for CWP-Uzbekistan specialists to enhance their expertise.
Concluding the session, the participants agreed on a set of concrete actions: drafting technical documentation, establishing a dedicated working group, developing a two- to three-year roadmap, and preparing a Memorandum of Understanding between IFAS and AWC. This MoU will serve as a foundation for long-term cooperation, with active involvement from CWP-Uzbekistan.