Uzbekistan joins World Bank’s Water Forward initiative to bolster global water security

The announcement was made by the World Bank press service during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) currently taking place in Washington, D.C.

The global platform, launched on April 15, marks a significant collaborative effort between the WBG and various development partners. Uzbekistan joined 13 other nations in committing to the initiative. The launch event featured high-level participants, including WBG President Ajay Banga and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside heads of international financial institutions (IFIs) and government representatives. Uzbekistan was represented at the meeting by Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance.

The Water Forward initiative is designed to facilitate comprehensive reforms in water management and accelerate the modernization of water infrastructure. Its primary goals include increasing the reliability of water services for the general population, securing food production, and strengthening the resilience of water systems against extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.

Participating developing countries, including Uzbekistan, will gain access to essential financial and analytical resources from IFIs, governments, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector. These resources are intended for projects that strengthen water institutions and systems, which in turn are expected to improve living conditions, create new jobs, and stimulate overall economic growth.

As part of its individual commitment, the World Bank Group aims to provide water security for 400 million people worldwide by 2030 through expanded access to water supply and sanitation, improved irrigation services, and enhanced flood protection measures. When combined with the additional commitments from partners – such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) – the initiative targets a total reach of over one billion people. These partner organizations already maintain an active and robust presence in Uzbekistan’s development sector.