3 April 2026, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in close co-operation with the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan and the Tajikistan's Agrarian University, organized a two-day event in Dushanbe aimed at strengthening youth engagement and professional development in the water sector. The event brought together 35 participants, including 11 women, representing undergraduate and graduate students, early-career professionals, university lecturers, government officials, and representatives of international organizations.
On the first day, participants were introduced to the concept, objectives, governance mechanism, and action plan of the Student Council on Water Resources and Climate Change (the Council), followed by its official establishment. The Council will serve as a platform to nurture a new generation of qualified water professionals and enhance youth engagement in national water policy processes.
On the second day, Council members attended capacity-building training sessions on integrated water resources management (IWRM), national and international water law, and climate change, strengthening their understanding of key sectoral challenges and equipping them with practical knowledge to support their academic and professional development.
Aligned with the objectives of Tajikistan's National Water Strategy 2040, the initiative promotes youth empowerment and inclusion in the water sector. By equipping young people with relevant knowledge, skills, and opportunities for engagement, it supports their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. It also enhances the attractiveness of the water sector for young people by highlighting diverse career opportunities and its critical role in sustainable development. Strengthened youth engagement contributes to more inclusive, responsive, and effective water governance, while supporting the development of a new generation of committed water professionals
