Mr. Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, arrived to Dushanbe yesterday to participate in the 2nd International High-Level Conference on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”. European Union will further be represented by Ms. Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, also in her capacity of EU representative to the International Advisory Committee, and Ms. Marjeta Jager, Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Development (INTPA) of the European Commission, according to the European Union (EU) Delegation to Tajikistan.

European Union is one of the leading global actors promoting a sustainable management of natural resources and a green transition.  The European Green Deal is the EU response action plan to address the challenges of the climate change and environmental degradation and make Europe the first climate-neutral continent.  Many key actions are centered around water use and preservation.

“Water is precious resource – for live, for food, for energy production and for peace and stability. How we manage our scarce water resources will shape our world and the life of the next generation. I’m looking forward to discussing a broad range of topics here in Dushanbe in a very multilateral setting, with heads of states and international organizations, our Tajik hosts and regional interlocutors, experts and youth.  It is an important step in preparation for next year’s UN Water Conference in New York”, Mr. Sinkevičius said on arrival.

The EU Delegation to Tajikistan says that during his visit, Commissioner Sinkevičius will address the Conference as well as the Youth and Central Asia Forums, hold meetings with Tajikistan representatives and international interlocutors and partners, witness EU-funded initiatives for environment, water, sustainability and cultural heritage.