On 4 October 2023, the 2nd session of the Rome Water Dialogue began its work at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Opening the meeting, FAO Director-General, Dr Qu Dongyu, noted the critical role of water in ensuring global food security and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fully promote an integrated approach to managing food and agricultural systems.
Addressing the results of the 2023 UN Water Conference, he noted the leadership of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands and called for consistent action to solve water problems.
The Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Water and Climate Coalition Leaders, Mr. Sulton Rahimzoda, also addressed the meeting participants with a welcoming speech, informing those present about the country’s efforts and achievements to promote the Water Agenda at the international and global levels. He emphasized the need to maintain and develop the political momentum created by the historic UN Water Conference and to join forces to implement its outcomes, including the voluntary commitments made within the framework of the Water Action Agenda.
The opening ceremony was also attended by other high-level speakers representing states, regional intergovernmental organizations and the European Union.
The dialogue continued through technical thematic sessions covering a wide range of issues, including information exchange, innovation and technology, water-related disasters, climate change, water infrastructure and financing, strategic water resource management and others.
Mr. Sulton Rahimzoda also acted as a panelist in Technical Session 4: Water Tenure and Governance: Equitable and Sustainable Access to Water and shared Tajikistan’s experience and vision for developing a national water roadmap.
The event will conclude tomorrow, 5 October 2023, with the joint closing ceremony: Rome Water Dialogue and Global Symposium on Soils and Water.
