Tajik President establishes International Water Prize

President Emomali Rahmon has signed a decree establishing the International Prize of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of water, the president’s official website reported on June 15.
The award is intended to recognize outstanding achievements in international cooperation, scientific research, policy development, and efforts to address global challenges related to water resources and climate change.
According to the decree, the prize will serve as a prestigious international award honoring scientists, experts, statesmen, international organizations, and other stakeholders who have made significant contributions to sustainable water resource management and the advancement of international cooperation in the water sector.
Funding for the prize will come from the state budget as well as other sources permitted under Tajik legislation.
The government has been instructed to develop and approve the regulations governing the award within two months and to establish a commission responsible for its implementation.
The presidential press service said the initiative builds on Tajikistan’s long-standing efforts to promote water-related issues on the global agenda and reflects the country’s growing international role in addressing water and climate challenges.
«The International Prize will become an important platform for recognizing the achievements of scientists, experts, organizations, and statesmen whose work contributes to sustainable water management, strengthened international cooperation, and innovative solutions in the context of climate change,» the statement said.
According to the press service, the award is expected to encourage practical initiatives and scientific innovations aimed at enhancing water security and supporting sustainable development.
The establishment of the prize underscores Tajikistan’s continued commitment to advancing the global water agenda, strengthening international partnerships, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
President Rahmon first announced plans to establish the award during the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028,» held in Dushanbe in April 2026. At the time, he said the prize would help promote water diplomacy, international cooperation, and effective solutions to global water challenges.
​