The United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) commenced its work on July 7 at the UN headquarters in New York. On the first day of the six-day international event, discussions focused on energy and water resources. Among the participants is a delegation from Uzbekistan, led by representatives of the Presidential Administration.

According to a Kun.uz correspondent, Minister of Water Resources Shavkat Khamroyev stated that the UN has recognized Uzbekistan as one of the leading countries in reducing water stress. The minister is part of the Uzbek delegation. Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Timur Butunbayev also addressed the session on July 7.

Officials presented the state's water policy, budgetary allocations for this sector, and current priorities. The delegation is also holding negotiations with US government and private organizations.

Minister Shavkat Khamroyev told Kun.uz in New York that by 2030, the country's water deficit will reach 15 billion cubic meters. "Water scarcity is a major problem. Fortunately, this year there has been more precipitation. During the years of independence, we have been taking 10-12 billion cubic meters less from rivers than before. By 2030, the deficit will be 15 billion cubic meters. Therefore, we must already save water, more widely implement drip irrigation, and increase water-saving volumes," the minister said.

It was reported that this year, 4-4.2 percent of the state budget has been allocated to water management. The UN has included Uzbekistan among countries with positive dynamics in water stress levels. "Due to climate change, reduced precipitation, and river shallowing, we experienced a load of 169 percent. However, from 2017 to 2022, we managed to reduce it to 122 percent—a reduction of 47 percent. By the end of this year, we will reach 117 percent—another 5 percent decrease. And by 2030, we will reduce this stress to 95 percent. Water is decreasing. Despite the reduction in the total volume of water received and precipitation, the population hardly notices it. We are already saving 11 billion cubic meters of water per year," the minister replied to Kun.uz.

It is worth recalling that a plenary session with UN Secretary-General António Guterres is planned as part of the Political Forum in New York.

Source: kun.uz