Translated with AI
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon signed a decree establishing the International Prize of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of water.
According to Decree No. 1184 of June 15, 2026, the prize was established to encourage and recognize high levels of achievement for significant contributions to the development of international cooperation, research, the formation of sustainable policies, and the solution of global problems related to water resources and climate change.
Funding for the International Prize of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of water will be provided from the state budget and other sources not prohibited by law.
The Government of Tajikistan has been tasked with developing and approving the award regulations and the composition of the award committee within two months.
As noted in the explanatory note to the decree, the establishment of the International Prize of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of water resources is a logical continuation of the country's international initiatives in the water sector and originates from the initiatives of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
It is emphasized that for more than two decades, Tajikistan's global initiatives have received the support of the UN General Assembly and have made a significant contribution to solving global problems related to water resources and glacier conservation.
Among such initiatives are the International Year of Freshwater in 2003, the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life,” in 2005–2015, the International Year of Water Cooperation in 2013, the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development,” in 2018–2028, the International Year of Glacier Conservation in 2025, and the International Decade for Action for Cryospheric Science in 2025–2034.
In addition, at the suggestion of Tajikistan, World Glacier Day will be celebrated annually on March 21 from 2025.
The document also notes that the High-Level International Conference "Dushanbe Water Process" occupies a special place among global forums and is considered an international platform for discussing global issues related to water resources.
According to the authors of the document, the adoption of the relevant UN resolutions demonstrates the recognition by the international community of Tajikistan's initiatives in the water sector.
The establishment of the new award is expected to further strengthen Tajikistan's position as a key state in addressing global water issues.
The award is also expected to increase the interest of researchers and research institutions in studying water resources issues, promote technology exchange, and attract investment to preserve glaciers and ensure access to clean water.
A special committee will be established to select candidates for the award. It will also include representatives from the United Nations University Institute of Water, Environment, and Health.
The ceremony of awarding the International Prize of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of water resources will be held as part of international events on water topics organized in Tajikistan.
