IOFS Director General Participates in the Fourth High-Level International Conference on Water for Sustainable Development in Tajikistan

Dushanbe, 26-27 May 2026 – H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), participated in the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028, held in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan.

The high-level international event was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and brought together heads of international organizations, ministers, senior government officials, development partners, and experts to discuss one of the most pressing challenges facing the global community – water security and sustainable water resource management.

During the plenary session, Ambassador Aryn highlighted the inseparable link between water security and food security amid growing climate pressures, stressing that sustainable water governance, modern irrigation, and climate-smart agriculture are essential for resilient food systems.

He also reaffirmed IOFS’s commitment under Vision 2031 to supporting Member States through practical initiatives in digital water governance, smart irrigation, and regional capacity-building, while stating IOFS unwavering support for the initiative of H.E. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a United Nations International Water Organization as an important step toward strengthening global water cooperation.

On the sidelines of the conference, Ambassador Aryn held consultations with  several international partners and relevant authorities of the Republic of Tajikistan, including Their Excellencies Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Hakimzoda Qurbon, Minister of Agriculture; and Mr. Idibek Kalandar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in sustainable agriculture, water management, and regional food security initiatives.

IOFS’s participation in this important international conference reflects the Organisation’s continued commitment to promoting integrated approaches to food security, recognizing the critical link between water, agriculture, and sustainable development.