Meeting of the Network of Academic Societies: the Role of the Academic Community in Promoting Water Diplomacy: Training and Research

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – On October 29, 2024, a meeting of the Network of Academic Societies (NAS) was held, organized by the USAID Central Asia’s Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity (WAVE) in collaboration with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). The event was conducted in a hybrid format, with representatives from universities, international partners, and experts from Central Asia participating.

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is an active member of the Network of the Academic Societies (NAS). At this meeting, the University was represented by Gulnara Baikushikova, Head of the Department of International Relations and World Economy of the Faculty of International Relations.

The main theme of the meeting was the role of the academic community in promoting water diplomacy, education, and research related to water resource management, energy, and food security. During the event, discussions covered opportunities for integrating new courses and programs in Central Asian higher educational institutions to prepare specialists in the field of water diplomacy.

To support the integration of water diplomacy elements into university programs the participants discussed the progress in creating a regional academic network in Central Asia. The participants highlighted various initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation and developing joint programs, underscoring the role of higher educational institutions in preparing future water diplomacy specialists.

Special attention was given to current training and research efforts in water resource management, with a focus on the region's resilience to climate change and the importance of gender inclusivity. Participants discussed inter-university cooperation, regional and international projects, and the critical role of women in water management.

The meeting also focused on the role of development partners in advancing educational programs and leadership initiatives in water resource management and water diplomacy in Central Asia. Discussions covered the promotion of integrated water management approaches, the challenges and opportunities for academic student exchange, and the importance of engaging youth in water diplomacy.

The meeting concluded with discussions on outcomes and future plans, including proposals for strengthening cooperation between educational and research institutions to address regional water management and environmental challenges.

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