Organized by UNECE, with support of WHO/Europe, and in cooperation with the Government of Serbia.

Funded through UNECE Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation

Информация на русском языке представлена в концептуальной записке приложенной ниже

Background

Improving water management is a pressing issue that many countries face, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a prevalent concern, and Central Asian countries are no exception. In this context, the UNECE-WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health offers a powerful legal framework and a wealth of practical tools to take action in addressing these challenges. For over 20 years, the Protocol has been providing a platform for its Parties and other States to ensure universal and equitable access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene in line with best international practices.

The workshop will provide an opportunity to define needs and priorities of the Central Asian countries in the area of water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and health and to learn more from one of the Protocol most active Parties – Serbia - about how the Protocol can be instrumental in effectively addressing these needs, both at policy and technical level.

Objectives

The key purpose of the workshop is to support Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in acceding to the Protocol on Water and Health by providing a platform for dialogue on the accession process and experience sharing between the Central Asian countries and the Serbian experts involved in the work of the Protocol.

The workshop will:

• Introduce the Protocol’s main obligations, areas of work and benefits of accession;
• Identify the needs and main priorities of the Central Asian States in the area of water, sanitation, hygiene and health and how the implementation of the Protocol could support addressing these challenges;
• Showcase the Serbian experience in implementing the Protocol, including through the use and application of its tools;
• Discuss roadmaps for accession by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and the next steps after becoming a Party to the Protocol.

Target audience

The workshop is targeted to representatives of water/environment and health ministries from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan that are directly engaged in the processes of accession to the Protocol and the eventual implementation of its obligations.