Apply for the Second Youth Basin Dialogue – Syr Darya River

Building cooperation across borders and generations in the Syr Darya Basin

The Central Asia Youth for Water network (CAY4W), the International Secretariat for Water (ISW), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and their partners are excited to launch the call for participation for the Second Youth Basin Dialogue on the Syr Darya Basin. This event will be held physically in the frame of the 2nd High-Level International Conference on International Decade for Action taking place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It will take place between June 6 and 12, 2022. 
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About the Syr Darya river

The Aral Sea basin located at the heart of Central Asia is mostly defined by two major river basins – the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya. These rivers descend from the slopes of the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains. They run through Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. One of the two major rivers serving the Aral Sea basin, Syr Darya is the key water source for the whole Ferghana valley. The Ferghana valley which can truly be considered the core of Central Asia lies in between some of the greatest mountains and deserts of the region. Laying at the convergence of three countries, sharing seven enclaves of Central Asia, makes the valley ethnically and culturally complex. With the growing demography, and the changing climate, which is already severely affecting the region, the pressure on natural resources in Ferghana valley will be growing, where access to water and land will continue to be at the center of already existing interethnic tensions.

About the youth basin Dialogue

Considering these elements there is an urgent need to increase the understanding of local communities of inter-related states about the importance of water resources for their livelihood and one of people on the other side of the border. Young people should be placed at the heart of this as they are directly concerned and can play a role for a better water management. Envisioning this participation for young people, it is important to reinforce their understanding of aspects associated with transboundary waters and broaden their perspective on transboundary water management practices and the cooperation between the states.

For this purpose, the Central Asia Youth for Water (CAY4W) Network, the International Secretariat for Water (ISW) jointly with the Kazakh-German University (DKU) are convening a series of Youth Basin Dialogues under the project on ‘’Youth Empowerment for Water in Central Asia’’ funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and under the ‘’Blue Peace Central Asia’’ umbrella.

The First Youth Basin Dialogue was conducted in mid-June 2021 connecting youth from the Chu and Talas rivers, residing in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This time the youth of the Syr Darya Basin – from all four riparian countries – will be united for the Second Youth Basin Dialogue in the Ferghana Valley with a focus on the Syr Darya River.

Activities of the 2nd Youth Basion Dialogue

During the first four days (June 6-9) participants will be attending the 2nd High-Level International Conference on International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028. For the next 3 days (June 10-12), participants will have an opportunity to learn from international and regional experts to broaden their understanding and enhance their knowledge on sharing waters, with perspectives from transboundary management and cooperation. It will also be an occasion for the participants to put into practice the Blue Peace Index calculation.

Who can apply?

Young water enthusiasts aged from 18 to 35 living in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan can apply. This compound of young people would enable lively and interactive dialogue and re-create a comprehensive view of the situation with the use and management of the Syr Darya river.

When and Where?

June 6 to 12, 2022 in Dushanbe Tajikistan

Fees and cost

Covered by the organizers:

  • Local transportation
  • Accommodation and food
  • International transportation
  • Activities and program expenses

Covered by the participants:

  • Covid-19 test
  • Visa expenses (if necessary)
  • Insurance (mandatory)

We invite all young people from Central Asia interested or active in the water sector to apply here.

More questions? Contact us – cay4w@dku.kz

Thank you to our key partners!