Ashgabat, March 4, 2026 — A working meeting was held between Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in Turkmenistan, Iskandar Abdullaev, Senior Researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and representatives of the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan.
The following officials from the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan took part in the meeting:
- Saparmyrat Charyyev, Head of the Department of Digital Technologies and Information Security,
- Baygeldi Bayjanov, Head of the Department of Land Reclamation,
- Annageldi Annayev, Head of the Department of Information Technology and Implementation of New Technologies of the "Garagumderyasuwhojalyk" Association.
Key Topics of Discussion
The parties focused on the prospects for implementing a new World Bank project aimed at increasing drought resilience in the region. Special emphasis was placed on one of the most critical components of the initiative — the improvement of water resources management mechanisms in the countries of Central Asia.
Iskandar Abdullaev presented information on the international Blue Peace initiative, emphasizing that one of its priority areas is the development of educational programs and the capacity building of specialists in the water sector.
Cooperation Priorities and Digitalization
Representatives of the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan expressed interest in organizing medium-term professional development courses, as well as in collaborative efforts to improve the industry's regulatory and legal framework. Among the most relevant areas of cooperation, the following were highlighted:
- Digitalization of the water cadastre,
- Monitoring and management of groundwater (subsurface water),
- Implementation of automated water accounting and distribution systems.
Institutional Strengthening and Innovation
The parties discussed the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Cooperation between the State Committee for Water Management of Turkmenistan and IWMI. This document will establish a legal foundation for scaling up joint projects at both the national and regional levels.
The need to modernize the department's training center was also noted. Updating its technical and methodological base will allow for the more effective introduction of innovative solutions and water-saving technologies. Participants emphasized the significance of developing public-private partnerships and involving the business sector to accelerate the technological re-equipment of the country's water management system.
Results of the Meeting
Upon completion of the negotiations, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue. The planned partnership between CAREC, IWMI, and the relevant agency of Turkmenistan will be an important step toward ensuring water security and the sustainable development of the entire Central Asian region.
Additional Information:
Mergen Kepbanov– Director of the CAREC Project Office in Turkmenistan,, turkmenistan@carececo.org