EDB expert highlights IFI opportunities for improving access to water and sanitation in Central Asia at the CAREC Institute WASH Forum
Tashkent, 31 May 2024. Stanislav Chuyev, Senior Analyst at the Centre for Sector Analysis, Directorate of Research, Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), delivered a presentation at the CAREC Regional Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Forum. In his presentation titled “Opportunities for International Financial Institutions in Ensuring the Availability of Water and Sanitation in Central Asia,” Stanislav Chuyev emphasised the significant role of international financial institutions (IFIs) in addressing critical WASH issues in the region and announced an upcoming publication by the EDB research department on the challenges associated with water quality and drinking water supply in the region.
“Internationally, governments are still primarily responsible for utilities. Full privatisation is rare, but private sector involvement is expanding in many countries. Various forms of PPPs are used, with concessions being the most popular,” he noted.
The EDB’s report on drinking water supply and sanitation in Central Asia is scheduled for release at the EDB Business Forum in Almaty on 27–28 June 2024. The report will provide in-depth analysis and practical suggestions on how multilateral development banks and IFIs can play a transformative role in ensuring accessibility and sustainable development of water supply and sanitation in Central Asia.
The CAREC WASH Forum, held from 21 to 24 May 2024 in a hybrid format (both in person in Uzbekistan and online), has brought together key stakeholders, policymakers and experts from China, Central Asian countries and Armenia, as well as representatives from regional offices and international development partners such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the World Health Organisation. Organised by UNICEF and the CAREC Institute, the forum aims to foster strategic initiatives, policy formation and collaboration efforts to enhance sustainable WASH services in Central Asia.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 18 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB's charter capital totals US $7 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
The EDB Media Centre:
+7 (727) 244 40 44, ext. 6147