The EDB presents five solutions for the regulation of Central Asia’s water and energy complex at the UN 2023 Water Conference
Almaty, 27 March 2023. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) presented five solutions that should help streamline the regulation of the water and energy complex in Central Asia at the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York.
“We are positive that the efficient use and allocation of water and energy resources in Central Asia require concerted effort. We should solve this problem in the context of the entire region. In our opinion, water and energy resources are the backbone of regional cooperation. Regional water and energy organisations as well as multilateral financial institutions could jointly step in,” said Albrecht Conrad, Managing Director and Head of the EDB Directorate of Sustainable Development.
First, the countries would benefit from an open and constructive regional dialogue on the common principles for the regulation of the water and energy complex in Central Asia and the subsequent adoption of these principles.
Second, searching for regulatory solutions should involve established institutions that have the necessary legal framework and status.
Third, it would be economically feasible to set up an International Water and Energy Consortium for Central Asia to foster the construction and more efficient operation of large hydropower facilities.
Fourth, various forms of financial operators’ participation in the consortium should be considered. Financial operators have many functions, from arranging long-term syndicated loans to providing settlement services and technical assistance.
Fifth, the EDB suggests providing more resources for cross-country and cross-sector research and considering the establishment of an International Research Centre for the Water and Energy Complex of Central Asia.
“All these proposals have been peer-reviewed and discussed with the relevant governmental authorities of most of the Central Asian countries at working meetings. In the future, the consortium could give rise to an entire “ecosystem” of organisations such as the International Research Centre for the Water and Energy Complex,” added Albrecht Conrad.
In addition, the joint regulation of water use would strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation in Central Asia and could foster the creation of a single energy market in the region.
“In our view, water and energy resources are the backbone of regional cooperation. Regional water and energy organisations as well as multilateral financial institutions could become a link in this process,” he concluded.
The UN 2023 Water Conference co-hosted by the governments of Tajikistan and the Netherlands is designed to play a crucial role in mobilising UN Member States and stakeholders to take action and implement successful water solutions. The Conference is seeking voluntary commitments to the Water Action Agenda.
The Eurasian Development Bank has observer status in the UN General Assembly.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international financial institution promoting integration and development in its member countries. For more than 17 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’s operations are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles.