Water scarcity persists despite SDG-6 targets and the Dushanbe Process
By Shakila Jalil
Islamabad: The global water crisis is rapidly emerging as a major environmental, economic, and security issue. The United Nations has designated the decade from 2018 to 2028 as “Water for Sustainable Development,” aiming to ensure global access to clean water and sanitation under Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6).
As part of this global agenda, Tajikistan launched the Dushanbe Water Process, under which high-level international conferences are held every two years to promote better water resource management and strengthen global cooperation.
Global Water Agenda: Commitments and Progress
The first conference was held in Dushanbe in 2018, with participation from over 100 countries. The “Dushanbe Declaration” emphasized recognizing water as a fundamental human right, enhancing global partnerships, and placing water at the center of the development agenda.
The 2022 conference focused on restoring water systems after COVID-19, using data and technology, and accelerating progress toward SDG-6.
The 2024 conference reviewed the implementation of the “Water Action Agenda” and aimed to bridge the gap between policy commitments and practical action.
Globally, these conferences have helped integrate water issues into the climate agenda and increased international cooperation. However, SDG-6 targets have still not been fully achieved.
According to global organizations, around 2.2 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water. The gap between water demand and supply continues to widen.
Groundwater reserves are rapidly depleting, especially in agricultural and urban areas, while glacier melting is placing additional stress on river systems.
Experts now view water not just as a natural resource, but as a critical factor in economic and political power.
Pakistan: A Growing Water Crisis
Pakistan is among the countries where the water situation is becoming increasingly alarming. Population growth, agricultural demands, and climate change are intensifying pressure on water resources.
In cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi, there is a clear gap between water demand and supply, forcing a large portion of the population to rely on tanker systems.
The continuous decline in groundwater levels is becoming a serious issue, particularly in several districts of Punjab.
Dushanbe 2026: A Key Opportunity
The fourth high-level conference, scheduled to be held in Dushanbe from May 25 to 28, 2026, is being seen as a significant milestone.
Key topics will include accelerating SDG-6 implementation, advancing the Water Action Agenda, addressing climate change impacts, and ensuring equitable access to water.
It is expected that new global strategies and cooperation frameworks will be agreed upon during this conference.
Critical Questions Ahead
A key question for experts and policymakers is whether these global conferences are translating into real change on the ground.
Another important concern is the extent to which developing countries, especially Pakistan, are benefiting from these global commitments.
Water resource management is no longer just an environmental issue—it has become a major governance and policy challenge.
While the Dushanbe Water Process has played an important role in highlighting global water issues, progress at the practical level still appears limited.
According to experts, unless global policies are effectively implemented at the local level, the water crisis will continue to intensify.
