Central Asian Delegation Trained on Groundwater Governance in Geneva

Last week, the Geneva Water Hub had the pleasure of hosting and delivering a dedicated training session for a delegation from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, organized by the Hanns Seidel Foundation Central Asia. The day was designed to combine in-depth technical discussions with an immersive field experience, offering participants both theoretical insights and a concrete look at how water cooperation is practiced on the ground.

The morning was devoted to sessions in the seminar room, where discussions focused on groundwater governance and the diversification of water sources. These themes are of particular relevance to Central Asia, a region where sustainable management of shared water resources is essential to long-term stability, development and regional cooperation.

In the afternoon, participants took part in an explorative walk along Geneva's water infrastructure, starting from the iconic Bains des Pâquis, following the shores of Lake Geneva, and continuing along the Rhône to the Seujet dam. This guided journey traced the history of Geneva's relationship with water and offered a comparative perspective on approaches to water cooperation between Geneva, the neighbouring Swiss cantons and the adjacent regions of France. The walk highlighted how cross-border dialogue, shared infrastructure and institutional arrangements have shaped the sustainable management of water resources in the Lake Geneva basin.

This training marked the second phase of the delegation's programme, following the negotiation training previously held in Hamburg. As a Centre of Competence on Water for Peace, the Geneva Water Hub was proud to contribute its expertise to this exchange. The sessions were delivered by Mara Tignino, Erik A. Schnetzler, Tadesse Kebebew, and Laura Turley, who guided the delegation through the legal, diplomatic and practical dimensions of water governance and cooperation.

We warmly thank the Hanns Seidel Foundation Central Asia for the fruitful collaboration and the delegation from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for their engagement and valuable contributions throughout the day.