The recent C5+ Japan summit in Tokyo has set a bold new trajectory for Central Asia-Japan cooperation, with significant implications for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. The joint declaration, known as the Tokyo Initiative, outlines three priority areas: green and resilience, connectivity, and human resource development. This shift in focus could catalyse innovative approaches to water management and infrastructure development in Central Asia.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s emphasis on Central Asia’s geopolitical and economic importance underscores the region’s potential as a hub for sustainable development. The Tokyo Initiative’s green and resilience pillar, which includes energy transition and climate change measures, presents an opportunity to integrate water management strategies into broader environmental and economic planning. Japan’s pledge to strengthen critical mineral supply chains could also drive advancements in water treatment technologies, benefiting both the region and Japan.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s proposals for infrastructure and industrial development, including the establishment of a regional network of Japanese technoparks, could foster technology transfer and capacity building in water management. His call for joint renewable energy projects and the introduction of cogeneration technologies aligns with the need for sustainable water solutions, such as wastewater treatment and reuse.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s focus on transit, energy, and water security highlights the interconnectedness of these sectors. His proposal for closer cooperation on water-saving technologies and sustainable agriculture could lead to innovative solutions for water scarcity and food security in the region. The establishment of a research platform on sustainable agriculture with Japanese expertise could further drive progress in this area.
The summit’s emphasis on people-to-people exchanges and human resource development is particularly relevant to the water sector. As Mirziyoyev noted, continued scholarship programmes and professional training initiatives can help build a skilled workforce capable of addressing the region’s water challenges. The proposed regional renewable energy training centre in Tashkent could also serve as a hub for water management training and knowledge sharing.
The business forum and agreements signed on the margins of the summit demonstrate the private sector’s commitment to the region’s development. Projects such as the construction of solar power plants and the modernisation of IT infrastructure can contribute to more sustainable and efficient water management practices.
In conclusion, the C5+ Japan summit has set a clear agenda for cooperation between Central Asia and Japan, with significant implications for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. By focusing on green and resilience, connectivity, and human resource development, the Tokyo Initiative presents an opportunity to drive innovation and progress in water management and infrastructure development in Central Asia. The sector must seize this momentum to spark debate, challenge norms, and shape the future of water management in the region.