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Project

Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention — Phase III

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Project outline
Project period:
02/2023 - 12/2026
Implemented by:
Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
Fields of work:
Conflict prevention and resolution, Economic activities, Environmental activities, Gender equality, Gender in economic and environmental activities, Youth

Overview

Since 2014, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) has continuously fostered the incorporation of gender perspectives in water governance and the participation of women in conflict resolution and water management at all levels in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The project Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention — Phase II contributed to these efforts.

The results achieved during Phase II are: (1) Increased capacity in gender-sensitive water governance and water diplomacy, (2) Empowered female water professionals through support to career development and networking activities, and (3) Exchange of experiences and mutual learning for increased awareness on gender-sensitive water governance.

Project outcomes:

The project Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention – Phase III (Project No. 1102546) was launched in February 2023 and aims at contributing to more inclusive and participatory water governance and capacity building for women professionals with special consideration for increasing women’s participation in water-related negotiations, mediation processes and conflict prevention. The project is important to address transboundary water co-operation and elevate the importance of women participation in high-level decision making in transboundary basins and water co-operation with positive implications for regional peace and security.

Upcoming activities:

  • Monthly online sessions for the Women in Water Management Network in Central Asia and Afghanistan
  • Participation and contribution to the 4rd Dushanbe Water Conference on 25-28 May 2026
  • Negotiation Sessions for women water professionals, in co-operation with OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre
  • From Data and Technology to Action: Regional Water Hackathon on Water Management, September 2026
  • Participation and contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference, supporting the participation and substantive contributions of women water professionals

Initiatives

Activities implemented under the project

Project activity

Drops of the Future Workshop Series

Climate change is reshaping water, energy and food systems across Central Asia, intensifying socio-economic, and geopolitical challenges. Limited water availability and increased seasonal variability are likely to heighten tensions and lead to more complex trade-offs in water use – impacting hydroelectric power production, agriculture and food systems, industry and domestic needs.

News and updates

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Resources

Publications, guides and materials developed under the project

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OSCE in action

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The OSCE’s work is based on a comprehensive security concept, encompassing 23 fields of work. Learn more about the Organization’s activities and teams working in fields relevant to this project.