Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the ninth annual meeting of ABII, a session titled "Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience: Insights from the Water Sector" was held to discuss key aspects of improving infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.

The speakers included Yulia Kuklite Polikarp, Climate Specialist at ABII; Olga Melo Zanelli (Revzina), Partner and Head of the CIS and Central and Eastern Europe department (Paris office), Herbert Smith Freehills; Gao Shuai, Senior Officer, Department of Finance, Henan Province; Khurshid Rahmatullaev, Deputy Chairman of the Board at Uzsuvtaminot; and Nadir Nuritdinov, Executive Director and Co-founder of Infrasia Capital.

The seminar focused on exploring solutions available to support countries in enhancing the resilience of water systems. Various approaches to water resource management and financing sustainable infrastructure were discussed, with examples drawn from China and Uzbekistan. Topics included water risk management, ensuring quality water supply and sanitation, and responding to climate change.

"The ABII strategy in the water sector considers a broad spectrum of investment needs across the diverse social, economic, and geographic conditions of member countries," noted moderator Yulia Kuklite-Polikarp. "It prioritizes projects with well-developed supporting institutional structures to ensure sustainable positive outcomes. Additionally, it aims to attract private capital, ensuring equitable access to water and improving sector outcomes through strategic partnerships."

During the session, participants discussed how innovative approaches and technologies could enhance the resilience of water systems, as well as how international cooperation and knowledge exchange could help address water issues. Examples highlighted how financing could improve water resource management and increase the efficiency of water supply and sanitation.

"90% of available water resources in Uzbekistan is used for agriculture, and only 4% is for drinking water. One of our tasks is to ensure that this 4% is used exclusively for drinking purposes and not for agriculture. Water resources are limited globally, affecting not just Uzbekistan but the entire Central Asian region. We are looking for opportunities and pathways to conserve all available resources. Due to climate change, we are facing reduced precipitation and snow. The annual precipitation level in Uzbekistan used to be around 200 millimeters, but now we are seeing less than 100 millimeters a year. In some regions of our country, precipitation levels can reach 900 millimeters, so we must strive for diversification," emphasized Khurshid Rahmatullaev, Deputy Chairman of the Board at Uzsuvtaminot.

Nadir Nuritdinov, Executive Director and Co-founder of Infrasia Capital, added to the discussion: "The involvement of private companies with extensive knowledge and experience throughout the process is crucial, effectively incorporating sustainable technologies and the latest methods to ensure sustainable project outcomes for clients."

In conclusion, participants underscored that employing effective technologies and strategies to ensure the resilience of water systems and attracting private capital for improved water resource management are essential for building sustainable infrastructure for all, creating long-term and reliable solutions for future generations.