Water Co-operation for Peace and Security: Empowering Women and Youth Leaders Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Results and Impact
KEY FIGURES of the world’s freshwater flows through transboundary waters Climate change is reshaping water security in Central Asia, a region highly vulnerable to droughts, floods, earthquakes and landslides. These shocks place increasing pressure on water systems, livelihoods and transboundary co-operation. Water diplomacy can lead to improved relations among countries and communities, enhance security and prosperity and protect the environment. Water Management and Security Inclusive water governance is not optional - it is essential. When women participate meaningfully in water governance and diplomacy, water management becomes more sustainable and equitable Institutions are more resilient to climate change Women must be an integral part of developing solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. (UN Women, 2022) Voices from the Region Gender mainstreaming eventually results in truly effective and long- lasting water cooperation that gives broader results. Yet women remain under-represented in water-related negotiations and leadership - a missed opportunity with direct consequences for stability and co-operation. (UN Water) 60% Oygul Usmanova, Uzbekistan Why Women in Water Governance Why It Matters & What We Do 2 of countries still lack mechanisms to ensure women’s effective participation and parity in water decision-making 15% As of 2023, (UNEP-DHI, GWP, UN Women, 2025) The Women in Water Management Network has been a consistent and tremendous source of inspiration for my career development. Through this Network, I have connected with numerous exceptional women dedicated to the fields of water and environmental conservation. Involving women in water diplomacy isn't just about equality; it's about improving the quality of solutions. Our voices bring diverse perspectives, empathy and a focus on the well-being of communities, which are essential for forging sustainable agreements and promoting cooperation over water resources. Lyazzat Syrlybayeva, Kazakhstan Gulzhan Makhmudova, Kyrgyzstan Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA)
PROJECT AT A GLANCE Women, Water Management and Conflict Prevention Building on OSCE engagement since 2014, Phase III delivers practical skills, networks and leadership opportunities for women in water governance. From Long-Term Commitment to Tangible Results Phase I (2017) Phase II Phase III (Current) Regional Network established in 2021 (Central Asia & Afghanistan) Global Women in Water Diplomacy Network Water governance • Water Co-operation • Gender equality • Youth • Conflict prevention Objective Strengthening women’s and youth participation for inclusive and co-operative water governance Focus areas: Engagements take place at national, regional and international levels. Geographic Reach: Central Asian Countries Phase III 2023–2026 Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Kazakhstan RESULTS AT A GLANCE (2025) Active regional network spanning Central Asia and Afghanistan Hundreds of women and young water professionals engaged across the region Capacity-Building & Engagement Skills & Knowledge Strengthened Water diplomacy and negotiation 3 in-person engagements 10 capacity-building activities delivered in 2025 7 online seminars and masterclasses Women in Water Management Network (Established in 2021) Data and information exchange Public speaking and policy writing Climate change impacts on transboundary water management Preparation for global policy engagements (UN Water Conference 2026) Part of the Global Women in Water Diplomacy Network Growing visibility in international and regional fora Platform for peer exchange, mentorship and collective advocacy 3 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA)
The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the OSCE. 5 Gender Mainstreaming Guide on water governance developed E-learning course: Gender Mainstreaming in Water Governance Toolkit: Data & Information Exchange in Transboundary Basins E-learning course: Data Sharing & Digitalization in the Water Sector Knowledge products including podcasts featuring women leaders in water, climate and diplomacy Drops of the Future Workshop Series on the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus women and young water professionals engaged Central Asian countries 3 project phases implemented since 2017 Knowledge Products Dozens of capacity-building activities 150+ Cumulative Results and Impact by 2026 Stronger women’s professional networks Increased capacity in water diplomacy & negotiation Greater awareness of Water-Energy-Food Trade-Offs Capacities of women water professionals in water diplomacy, negotiation and conflict prevention are increased 2026 UN Water Conference December 2026 Shape global water governance discussions Influence policy outcomes Bring regional perspectives to the international level Joint messaging from the Network Policy advocacy training Strategic engagement at global fora The Network is preparing a joint regional contribution to ensure women water professionals: Key actions: Looking Ahead: Aligned With: For more information contact: Letizia Zuliani Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Letizia.Zuliani@osce.org Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) CUMULATIVE RESULTS (Phases I–III)