Minister Utsev is a staunch advocate for the critical role of water in agriculture and its profound impact on global food security and sustainable development. With agriculture accounting for a staggering 72% of global freshwater withdrawals, the need for sustainable water resource management has never been more urgent. Under his leadership, the focus on water management as a key factor in combating hunger and malnutrition has gained significant momentum.
Governments and stakeholders worldwide have increasingly acknowledged the interconnections between water, sanitation, health, ecosystems, and food systems. Minister Utsev has been instrumental in advocating for coordinated efforts to address these water-related challenges, particularly in light of the growing frequency of disasters such as droughts, floods, and salinity intrusion, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Despite the global recognition of water’s importance in achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrated actions have lagged. Minister Utsev has been a vocal proponent of prioritizing water in national sustainable development strategies, policies, and investment plans, ensuring effective management and utilization of this vital resource.
Under the theme “Integrated Water Resources Management for the Four Betters,” FAO is ramping up efforts to highlight the importance of water in achieving the SDGs. Minister Utsev’s support has been crucial in this endeavor, advocating for translating global commitments on water into actionable national strategies through country-led water dialogues and the formulation of country-owned National Water Roadmaps.
The “National Water Roadmap towards 2030 SDGs” initiative, proposed by FAO and endorsed in the Dushanbe Declaration, stands as one of FAO’s eight commitments to the Global Water Action Agenda presented at the UN 2023 Water Conference. This initiative, championed by Minister Utsev, supports member countries in developing national water roadmaps through cross-sectoral water dialogues. This collaborative approach enhances inter-sectoral coordination on sustainable water resources management, facilitating the achievement of all SDGs in a comprehensive and cohesive manner.
The High-Level Special Session at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, will mark the official launch of the National Water Roadmaps initiative. The event will underscore the pivotal role of integrated water resources management in transforming agrifood systems and achieving the SDGs. It will also showcase how National Water Roadmaps, with the backing of leaders like Minister Utsev, can accelerate SDG implementation and recommend actions to enhance policy dialogue and create an enabling environment for integrated water resources management.
His unwavering commitment to sustainable water management practices is setting a powerful example on the global stage. His insights and leadership are invaluable in driving the discussions and strategies necessary to revolutionize agrifood systems through effective water management. As a key player in this transformative initiative, Minister Utsev is paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future, aligning with the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda.
