Innovative Approaches to Water Resources Management
25–26 March 2026 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan
World Water Day 2026, organized within the framework of Tashkent Water Week, is an international platform dedicated to addressing today's most pressing water-related challenges through science, policy dialogue, education, and innovation. As climate change, glacier retreat, changing precipitation patterns, population growth, and rising demand for water continue to intensify pressure on water resources, the need for sustainable and evidence-based water management has become more urgent than ever. In this context, World Water Day 2026 serves as a unique opportunity to bring together academia, government institutions, international organizations, industry representatives, and young innovators to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and generate practical solutions for water security at both regional and global levels.
The event is designed not only as a scientific gathering, but also as a multi-format ecosystem that links research, policy, education, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship. It aims to create a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world implementation by encouraging collaboration among experts, students, practitioners, and decision-makers. Through conferences, thematic discussions, competitions, and innovation platforms, the program promotes a shared understanding of water challenges while supporting the development of actionable ideas and partnerships for the future.
This component serves as the central international forum within Tashkent Water Week 2026, focusing on the theme "Technologies and Innovations in Water Resource Management." It brings together leading scientists, policymakers, technical specialists, and development partners to discuss current trends, research findings, and practical approaches in water governance, climate adaptation, and integrated water resources management. The conference provides an important platform for strengthening the dialogue between science and policy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting innovative solutions aimed at improving water security in Central Asia and beyond.
This specialized international event highlights the important role of women in the water sector and creates a space for gender inclusion, leadership development, and professional empowerment. The conference brings together women professionals from government agencies, basin irrigation authorities, academia, civil society, and international organizations to exchange experiences, discuss policy frameworks, and explore opportunities for capacity building. Through thematic sessions, panel discussions, and networking activities, the event promotes greater participation of women in water governance and supports their contribution to sustainable and inclusive water management.
In order to organize World Water Day at a high international level within the framework of TashkentWaterWeek, TIIAME NRU announces the organization of the "World Water Olympiad 2026" International Student Olympiad.
The Olympiad is an interdisciplinary international intellectual competition aimed at enhancing students' theoretical knowledge, analytical thinking skills, and innovative approaches in the fields of water resources management, protection, and efficient utilization.
Water resources management and planning
Hydraulic structures and irrigation systems
Land reclamation and efficient water use
Water and ecology, climate change issues
Water and energy integration
GIS, modeling, and Smart Water solutions
Water resources economics and governance
Undergraduate and master's degree students studying at higher education institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan and foreign countries are eligible to participate.
The Olympiad is conducted exclusively in an individual format; team participation is not allowed.
30 questions, maximum 30 points
Theoretical and analytical Q&A session with the Evaluation Committee
Analysis of a problem situation or case study
Each stage is evaluated separately, and the top 10 participants with the highest scores advance to the final stage.
Participants are assessed based on:
Awards:
Uzbek • Russian • English
Register for the Olympiad:
Register NowWithin the framework of TashkentWaterWeek, and with the aim of organizing World Water Day at a high international level, TIIAME NRU, in cooperation with international and local partners, announces the "Smart Water Solutions" Startup Competition.
The primary objective of the competition is to identify and support practical, market-oriented, and innovative startup solutions in the fields of water resources management, water saving, water treatment, monitoring, and digitalization.
The competition is open to students, master's and doctoral candidates, young researchers, and startup teams from higher education institutions in Uzbekistan and abroad.
Participants may compete individually or as teams of 2 to 5 members.
IoT technologies, sensors, real-time monitoring systems
Innovative solutions for efficient water use
Artificial intelligence, analytics, and digital modeling
Water treatment and reuse technologies
Environmental sustainability and climate solutions
Participants submit a written description (1–2 pages) of their startup idea and the problem it addresses. A finished product or prototype is not required at this stage. Based on the evaluation results, the most promising projects are shortlisted for Stage 2.
Participants present either a minimum viable product demonstrating the practical feasibility of the idea or a technical concept, such as a scheme, algorithm, model, or demo materials. Teams with the highest scores advance to the final stage.
Finalist teams present their projects in an open pitch session before the jury, sponsors, and partners:
Projects are evaluated using a 100-point scoring system. Evaluation criteria include:
In the case of tied scores, priority is given to innovation, implementation potential, and the business model.
First, second, and third place winners will be determined in each track. Winners will receive:
Water sector specialists, startup mentors, investors, and industry representatives will be involved in the competition process. Mentors will provide finalists with guidance on pitching, business modeling, and technical development.
The intellectual property rights of all submitted projects remain with the participants. The organizing committee may use project materials solely for informational and promotional purposes.
Working Languages: Uzbek • Russian • English
Register for the Startup Competition:
Register NowEach year, TIIAME NRU organizes World Water Day events featuring scientific conferences, competitions, olympiads, panel discussions, technology exhibitions, and youth-led initiatives.
TIIAME NRU organized a World Water Day week featuring educational outreach activities and competitions. Events included a team quiz on glacier protection ("What can young people do to protect glaciers?"), social videos/animations encouraging water conservation, posters and photo works, and a technology exhibition on innovations in water sector development. Winners were recognized with valuable prizes and monetary awards.
Activities emphasized the vital importance of water and the growing risks related to global warming, glacier retreat, environmental pollution, and water scarcity. Students participated in multiple competition formats (videos, quizzes, essays, and innovation showcases). A dedicated roundtable discussion addressed improving irrigation water-use efficiency, expanding water-saving methods such as drip irrigation, and using alternative water sources responsibly. The programme included a presentation of an underground drip irrigation system developed by "ECOSUV."
World Water Day was widely celebrated with the participation of university leadership, sector representatives, and international partners. Activities included a scientific essay competition, youth debate ("What can young people do?"), creative videos promoting water conservation, poster/photo submissions, and a technology exhibition focused on innovative ideas and solutions. Active participants and winners received various awards and prizes.
Activities focused on rational water resource management and the pressing challenge of water scarcity. A key feature was the organization of competitions involving students from universities in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with winners receiving prizes such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other awards.
This year's event will be even bigger with international participation and groundbreaking innovations in water resources management.
For questions and inquiries, please contact the Organizing Committee:
+998 93 398 99 11
39 Kori Niyazov Street,
Tashkent 100000, Uzbekistan
(TIIAME NRU)
Join us in shaping the future of water resources management