Stakeholder groups in water resources management can be diverse, including the private sector, scientists, youth, and others. The celebration of River Day, which is a global trend and is usually observed on the last Sunday of September, serves as an effective mechanism for engaging various stakeholder groups and emphasizing the importance of conserving water resources and the environment, while simultaneously addressing related challenges and seeking solutions. It is also an effective way to initiate behavioral changes that support more sustainable water use.

The organization and implementation of activities dedicated to the celebration of River Day for the Amu Darya River Basin are based on proposals from the Project’s national partners. The celebration helps raise awareness in the region about issues related to water resources management and use in the basin and engages youth in the dialogue on water resources management. The Project has organized a series of national-level events in each of the four countries of the basin – Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These national-level activities have widely involved children and youth through drawing, essay/poetry, and video competitions, as well as river/canal clean-up events.

Summarizing all national events, the regional celebration of Amu Darya River Day, in addition to official presentations and an exhibition of the winning children’s works, will allow participants in an informal setting to learn interesting facts about the river and its basin, receive information about major hydraulic structures, and explore other fascinating topics related to the Amu Darya River and the territory it flows through.

Participants: USAID Mission in Central Asia, members of RCC, IC IFAS and its structures, youth representatives (winners of drawing and essay competitions), representatives of basin organizations, and media.