University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosts WICAR-2026 International Scientific and Practical Conference

On 19 May 2026, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Innovative Approaches to Water Resource Management in Arid Regions in the Context of Climate Change” (WICAR-2026).

The conference was organised by the Department of Systems Analysis and Mathematical Modelling of UWED. The event brought together scientists, experts and government representatives from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Poland and a number of other countries — both in person and online.

The conference focused on the comprehensive study of challenges related to effective water resource management in arid regions under climate change. Participants addressed a wide range of issues: from the application of mathematical and computer modelling methods to the optimisation of irrigation systems and the automation of water distribution — to questions of water diplomacy in Central Asia and ecological changes in the Aral Sea region. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of cutting-edge research findings and practical experience, as well as to the prospects for expanding international scientific cooperation in the field.

The plenary session featured presentations by representatives of leading scientific and educational institutions: the Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems of Uzbekistan, the National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers”, Green University, the National Committee of Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower and Ecology of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. In the afternoon, three thematic sections ran in parallel, during which more than 20 scientific papers were presented.

The themes of WICAR-2026 are directly aligned with the global priorities set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the discussions covered the following SDGs: SDG 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation: innovative approaches to water resource management under drought and climate change conditions; SDG 13 — Climate Action: methods for modelling climate variability and adapting water management systems; SDG 15 — Life on Land: analysis of ecological and hydrogeological processes in the Aral Sea region; SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals: strengthening international scientific cooperation and advancing science diplomacy in the field of water resources.

The conference outcomes underscored that WICAR-2026 served as an effective platform for the exchange of research findings and best practices, the strengthening of academic ties, and the advancement of interdisciplinary research. Participants highlighted the high scientific quality of the papers presented, their practical relevance, and their significance for addressing contemporary challenges in water management and environmental security. The conference reaffirmed the status of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy as an authoritative scientific and educational centre that actively develops international cooperation and shapes the research agenda in the fields of sustainable development, natural resource management, and the application of advanced mathematical modelling methods.