As is known on June 27-29, 2008 the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan by support of the UN institutes and international organizations organizes an International Conference on Water Related Disaster Reduction which will be held in Dushanbe.  

This Conference will be held to mobilize efforts of governments, the UN institutes, international and regional organizations, private sector and civil society for prevention and readiness to natural disasters, as well as assistance in raising public awareness, promoting best experience and facilitating cooperation.

On April 17, 2008 in the Center of Strategic Researches of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan has taken place the 1st Meeting of the International Advisory Council formed of number of high-ranking officials, leading experts and representatives of international organizations in aid of preparation and carrying out of the International Conference on Water Related Disasters Reduction.

As the participants of the meeting were the members of the International Advisory Council and Conference Organizing Committee, heads and representatives of the Embassies and international organizations accredited in Dushanbe, as well as representatives of mass-media. At the meeting chaired the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Head of the Conference Working Group Mr. Juldoshev A.K. who after welcoming speech briefly informed about forthcoming Conference and goals of the held meeting. 

The welcoming speeches have been delivered by Mr. Salvano Briseno, Director of the Secretariat of UN Strategy on natural disaster reduction, Member of the International Advisory Council and Mr. Kunio Kawamoto, Representative of Japan Water Forum.  They have noted urgency and importance of issue on water related disasters reduction and supported the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan on organization of the above conference. They have also expressed readiness to lend all support to the Organizing Committee in preparation and carrying out of the conference.

The report of preparation for conference has been presented by the Conference Working Group Assistant Mr. Odinaev А.Т. By the speech he noted that preparatory process of conference is on fast forward. There are established the Organizing Committee headed by the Prime Minister of the country Mr. Akil Akilov and the Conference Working Group headed by the first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Abdullo Juldoshev. There is formed the International Advisory Council from among world-wide recognized experts and representatives of international organizations which have supported the initiative on carrying out of the Conference. In the Internet is launched the Conference web-site where the necessary information about conference in two languages is posted. An active work with the governments of the countries of region, international and regional organizations, and other interested parties on their participation at the conference is carrying out at the given stage. The Program draft of the conference prepared in collaboration with international experts is widely discussed with potential participants. It includes opening and closing ceremonies, three plenary sessions, three special sessions and three parallel sessions of working groups. On the conference days there will be organized an International exhibition and trips (excursions) to the objects as well.

During discussion following the results of this report have addressed Mr. Salvano Briseno (UN/ISDR), Mr. Sulton Rakhimov (EC IFAS), Mr. Vladimir Pryakhin (OSCE), Mr. Mattias Anderreg (SDC), Mr. Malik Adzhani (FOCUS), Mr. Husrav Sharipov (UNDP) at alias. As a whole the participants have approved the Program draft taking into account some changes and additions. The participants have mentioned that it is necessary to promote the activity on receipt of confirmation from participants and reporters to make a list of participants and their allocation on sessions.

The participants have also heard brief information of Acting Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFAS Mr. Sulton Rakhimov about draft of the total documents. By the speech Mr. S. Rakhimov stressed the important role of the International Advisory Council members in preparation of the total document which is original generalization of all conference work. What type of the total document will be adopted following the results of conference - in many ways depends on character of event and level of participants, however its main factor undoubtedly is its further advancement and realization. He also noted that preliminary preparation of draft of the total document of conference and its posting on the WEB-site will allow to inform the wide international public and to make a considerable contribution to its final edition that as a whole will enhance its productivity.

As a whole the meeting was constructive and effective. Following the results of the meeting the participants have agreed in opinion that it is required to finish the Program draft of the conference and to prepare a draft of the total document taking into account the presented recommendations and proposals. After that the document should be distributed to the Council members and other potential participants and posted on the conference web-site for wide discussion.