South Korea is launching the international programme ‘Smart Water Management in Central Asia – 2026’, organised by the Korea Foundation and the UNESCO International Centre for Water Security and Sustainable Management, according to the Orient news agency.

The project aims to introduce digital solutions into the region’s water management sector. The event is seen as an important step in the preparations for the first ‘Korea–Central Asia’ Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September.

Turkmenistan has adopted a unique approach to participation: instead of the usual technical delegation, Ashgabat has sent a special group comprising representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection to develop cooperation in the water sector. The delegation will take part in meetings and seminars in Seoul, Daejeon and other technology hubs in South Korea.

A key event will be the forum on 23 July, where representatives from Turkmenistan, the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) and IT companies will discuss joint projects on the implementation of ‘smart’ technologies, digital monitoring and the efficient use of water resources.

Cooperation with South Korea is in line with Turkmenistan’s new climate initiatives, including the establishment of the Ashgabat Climate Dialogue, the Regional Centre for Climate Technologies and the Centre for Combating Desertification. Korean digital solutions in the field of water management could become one of the practical tools for the work of these organisations.