The High-Level International Conference on Water Cooperation took place on 20 and 21 August 2013, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, organized by the Government of Tajikistan with the participation of UNESCO, as a member of the scientific committee, and UNDP. The Conference concluded with the adoption of a Declaration that inter alia: recognizes that cooperative development and management of transboundary water at the basin level is essential for broad-based sustainable social and economic growth; acknowledges that governments play a key role in managing water across competing demands and encourages strong dialogue, as appropriate, at the local, national and regional levels; highlights the importance of achieving the MDGs; and notes the discussions and recommendations of the Global Thematic Consultations on Water in the Post-2015 Development Agenda, recommending that the issues of water resources, drinking water, sanitation and wastewater be given due consideration in the elaboration of that agenda.

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In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 124 - We stress the need to adopt measures to significantly reduce water pollution and increase water quality, significantly improve wastewater treatment and water efficiency and reduce water losses. In order to achieve this, we stress the need for international assistance and cooperation.

UNESCO has actively participated in the Water Thematic Consultation in coordination with other UN-Water members, and contributed to the Consultation’s report which describes water access as “a fundamental right for all” and underscores linkages among water and each of the themes of consultation on the post-2015 development agenda. The report summarizes discussions and provides recommendations in three main areas: water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); water resource management (WRM); and wastewater management and water quality. As lead agency of the International Year of Water Cooperation 2103, since the Year’s inception meeting UNESCO has given particular attention to broaden the debate on water cooperation with a vision to the future and in particular the SDGs, during all events organized in the framework of the Year. In the celebration of World Water Day on Water Cooperation in The Hague, a panel was devoted to water resources for the future we want in the framework of the post-2015 process. UNESCO has also contributed to the preparation of several events for the Stockholm World Water Week programme related to the aspects of water security for the post-2015 agenda.

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In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 119 - We recognize that water is at the core of sustainable development as it is closely linked to a number of key global challenges. We therefore reiterate the importance of integrating water in sustainable development and underline the critical importance of water and sanitation within the three dimensions of sustainable development.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 120 - We reaffirm the commitments made in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the Millennium Declaration regarding halving by 2015 the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation and the development of integrated water resource management and water efficiency plans, ensuring sustainable water use. We commit to the progressive realization of access to safe and affordable drinking water and basic sanitation for all, as necessary for poverty eradication, women's empowerment and to protect human health, and to significantly improve the implementation of integrated water resource management at all levels as appropriate. In this regard, we reiterate the commitments to support these efforts, in particular for developing countries, through the mobilization of resources from all sources, capacity-building and technology transfer.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 121 - We reaffirm our commitments regarding the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, to be progressively realized for our populations with full respect for national sovereignty. We also highlight our commitment to the 2005- 2015 International Decade for Action, "Water for Life".

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 122 - We recognize the key role that ecosystems play in maintaining water quantity and quality and support actions within respective national boundaries to protect and sustainably manage these ecosystems.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 123 - We underline the need to adopt measures to address floods, droughts and water scarcity, addressing the balance between water supply and demand, including, where appropriate, non-conventional water resources, and to mobilize financial resources and investment in infrastructure for water and sanitation services, in accordance with national priorities.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 124 - We stress the need to adopt measures to significantly reduce water pollution and increase water quality, significantly improve wastewater treatment and water efficiency and reduce water losses. In order to achieve this, we stress the need for international assistance and cooperation.