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On May 28, 2026, a Roundtable "Water Problem – Challenge for Global and Regional Security" was held within the framework of the International Security Forum under the auspices of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, bringing together leading experts in the field of economics, ecology, and international relations.

Moderator: Stanislav Zhukov, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Deputy Director for Scientific Work of IMEMO.

Speakers:

• •    Sergey Bobylev, Dr. of Science (Economics), Head of the Department of Sustainable Development Economics and Environmental Management of the Faculty of Economics of Lomonosov Moscow State University;
• •    Irina Abramova, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
• •    Ilkhom Dzhuraev, First Deputy Director of the Agency for the Operation of Water Management Facilities under the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Republic of Uzbekistan);
• •    Pr. Brahima B. Traore, Director of the Institute of Applied Sciences of the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako (Republic of Mali);
• •    Bella Krasnoyarova, Dr. of Science (Geography), Chief Researcher of the Institute for Water and Environmental Problems of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

During the session, participants examined in detail the problem of global water scarcity as one of the key factors of global instability. It was noted that deterioration of access to water exacerbates social and economic tensions, provokes increased migration, and can become a catalyst for inters-state and internal conflicts.

During the Roundtable, Sergey Bobylev noted that clean water shortage is becoming one of the most acute global problems: today, approximately 3 billion people lack access to safe water. The presentation emphasized that overcoming the water crisis requires greater international cooperation, the adoption of water-saving technologies, and a review of economic mechanisms for water use. Emphasis was placed on modernization of irrigation systems, rationally use of natural resources, and taking into account their real economic value.

In his speech, Stanislav Zhukov noted that freshwater shortages are becoming one of the key challenges to global security and sustainable economic development, increasing the risks of humanitarian crises and conflicts, including in the Middle East. Particular attention was paid to the need to develop water purification and reuse technologies, as well as the formation of market mechanisms for water resources regulation. Russia's potential in the field of water technologies and international water cooperation was particularly noted. Particular attention was paid to high-risk regions – Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where water factor already has a significant impact on the political and economic situation.

Irina Abramova presented a report on the role of science and technology in in solving the water problem in Africa. She noted that clean water shortages are already becoming a factor in food insecurity and conflict on the continent. Particular importance is attached to Russian developments in the field of reagent-free water purification and their potential for agriculture, improving food security, and sustainable development of the Global South.

At the Roundtable "Water Problem – Challenge for Global and Regional Security", Ilkhom Dzhuraev, representative of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, spoke about water security challenges in Central Asia and measures to modernize the country's water sector. The presentation noted that climate change, glaciers retreat, and population growth are exacerbating water shortages in the region. Emphasis was placed on the implementation of water-saving technologies, digitalization of water management, and the development of international cooperation in transboundary water resources management.

Brahima Traore gave a presentation on the threats to the Niger and Falémé rivers in the context of industrialization and artisanal gold mining in West African countries. The speaker emphasized that water pollution from industrial waste, dyeing production, and the use of mercury and cyanide in gold mining already has a serious impact on the environment, public health, and regional security. Particular attention was paid to the need for international cooperation, strengthening environmental control, and implementation of sustainable water management technologies.

Bella Krasnoyarova devoted her speech to issues of water use and transboundary cooperation between Russia and the countries of Central Asia. The speaker noted that the shortage and uneven distribution of freshwater are becoming one of the key challenges of the XXI century, and transboundary water resource management issues are increasingly acquiring geopolitical significance. Particular attention was paid to the problems of the Irtysh and Ural basins, cooperation between Russia, Kazakhstan, and China, and the need to develop water-saving technologies and international mechanisms for regulating water use.

Experts emphasized the significant potential of Russian scientific and technological solutions in the field of water treatment, desalination, rational water use, and the digitalization of agriculture. They also noted the importance of developing international cooperation and Russia's participation in the formation of a global market of drinking water and its regulatory mechanisms.

Representatives of the scientific and expert communities from Russia and Africa, as well as international specialists, participated in the discussion.

Following the Roundtable, the participants reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive approach to solving the water problem, combining technological innovation, international cooperation, and the development of institutional mechanisms of water resource management.