HWCA project aims to strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions in Central Asia in the fields of water governance and water diplomacy, contributing to greater climate resilience and regional water security. As part of the project, expert groups from partner universities will update existing and develop new Master’s programmes and curricula in water governance and water diplomacy. Teaching staff from 12 Central Asian partner universities will benefit from specialised training courses designed to enhance their knowledge, teaching skills and research capacities.

The project will also establish a programme for continuous professional development and research based on the needs and capacities of the participating universities. This approach will support the long-term sustainability and quality of newly developed and accredited MSc programmes, PhD studies and short-term training courses.

By strengthening academic expertise and fostering cooperation among Central Asian universities, HWCA will contribute to the development of a new generation of water professionals equipped to address regional water challenges and climate-related risks. The project builds on the extensive international experience of IHE Delft, which has provided education and training to more than 23,000 water professionals from over 190 countries since 1957, with the vast majority coming from the developing world. Through education, research and regional cooperation HWCA will help build stronger institutional capacities and promote sustainable and resilient water governance across Central Asia.