In line with the major strategic priorities of the Government and the Ministry of the Environment, particularly regarding integrated water resources management, strengthening climate resilience, and environmental governance, Valéry Fils-Aimé, the Minister of the Environment, is currently participating, on the Prime Minister's instructions, in the 4th High-Level International Conference on the Decade of Action for Water and Sustainable Development 2018-2028, being held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (Central Asia), from May 25 to 28, 2026.

This important international meeting brings together heads of delegation, government representatives, international institutions, and partners to discuss issues related to water governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

This Conference will strengthen technical exchanges and cooperation opportunities related to the projects undertaken by the Ministry to revitalize the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INARHY) and to improve the sustainable management of water resources in Haiti.

On Tuesday, May 26, Valéry Fils-Aimé, in his address to the assembly, highlighted the progress made in Haiti's water sector between 2005 and 2015: strengthening of the institutional framework with the creation and consolidation of the National Directorate for Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA); implementation of water infrastructure projects in several rural and urban municipalities; development of community-based hygiene and sanitation awareness programs; and strengthening of technical and financial partnerships with the international community to reduce structural vulnerabilities related to water.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of technical and financial partnerships in reducing structural vulnerabilities related to water and in building climate resilience. He reiterated that no vulnerable country can face the challenges of water and climate change alone and advocated for strengthened international cooperation based on solidarity, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and improved access to climate finance for the most vulnerable countries.

"We are convinced that no vulnerable country can meet the challenges of water and climate alone. This is why Haiti calls for strengthened international cooperation based on solidarity, knowledge sharing, and equity. He specifically advocated for: increased access to climate finance and support mechanisms for the most vulnerable countries; strengthened technology transfer and capacity building in sustainable water management, hydrological monitoring, and climate resilience; enhanced cooperation for the protection of water ecosystems and watersheds, as well as increased support for community initiatives aimed at protecting local populations and improving their capacity to adapt to environmental crises."

As part of the 2018–2028 Decade of Action, Fils-Aimé presented several major initiatives to strengthen water governance and climate resilience.

Among the priorities mentioned were the development of the National Water and Sanitation Plan (PHAN), the creation of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INARHY), the integration of water issues into national climate adaptation policies, and the development of the National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRM 2025–2050), which is currently being validated.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of inclusive community projects that promote the participation of women, youth, and local communities in the sustainable management of water resources.

SL/ HaitiLibre