Session III. Innovative Approaches in Hydrological Forecasting in Central Asia
This session will explore state-of-the-art methods and tools in hydrological forecasting that are crucial for strengthening climate resilience and disaster preparedness in Central Asia. Accurate and timely forecasts are essential for managing water resources, mitigating flood and drought risks, and supporting decision-making across agriculture, energy, and emergency response sectors.
Experts from GFZ, regional hydrometeorological services, academia, and private sector partners will present innovative approaches, ranging from advanced modeling techniques to data-driven applications and operational practices. Discussions will emphasize regional cooperation, knowledge transfer, and the integration of cutting-edge science into practical forecasting systems, ensuring that countries in Central Asia are better equipped to respond to growing hydrological challenges under climate change.

Chair
Dr. Abror Gafurov,
German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), Germany
Dr. Abror Gafurov is a hydrologist at the German National Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, specialising in mountain hydrology, and project coordinator of the Central Asia Water Project (CAWa). He holds a PhD in Hydrology and Geohydrology from the University of Stuttgart.
Session partners:
Main speakers

Dr. Abror Gafurov
German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), Germany

PhD Tursyn Tillakarim
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

PhD Tobias Siegfried
Hydrosolutions GmbH, Switzerland
Dr. Abror Gafurov is a hydrologist at the German National Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, specialising in mountain hydrology, and project coordinator of the Central Asia Water Project (CAWa). He holds a PhD in Hydrology and Geohydrology from the University of Stuttgart.
Discussants

Ms. Elvira Omorova
Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic – Kyrgyzhydromet, Kyrgyzstan

Ms. Natalya Strakhova
Hydrometeorological Service Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan

Ms. Marina Agalhanova
Hydro-Meteorological Service of Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan

Mr. Serik
Kazhydromet, Kazakhstan

Mr. Safarhon Sharofiddinov
National Hydrometeorological Service of Tajikistan, Tajikistan