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ISLAMABAD, Jun 01 (APP):The “International High-Level Conference on Glacier Preservation” concluded to emphasize the inextricable link between glacier conservation and sustainable socio-economic development.
Important outcomes of the Conference are the adoption of the Dushanbe Declaration and the Dushanbe Appeal: Call for Action, which call on UN Member States and stakeholders to take the necessary measures to strengthen international cooperation to advance and align the global agenda for the conservation of the cryosphere and glaciers.
Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Kohir Rasulzoda, while addressing to the press Conference after the conclusion of the conference, said that the “International High-Level Conference on Glaciers Preservation, organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, in partnership with relevant United Nations agencies with the assistance of a number of international partners, has ended.
During these three days, from May 29 to 31, 2025, here in Dushanbe, “we witnessed a constructive dialogue, exchange of best practices and scientific knowledge aimed at resolving one of the most pressing environmental problems of the time – the rapid melting of glaciers” he said.
The Dushanbe Platform provided an opportunity to advance integrated approaches and partnerships in the field of glacier melting, he said.
“We reaffirmed that glaciers play a key role in maintaining global ecological balance, socio-economic growth and addressing water resource issues and also discussed how glacier conservation is essential to ensure livelihoods, access to water, minimizing associated risks, and achieving long-term development goals in vulnerable regions.”
Tajik Prime Minister said that it should be noted that the structure of the Conference Program included two plenary sessions, 12 thematic sessions, 2 high-level round tables, as well as pre-conference events, including 8 high-level forums and 17 parallel events.
In addition, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan organized the Glacier Festival to raise awareness of the importance of the glacier melting problem and the value of water resources as a vital resource, its careful treatment and preservation for future generations.
He said the International Exhibition “Transforming Glacier Problems into Solutions” held within the framework of the Conference was aimed at raising awareness of glacier shrinkage, showcasing scientific research, including coverage of the latest scientific results and studies in the field of glacier monitoring, conservation efforts and the critical role of glaciers in regulating freshwater resources, biodiversity and global climate models, as well as promoting global cooperation and exploring innovative technologies and solutions.
The Prime Minister said that once again Dushanbe became a global platform for discussing important issues related to the impacts of climate change, in particular glacier melting, and brought together high-level representatives of UN Member States, UN agencies, international and regional organizations, international financial institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, academia, communities, local authorities and other stakeholders.
“We also witnessed important national and political statements, heard new ideas and recommendations that once again confirm the importance of discussing the adoption of glacier conservation measures at all levels and have convinced that the results of this important event will make a worthy contribution to the successful implementation of the International Year of Glacier Conservation – 2025 and will strengthen our efforts to take urgent measures to address this pressing issue.
Kohir Rasulzoda said the number and level of the Conference participants, more than 2,600 participants from 90 countries, once again demonstrated the importance of the Dushanbe Platform for discussing issues related to glacier melting and their impact on water resources, as well as exchanging best practices and innovative solutions, strengthening partnerships between stakeholders, enhancing the role of glaciers in sustainable development, raising awareness and mobilizing political will to accelerate progress in achieving the relevant goals of the 2030 Agenda.
It is gratifying to note that the work of the Conference was widely covered by respected representatives of the media, thanks to which a wide audience, both in Tajikistan and beyond, was able to learn about this important international event, he said.
He said that Tajikistan, as a country at the forefront of these processes and deeply committed to advancing the water and climate agenda, is ready to continue to make every effort to achieve our common goals.
In conclusion, “I would like to thank all participants for their active participation and our partners for their support, as well as the National Organizing Committee, the International Advisory Committee and the Secretariat for the work done to successfully hold the completed Conference” Tajik Prime Minster said.