The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emamali Rahmon is hosting 3rd High-Level International Conference dedicated to Glaciers’ Preservation on 29-31 May 2025 in Dushanbe, in cooperation with UN Agencies and other partners according to the UNGA Resolution A/RES/77/158 adopted on 14 December 2022 declaring 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
Furthermore, the adoption of the UN resolution declaring 2025-2034 as the International Decade of Action for Cryosphere Sciences is a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen scientific understanding and develop effective strategies for glacier preservation.
This is the initiative of Leader Nation, the President of Tajikistan that is fully supported by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan is among first 10 countries badly affected by climate change and this phenomenon is causing sometimes droughts sometimes floods destructing the development made in the period in between. That is why, this Tajik initiative is fully supported by Pakistan and the country is actively participating in this framework. Pakistan will enthusiastically participate in this conference.
Pakistan is home to 7,000 glaciers which provides an approximately 60 to 70 percent water for the Indus River flow, supporting 90 percent of agriculture. However, the glaciers that provide water for this river have been shrinking over a period of time, estimated at about 23 % decrease since 1960.
The Dushanbe Conference will provide a unique platform and excellent opportunity for the world community to raise awareness and to promote and facilitate actions and sustainable measures towards preserving glaciers, as well as its integrated management at all levels through transformative glaciers-related actions and commitments.
Ambassador of Tajikistan, H.E Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir especially shed light on water issue in his address at Navruz Holiday event hosted by him at the residence on 26 April 2025. He said, among other inseparable links between Navruz and the global community is the World Water Day’s annual celebration on March 22. On this day, the United Nations drew attention of the people of the planet to one of the major and global challenges of our time – drinking water scarcity.
Ambassador Tajikistan welcoming Pakistan to the conference said, “We are convinced that your participation will enhance our endeavors and contribute to raising global awareness about the critical role of glaciers in the context of climate change, and lead to successful implementation of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025.
Pakistan appreciates Tajik President for hosting the most important meeting attended by experts, scientists, world leaders and politicians, who would provide valuable contributions as to how to counter the fast-melting glaciers around the globe.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated in a high-level event of Glaciers 2025; Actions for Glaciers’ hosted by Tajik President Emamoli Rahmon at the sideline of COP29 at Baku on 12 Nov 2024.
He linked the survival of humankind on the planet earth with the compact health of glaciers and reiterated that Pakistan, being the most affected country, stood ready to work with the international community to protect these valuable natural resources.
Prime-Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Qohir Rasulzoda, on this occasion, has said, ” This conference is going to be a pivotal point in collective efforts of international community to address the pressing issue of glaciers’ preservation, which is inextricably linked with global warming. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to raising awareness and expanding international cooperation to tackle the impact of climate change on glaciers and water resources.”
Global water initiatives of the President Emomali Rahmon in the past, include Water Year 2003, Water for Life Decade, 2005-15, Internationa Year of Water Cooperation 2013, Water Action Decade 2018-28, “Water for Sustainable Development” (UN General Assembly Resolution of December 21, 2016, 71/222, 71st session)