Translated with AI
On May 30, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon received the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund Mafalda Duarte, who arrived in Dushanbe to participate in the first International High-Level Conference on Glacier Conservation. Following the meeting, Mafalda Duarte highly praised the growing leadership of the Republic of Tajikistan in addressing global climate issues and in preserving glaciers, NIAT Khovar reports.
Mafalda Duarte noted: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the esteemed Emomali Rahmon, for the warm and cordial welcome, as well as for his strong political will in addressing issues related to climate change. It was under his leadership that the world community recognized 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Conservation and established March 21 as World Glacier Day. These historic steps highlight the important role of Tajikistan in drawing global attention to the urgent need to protect glaciers – not only for the country, but also for billions of people around the world.”
The Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund emphasized that glaciers are vital sources of fresh water and energy, especially in the Central Asian region. More than two billion people around the world depend on glaciers for drinking water, agriculture and hydropower.
“Tajikistan has already faced serious losses of glaciers, and we must work together to prevent further degradation,” she said, adding: “We express our gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the Government of the country for their bold initiative and keen awareness of the urgency of climate challenges on the global stage.”
Mafalda Duarte also highlighted Tajikistan's achievements in the field of renewable energy and emphasized the important role of clean electricity exports to neighboring regions as an example of sustainable development. She expressed the readiness of the Green Climate Fund to strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan in the areas of climate, restoration of forest ecosystems and adaptation measures.
“The President of Tajikistan, the respected Emomali Rahmon, clearly understands that preserving glaciers is inextricably linked to keeping global warming within 1.5°C. It is precisely this vision and leadership that is especially needed today in the global climate movement,” concluded Mafalda Duarte.
