Translated with AI
On June 8, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon participated and spoke at a high-level event dedicated to the launch of the International Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences 2025–2034. The opening ceremony took place within the framework of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference.
In his speech, the head of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon emphasized that his country was one of the initiators of the proclamation of the cryospheric decade and is actively involved in its implementation. Rahmon spoke in detail about the alarming consequences of climate change, in particular the accelerated melting of glaciers, the shortage of fresh water and the threat this poses to ecosystems and sustainable development.
According to him, about 60% of Central Asia's glaciers are concentrated in the mountainous regions of Tajikistan and play a crucial role in ensuring water security in the region. He noted that the consequences of cryosphere degradation are already having a devastating impact on the economy, agriculture and human security, and stressed the need for coordinated international efforts.
The President of Tajikistan also recalled that Tajikistan has been promoting the global agenda on water and climate issues for over 20 years. He stated that 14 UN General Assembly resolutions supported by the international community were the result of these initiatives. Particular attention was paid to Tajikistan’s recent initiative to hold the International Year of Glacier Conservation and open the Regional Coordination Center for Glaciology in Dushanbe with the support of international partners.
The President of the Republic of Tajikistan noted that melting glaciers and shrinking cryosphere pose a serious threat to about one billion people worldwide, especially in coastal and island regions. In this regard, he called on the world community to expand scientific and political cooperation to preserve the cryosphere.
The opening of the Decade of Cryospheric Sciences was marked by speeches from world leaders. Following the President of Tajikistan, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay spoke at the event, and French President Emmanuel Macron delivered the closing remarks. Heads of state and government from 65 countries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and heads of international and regional organizations are participating in the conference.
