Translated with AI
On April 22, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in and addressed the Regional Environmental Summit on "A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future" in Astana, Kazakhstan. This was reported by the President's press service.
During the speech, it was emphasized that climate change, ecosystem degradation, water scarcity, and natural disasters are becoming serious challenges for both the region and the entire world, requiring joint action.
The head of state noted that Tajikistan accounts for up to 60 percent of Central Asia's water resources, underscoring the important role of the country's mountain ecosystems in ensuring water supply and sustainable development in the region.
Particular attention was paid to the rapid melting of glaciers, which is accelerating worldwide. According to the president, this is disrupting the water balance, creating environmental threats, and increasing the risk of water-related natural disasters.
An alarming trend of increasing frequency and duration of dust storms in countries of the region was also noted, which have a negative impact on public health and the environment.
The President recalled Tajikistan's ongoing efforts within the Dushanbe Water Process to advance the global water and climate agenda. He noted that the UN resolution on the International Decade for Action, "Water for Sustainable Development," is currently being actively implemented.
The head of state called the First International High-Level Conference on Glacier Conservation, held in Dushanbe in 2025 as part of the International Year of Glacier Conservation, an effective platform for uniting efforts and taking further action.
In addition, the importance of adopting a UN resolution declaring the Decade of Action to Support Cryospheric Sciences for 2025–2034, as well as the establishment of a Regional Centre for the Study and Monitoring of Glaciers and the Cryosphere in Central Asia in Dushanbe under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization, was emphasized.
The President emphasized to the summit participants the need to promote climate transition as a development priority, expand the use of renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and develop a low-carbon economy. He stated that the development of hydropower and other clean energy sources is a strategic priority for Tajikistan.
In the current environment, he noted, mobilizing green investments and implementing market mechanisms to support green growth are particularly important. In this regard, the country's government is issuing green bonds, which is seen as an important step toward integrating into the global sustainable climate finance system.
The advisability of considering the possibility of a phased formation of a regional carbon market to support efforts to reduce emissions and attract investment was also voiced.
It was emphasized that the protection and rational use of biological resources are essential for addressing environmental issues. In this context, Tajikistan has adopted a program to green the country by 2040. Furthermore, state programs and projects are being implemented to preserve unique and rare species of mountain fauna.
"These and our other efforts are aimed at protecting the natural habitat and ensuring a respectful attitude towards nature," the president noted.
To improve the effectiveness of regional environmental cooperation, the need to develop structural mechanisms and coordinate positions on the international stage was emphasized. In this context, the importance of the Regional Waste Management Center established in Dushanbe was also emphasized.
The President noted Tajikistan's support for global initiatives aimed at promoting the common interests of Central Asian countries at the international level.
Summit participants were invited to the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the Implementation of the Goals of the International Decade for Action, "Water for Sustainable Development," which will be held in Dushanbe in late May of this year.
Following the Regional Environmental Summit, a joint declaration of the heads of state was adopted, and the Regional Action Programme for 2026–2030 was approved.
