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Global leaders convene in Dushanbe to discuss why glaciers’ preservation matters

24.06.2024

Glaciers and their critical role to freshwater supply, agriculture, industry and energy were discussed during the high-level glaciers forum for the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025.

The Government of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hosted the International Glacier Forum on 10 June 2024 as part of the Third High-level International Conference on the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028".

The forum was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Sulaimon Ziyozoda, Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay, Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Sulagna Mishra from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Sara Manuelli of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, among others.

To raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on the cryosphere and to build engagement and awareness in the lead up to the International Year of Glaciers' Protection 2025 and the first World Glacier Day next year, a roadmap for the implementation of the International Year will be launched to strengthen regional and international cooperation in this direction.

"In order to achieve sustainable mountain development and conservation, it is crucial to include and account for the preservation of mountain glaciers in our advocacy efforts, especially now with global demand for water recourses increasing and water availability changing due to climate change," said Sara Manuelli of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat. She also underlined the need to integrate the Year within the framework of the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain regions 2023-2027.

UNESCO and the WMO are responsible for facilitating implementation of the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation 2025, following the adoption, last year, by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution led by Tajikistan and supported by many countries. The Mountain Partnership Secretariat is leading the task force to develop the global campaign for the celebration of the Year.

Mountains, climate change and migration

On 11 June, within the framework of the Third High-level International Conference on the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028", the Tajik Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, held the parallel event "Human mobility in the context of climate change in mountainous areas – facts, gaps and priorities".

The event explored the impact of climate change on migration processes on a global and regional scale and recommended the implementation of the countries' plans for adaptation to climate change as an effective way to mitigate the negative impact.

"Climate change is impacting mountain communities, increasing migration and displacement. Enhanced monitoring, data, early warning systems and cooperation are crucial for building resilience," said Sara Manuelli.

Read more about the International Glacier Forum

Read more about the side event on migration

Read the news from UNESCO

Photo: Antony Moran/Getty Images Pro