President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan held a series of high-level meetings with international guests participating in the first-ever International High-Level Conference on Glacier Conservation, which kicked off in Dushanbe on May 29, the Tajik presidential official website says.
Key topics discussed included climate change, water resource protection, strengthening educational partnerships, and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Glacier protection: a shared responsibility
During a meeting with Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which took place here on May 28, President Rahmon reportedly discussed measures to safeguard glaciers and water resources.
“We deeply appreciate support for Tajikistan’s global initiatives, including efforts to preserve glaciers,” Rahmon said.
Celeste Saulo, for her part, reportedly praised Tajikistan’s ongoing efforts to manage water resources as a source of peace and mutual understanding.
The talks endorsed the proposal to establish a Regional Coordination Center for Glacier Studies in Dushanbe under the WMO’s auspices. They also discussed an initiative to declare 2025–2034 as the “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences,” in partnership with France.
Tajikistan is also seeking support from the Asian Development Bank to create a glacier preservation fund.
Thirty years of partnership with UNICEF
On the same day, President Rahmon met with Catherine Mary Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, to discuss priorities in child rights protection, education, and healthcare.
Emomali Rahmon and Catherine Mary Russell
“For three decades, Tajikistan has prioritized supporting children and youth, and we value our fruitful cooperation with UNICEF,” Rahmon said.
Russell highlighted the importance of digitizing the education system and modernizing learning environments.
New horizons of cooperation with Gambia
On May 28, Emomali Rahmon held talks with Gambian Vice President Muhammad Jallow. Both sides reportedly expressed interest in strengthening political and economic ties.
Emomali Rahmon and Muhammad Jallow
“We see the need to expand cooperation in trade, education, science, and tourism,” Rahmon stated.
They focused on forming inter-parliamentary friendship groups and coordinating efforts to combat climate change.
“Our countries will be stronger if we work together toward sustainable development,” Jallow said.
Dialogue with Zimbabwe: from energy to culture
On Wednesday, President Rahmon also met with Constantine Chiwenga, First Vice President of Zimbabwe, to discuss bilateral cooperation in politics, energy, agriculture, and culture.
Emomali Rahmon and Constantine Chiwenga
“We are ready to expand partnerships across various sectors—from industry to education and sports,” Rahmon said.
Chiwenga reportedly expressed Zimbabwe’s appreciation for its friendly relations with Tajikistan and its desire to strengthen ties on the international stage.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to support each other’s initiatives within the UN and other international organizations.
The International High-Level Conference on Glacier Conservation is being held at the Kokhi Somon Complex in Dushanbe from May 29 to 31. Organized as part of the UN-declared International Year of Glacier Preservation, the conference aims to raise awareness about the importance of glaciers and discuss global conservation efforts. The event has reportedly brought together more than 2,200 delegates from 65 countries and 70 international organizations.
