On May 29, 2025, as part of the High-level International Conference on Glacier Protection, the Regional Forum on Glacier and Cryosphere Monitoring in Central Asia was held in the hall of the Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Government and Parliament of the Republic, heads of hydrometeorological services of Central Asian countries, international organizations, experts on water and climate issues, representatives of ministries and departments, as well as the media.
In his opening speeches, representative of the Parliament of Tajikistan Latifzoda R., Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection Sheralizoda B. A., Director of the Agency for Hydrometeorology Kurbonzoda A. H., Deputy Director of the Agency for Hydrometeorology Baidulloeva J. A. Special mention was made of the initiatives of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in the field of water and climate resources, Tajikistan's efforts to adapt to climate change and strengthen regional resilience, the alarming rate of glacier melting, issues of protecting mountain ecosystems, sustainable water management and combating climate risks.
Other speakers at the forum included Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), York Schuegraf, Deputy Head of the German Embassy in Tajikistan, Dr. Ali Neumann, representative of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Petteri Taalas, Director of the Finnish Meteorological Institute, as well as other specialists — Topics discussed included raising public awareness of the importance of glaciers and the cryosphere for Central Asia, the potential impact of their melting on the environment and water resources, scientific research on the cryosphere, exchange of experience between countries in the region and international experts, and the development of joint programs and strategies to protect glaciers and the cryosphere.
One of the key points of the forum was the discussion of the establishment of a Regional Glaciology Coordination Center in Dushanbe under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization and with the support of other development partners. There was also a useful exchange of views on the initiative of Tajikistan and France "Decade of Action on Cryospheric Sciences 2025-2034" and other relevant issues.
The event also included bilateral meetings of the heads of the hydrometeorological services of Central Asia, during which further areas of cooperation in the exchange of experience in the field of glacier monitoring, protection of water resources and adaptation to climate change were discussed.
It should be noted that the discussions, expert assessments and recommendations developed during the forum will allow the Central Asian countries to develop integrated approaches and strategic solutions for effective cryosphere management. This, in turn, will ensure the long-term sustainability of ecosystems, water security and sustainable economic development in a changing climate.
29.05.2025