May 29, Dushanbe — The High-Level International Conference on Glaciers and Sustainable Development concluded in the capital of Tajikistan, gathering over 1,500 participants from environmental agencies, international organizations, the scientific community, partner institutions, youth groups, and civil society. The conference served as a key regional platform for international cooperation and coordination aimed at glacier preservation and enhancing climate resilience in Central Asia.
The agenda focused on climate change adaptation, transboundary water cooperation, mountain ecosystem protection, and the integration of scientific knowledge into environmental policymaking.
Ahead of the main conference day, eight thematic forums and eighteen side events were held, including a Ministerial Dialogue on climate resilience, water resources, and glacier protection. The dialogue became an important forum uniting policymakers, scientists, and practitioners to develop sustainable solutions in water management and climate adaptation. Ministers of Environment from Central Asian countries presented national strategies and priorities focused on reducing climate risks, preserving glaciers, and strengthening regional ecological security.
Discussions also addressed the framework of a future Regional Program to Support Climate Research, emphasizing scientific monitoring of glacier melt and permafrost conditions. Representatives from the Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD) participated in parallel sessions, highlighting the importance of a systemic approach to mountain ecosystem protection, inter-agency coordination, and sustainable mechanisms for scientific data exchange. Special attention was given to mainstreaming glacier-related issues into national strategies for sustainable development and climate adaptation.
Preliminary research results from the Asian Development Bank’s “Glaciers to Farms” program was presented, including risk assessments of glacier melt for water security and agriculture. On the international level, participants discussed possible global warming scenarios and their impact on water resources. The session titled “Glacier Projections and Emissions” explored scientific projections on glacier conservation if global warming is limited to 1.5°C.
A dedicated discussion was also held on the “Pact for the Future” project, which is seen as a potential key mechanism for advancing international initiatives on glacier protection and climate resilience. Key topics included the development of joint action mechanisms for transboundary cooperation, engagement of financial institutions, and the inclusion of youth and women in climate discourse.
The conference concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening international collaboration and mainstreaming glacier preservation into regional and global policy agendas.
Source: Scientific Information Center of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD)
