DUSHANBE, Tajikistan

On May 29, UNRCCA co-organized a High-Level Regional Forum on “Enhancing Transboundary Cooperation for Water Security and Climate Resilience in Glacier-Dependent Basins of Central Asia, held in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. The Forum was launched within the framework of the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe (30–31 May 2025) in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of  the Republic of Tajikistan, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination, the International Water Management Institute, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the World Bank through the Central Asia Water and Energy Program.

The Forum aimed to contribute to regional efforts in support of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly for 2025. It gathered senior officials from all five Central Asian states, including Daler Shofakir Juma, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan; Nurjan Nurjigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Askhat Orazbay, Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFAS. Representatives of regional organizations, development partners, and the scientific community also took part. Discussions focused on the accelerating retreat of glaciers and its far-reaching impacts on water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on coordinated, science-based, and preventive approaches.

In his opening remarks, SRSG Kaha Imnadze, underscored the importance of preventive diplomacy, regional solidarity, and integrated governance in addressing climate risks across the water-energy-food-environment nexus. “The UNRCCA views this Forum and the upcoming Glaciers Conference as critical platforms for practical, forward-looking solutions. Climate security and transboundary water cooperation remain essential pillars of our regional peace and sustainable development agenda,” he stated.

As part of its contribution, UNRCCA prepared and moderated a dedicated session on “Strengthening Transboundary Governance and Policy Coordination,” which explored opportunities to reinforce cooperation through existing regional mechanisms, including IFAS, UNRCCA, and other initiatives led by UN agencies and development partners. Participants highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue, harmonized policies, open data exchange, scientific tools for climate adaptation, and sustainable financing mechanisms.

The Forum concluded with a joint commitment to deepen regional cooperation in glacier-dependent basins. The outcomes and recommendations will be presented at the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, further reinforcing shared efforts to address climate change and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNRCCA reaffirms its continued support to the countries of Central Asia in advancing peaceful, cooperative, and climate-resilient approaches to shared transboundary challenges.