DUSHANBE, Tajikistan

On 18 - 22 June 2018, SRSG Natalia Gherman visited Tajikistan to participate in the High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018 – 2028.

At the same time, SRSG Gherman met with Tajik authorities and several Conference participants.

On 18 June, SRSG Gherman met Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Minister Muhriddin thanked UNRCCA for its active involvement in the conference, and in particular for organizing a Pre -Conference Forum entitled “Climate and Water Dialogue.” The sides exchanged views and information on developments in the region, discussed the ongoing and planned activities of the Centre and also agreed to continue coordinating efforts in relevant areas of the Centre’s mandate.

SRSG Gherman also met with the Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Khairullo Ibodzoda, who informed her about the current policies of the Tajik Government in implementing the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and SDG 6 in particular.  Mr. Ibodzoda expressed the readiness of the Committee on Environmental Protection to deepen cooperation with UNRCCA.

On 19 June, the SRSG undertook a field visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), including Lake Sarez and GBAO’s administrative centre, Khorog. The Chairman of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Rustam Nazarzoda, accompanied SRSG and informed her about the early-warning system for earthquakes and measures to protect the people of the region. 

In Khorog, SRSG Gherman also met GBAO Chairman Mr. Shodikhoni Jamshed and Khorog Mayor Ms. Arambegim Bozor. In her discussions, SRSG Gherman spoke of the Centre’s preventive mandate and its activities to support the countries of Central  Asia  in maintaining peace and security in the region.

On 22 June, SRSG Gherman visited the site of the Roghun hydropower plant. The Tajik authorities are preparing to put the station into operation in November 2018.

On the sidelines of the high-level conference,  SRSG Gherman  also met with Secretary of State of the  Ministry of Water and Forestry of Romania, Ms. Adriana Petcu; Swiss Envoy for Water, Mr. Michel Mordasini; the Canadian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe and Ambassador  of Canada to Germany, Mr. Stephane Dion; IFAD President and UN Water Chair, Mr. Gillbert F. Houngbo; and EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Mr. Peter Burian.