On 24 April 2025, during the 81st session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) held in Bangkok, Thailand, the resolution initiated by the Republic of Tajikistan entitled “Strengthening Cooperation on the Water-Climate Nexus for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific” was adopted.
The resolution, introduced by Tajikistan and co-sponsored by a number of countries in the region, highlights the interdependence between water resources and climate change, and underscores the urgency of coordinated actions to prevent water-related disasters, glacier retreat, and ecosystem degradation.
It calls upon ESCAP member States to enhance regional cooperation on integrated water resource management, promote the adoption of low-cost and modern technologies, strengthen early warning systems, protect biodiversity, and improve capacity for sustainable water use.
The resolution also emphasizes the importance of:
– supporting international efforts to preserve glaciers, including the upcoming International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe in 2025;
– facilitating the organization of a regional preparatory meeting in Dushanbe ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference;
– exploring the creation of a dedicated trust fund to support glacier preservation and climate resilience initiatives.
The adoption of the resolution served as a vivid confirmation of Tajikistan’s active and proactive role on the international water agenda, the consistent implementation of the initiatives of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Emomali Rahmon, and the country’s steadfast commitment to global environmental and climate agendas.
This development reflects Tajikistan’s continued engagement in advancing international cooperation on water-related issues and opens additional avenues for collaboration with Asia-Pacific countries in promoting sustainable water management and climate resilience.
