ISLAMABAD, Sunday, May 18, 2025 (WNP): Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, on Sunday announced that Dushanbe will host a three-day International Glaciers Preservation Conference from May 29 to 31, aiming to spotlight the pressing challenges of climate change and water scarcity confronting the region.

Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Ambassador Toir said the conference will bring together international and regional experts to deliberate on the shared environmental threats faced by countries across Central and South Asia. The event is expected to result in a comprehensive action plan addressing climate resilience, glacier conservation, and sustainable water management.

“Climate change and environmental degradation are serious threats to the region’s stability and development. This conference will foster collaborative efforts and joint solutions to protect our shared natural heritage,” the envoy said.

Pakistan, among other regional nations, has been formally invited and is expected to actively participate in the high-level dialogue. “The conference will offer a critical platform for cooperation, allowing nations to engage with global experts and shape collective strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change,” he added.

Ambassador Toir emphasized Tajikistan’s unique geographical role in the global climate landscape. Home to over 10,000 glaciers, including the world-renowned Fedchenko (Vanch-Yakh) Glacier, Tajikistan is a crucial reservoir of freshwater resources for the region. “Our glaciers are a lifeline for millions. Their preservation is essential not just for Tajikistan, but for the broader region and the world,” he stressed.

The upcoming event will be the third in a series of international conferences dedicated to glacier preservation. Participants will also be invited on a post-conference field visit to witness glacier retreat, sustainable water practices, and integrated water resource management initiatives in Tajikistan.

The ambassador noted that Pakistan has shown full support for Tajikistan’s climate initiatives and will be actively contributing to the conference’s framework.

In addition to environmental dialogue, the ambassador highlighted Tajikistan’s deep cultural heritage and historical landmarks, pointing to sites like the Hisor Fortress, the mausoleum of Khoja Mashhad, and ancient Buddhist monasteries dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. He also praised the country’s enduring traditions in crafts such as gold embroidery, silk weaving, ceramics, and jewelry.

“Tajikistan is not only a custodian of glaciers but also of civilization,” he said. “With 93 percent of its territory covered by some of the world’s highest mountains—including the Tien Shan, Pamir, and Gissaro-Alai ranges—Tajikistan offers a unique intersection of natural and cultural richness.”

The conference, hosted by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, seeks to galvanize international commitment to glacier preservation and sustainable development through actionable, transformative strategies.

“Tajikistan stands ready to lead and inspire global action,” Ambassador Toir concluded, “combining our environmental mission with our cultural legacy to build a sustainable future for generations to come.”