Hybrid Event, 29/05/2025 - 31/05/2025
The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan will host the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation from 29 to 31 May 2025 in Dushanbe, with a post-conference field visit on 1 June. Organized as the flagship event of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, declared by the United Nations, the Conference is supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Asian Development Bank and other partners.
The Conference will highlight the urgent need to address glacier loss and its wide-ranging implications for water availability, food security, energy supply, ecosystems and community well-being—particularly in glacier-dependent regions.
Building on United Nations General Assembly resolution 77/158, which also established 21 March as the annual World Day for Glaciers, the Conference aims to promote climate-responsive and transformative solutions. It will support knowledge exchange, strengthen scientific and technical capacity, and foster inclusive, transboundary cooperation to address the impacts of glacial melt.
The programme will include an opening session, plenary sessions with high-level political statements, thematic discussions on glacier science, adaptation and cross-cutting issues, and leaders’ round tables focused on climate ambition and financing. Additional activities include pre-conference forums, side events, and a Glaciers Festival on 29 May, alongside an international exhibition showcasing innovations, research and partnerships.
A key feature will be the 1 June field visit, allowing participants to observe glacier degradation, integrated water management and sustainable development initiatives in Tajikistan.
The Conference will adopt a multi-stakeholder approach, welcoming participation from Member States, international organizations, financial institutions, civil society, academia, local governments, youth, Indigenous Peoples and the private sector. Selected sessions will be streamed online to ensure broader accessibility.
Expected outcomes include:
the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration, outlining strategic recommendations;
the Chair’s Summary, capturing key discussions and conclusions;
the Dushanbe Glaciers Appeal: A Call for Action, compiling initiatives and commitments made during the event.
These outcomes will be presented at global platforms, including the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30), the 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
