By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Tajikistan in Korea to Diplomacy Journal for publication. –Ed.

Organized by the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, in collaboration with an international expert and the Asian Development Bank, the seminar was titled "Strengthening Scientific Reporting on the Issues of Melting and Glacier Protection" held on April 8th in Dushanbe.

The training seminar, "Strengthening Scientific Reporting on the Issues of Melting and Glacier Protection," was conducted within the framework of the International Year of Glacier Protection in 2025 and in anticipation of the International Conference on Glacier Protection, scheduled to take place in Dushanbe in May 29-31, 2025.

At the training session, officials from the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and representatives of the Asian Development Bank articulated the purpose of the training. They also highlighted the global initiatives of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, particularly those of the President, Emomali Rahmon, in the areas of glacier protection and climate change, emphasizing the significance of hosting the Dushanbe High-Level Conference on Glacier Protection.

The primary objective of the training session was to enhance the knowledge and professional skills of media representatives in accurately and effectively reporting on issues related to glacier melting and protection.

During the session, media representatives received specific training on covering the International High-Level Conference on Glacier Protection, which will be held in Dushanbe from May 29th to 31st, 2025.

It was emphasized that the International High-Level Conference on Glacier Protection in Dushanbe in May of this year is being held in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution declaring 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Protection.

The aim of this international conference is to raise global awareness about the crucial importance of glaciers and to prevent their accelerated melting. It seeks to promote international cooperation and joint actions, scientific innovation, and coordinated political strategies to address glacier melt and its widespread consequences.

Participants at the Dushanbe High-Level Conference are expected to discuss critical issues concerning glacier protection and the strengthening of international collaboration for effective measures to safeguard the planet's glaciers. These discussions will take place within thematic sessions, forums, and various side and cultural events. The Dushanbe High-Level Conference represents a significant step towards bolstering international cooperation in the field of glacier protection.

The training seminar, "Strengthening Scientific Reporting on Glacier Melting and Protection," is expected to not only improve the knowledge base of media professionals but also to increase their awareness of glacier protection issues, thereby promoting this important topic in the media and across social networks.

It was highlighted that Tajikistan, under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon, has been a proactive advocate for the global water and climate agenda since the beginning of the 21st century. Numerous initiatives put forth by Tajikistan have consistently garnered support from the international community. The United Nations resolution declaring 2025 the International Year of Glaciers serves as a clear testament to this. The latest initiative by the Leader of the Nation holds particular historical significance and is considered unique, as the United Nations General Assembly adopted four proposals from Tajikistan in a single resolution: “2025 — International Year of Glaciers,” “March 21 — World Glacier Day,” the establishment of a special trust fund for glacier protection, and the hosting of a high-level international conference on glacier protection in Dushanbe in 2025.

To implement this resolution, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan approved a resolution "On the implementation of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on the 'International Year of Glaciers'" which established an Organizing Committee and a specific action plan. Furthermore, to continue advancing the glacier protection agenda, another United Nations resolution, initiated by Tajikistan and France, was adopted in August 2024, declaring 2025-2034 as the “Decade of Action for Glaciology.” Additionally, the “Group of friends of Glaciers” was established under the United Nations at the initiative of Tajikistan and Argentina.

Glaciers, holding approximately 75% of the world's freshwater resources, are rapidly shrinking due to climate change, necessitating urgent and collective action from the international community to address this critical global issue. The melting of even the largest glaciers, such as the Vanjyakh glacier, which spans over 75 kilometers, starkly illustrates this trend. Long-term observations reveal a significant retreat; in just the past 70-80 years, the Vanjyakh glacier has shrunk by more than 1 kilometer, reducing its area to 44 square kilometers. The glaciers of Tajikistan are not merely magnificent natural monuments but also vital sources of freshwater for the region, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystems and climate of Central Asia.

In today's world, environmental protection stands as a paramount concern, serving as the fundamental basis for the future of humanity. Consequently, environmental problems and the issue of melting glaciers, a key source of drinking water, have become a top priority for the global community. Global experience has demonstrated that addressing existing environmental challenges effectively requires collaborative efforts, as no single nation can achieve environmental sustainability in isolation. Therefore, proactive and joint initiatives involving all countries in the region and across the globe are essential to prevent further environmental degradation.

The training forum underscored Tajikistan's proactive and influential role, under the insightful leadership of the Leader of the Nation, in tackling global environmental challenges. Protecting glaciers is not solely the responsibility of researchers and politicians but a mission for every member of society, particularly representatives of the media. The forum addressed strategies for glacier protection, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the transition towards a "green" economy. Furthermore, it emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation among world nations and influential organizations in finding solutions for glacier protection.