The melting of glaciers is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. According to the Hindu Kush Himalayan Assessment, we are at risk of losing our glaciers in the coming decades. In Tajikistan alone, a country that relies greatly on its glaciers for freshwater, studies show that approximately 30% of glaciers have already vanished over the past century. Similar alarming trends are being observed in other parts of the world, posing a serious threat to global environmental stability and human wellbeing.
From 29 to 31 May 2025, the Republic of Tajikistan will host a High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in its capital city, Dushanbe. Organised by the Government of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations and other development partners, this major event will serve as a central component of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, which has been endorsed by the United Nations. The conference aims to reinforce the global commitment to addressing the rapid decline of glaciers, and to place glacier preservation high on the international agenda. Media professionals wishing to cover the event are encouraged to register here by May 15, 2025. Full registration details and participation information are provided at the end of this article.
In light of this important initiative, Top 10 of Asia had the honour of speaking with His Excellency Ardasher Qodiri, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Malaysia. A seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of experience in international relations, H.E. Qodiri offered valuable perspectives on the goals of the conference, its relevance to Malaysia and the broader global implications of glacier retreat for the global community.
“This conference will emphasise the crucial connections between glaciers and sustainable socio-economic development,” H.E. Qodiri states. “Glacier preservation is essential for our lives—it ensures long-term water availability, helps minimise climate-related hazards and protects the well-being of communities that depend on these fragile ecosystems, especially in vulnerable regions.” He adds, “The melting of glaciers is causing serious problems, yet we continue to ignore them.”
The objectives and themes of the 2025 conference will focus on several key areas: advancing scientific research, promoting integrated adaptation strategies, addressing the socio-economic impacts of glacier retreat, raising global awareness and fostering international cooperation for sustainable glacier preservation measures.
The conference will adopt a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together high-level officials over three days of forum and plenary sessions. Beyond these vital discussions, H.E. Qodiri notes that the event will also feature cultural programmes that showcase the diverse and ancient heritage of the Tajik people.
H.E. Qodiri emphasises the importance of these cultural events, highlighting a profound yet often overlooked reality: the deep interconnection between culture and nature. For many communities, especially those living in mountainous and glacial regions, glaciers are more than just sources of water—they are lifelines embedded in traditions, spiritual practices and ways of life that have endured for generations. “Water is life,” he affirms, underlining how the loss of glaciers threatens not only ecosystems but also the cultural identity and continuity of societies that depend on them. “We are at risk of losing our culture,” he adds.
While some may see glacier preservation as a distant concern, especially in non-glacial countries like Malaysia, H.E. Qodiri stresses that the issue is undeniably global. “With the melting of glaciers, we are looking at a definite rise in sea level and also coastal threats in Malaysia,” he explains. “Saltwater intrusion can damage crops, contaminate freshwater aquifers, affect fisheries and increase the risk of flooding.” He further points to indirect consequences such as regional water tensions, disrupted food supply chains, economic and political instability, as well as the loss of cultural and tourism assets should the issue persist.
The conversation also touches on the urgency of strengthening water diplomacy in Malaysia. Although Malaysia has a number of institutes and research centers working on climate issues, H.E. Qodiri expresses concern that the country is not as active in this area compared to some of its ASEAN counterparts. “It should be supported even more,” he affirms. He also advocates for greater awareness and education, particularly among students, to prepare the younger generation for the future. “Water is getting scarcer and more precious, and the melting of the glaciers is only exacerbating this global issue.”
Looking ahead, H.E. Qodiri shares that the legacy of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation is intended to last well beyond 2025. Key initiatives include the establishment of the Annual World Day for Glaciers (March 21), a UN Trust Fund for Glacier Preservation, the Decade of Action for Cryosphere Sciences (2025–2034) and recurring global forums to continue advancing cryosphere-related issues on the climate and water agenda.
With the upcoming International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, Tajikistan is not only raising the alarm but also calling the world to unite in addressing one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time—before it is too late.
Media Registration Details
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan announces that the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation will take place from May 29 to 31, 2025, in Dushanbe, as part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025.
Domestic and international media representatives are invited to register to participate in the information coverage of this significant global event. Registration must be completed no later than May 15, 2025, via the official Conference website using the following link:
Participation in the event offers media personnel a valuable opportunity to access and report on high-level forums, thematic sessions and cultural programs. Attendees will hear from prominent international and regional officials, organisations and leading experts in the field of climate science and glacier preservation.
Further information on participation, event structure and logistics can be found in the official conference guide here:
