DUSHANBE, 12.11.2019 (NIAT Khovar) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon attended the 40th session of UNESCO General Conference’s General Policy Debate related to the issues of climate change.

In accordance to Tajikistan’s significant role in promoting global water initiatives and consistently focusing on the importance of climate change action at international events, particularly within the framework of United Nations, President Emomali Rahmon delivered remarks as the initiator of the International Water Decade.

Climate change and its consequences are one of the most serious problems of modern world. The negative impact of these global problems is becoming ever more apparent to the volume and quality of freshwater resources.

Of the 13,000 glaciers located in the mountains of Tajikistan, 1,000 have melted due to the warming weather.

“The whole region of Central Asia is concerned about the impact of changes in the hydrological cycle, which can causes of floods and droughts and adversely affect the fresh water and food supply, as well as energy,» said President Emomali Rahmon.

UNESCO along with other international and regional structures should facilitate the Research Expedition to Central Asia Glaciers, added President Rahmon expressing confidence that UNESCO will continue its effort to promote water issues, including through the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development,» which will take place in March 2023.

In this context, Tajikistan plans to hold the Second International Conference of the International Decade for Action «Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028» in Dushanbe on June 18-20, 2020.

Currently, Tajikistan ranks 135 in the world in the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. President Emomali Rahmon noted that widespread use of renewable energy sources, especially hydropower, which is one of the main sources of green energy production, contributes to our low levels of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Up to 98% of electricity of Tajikistan is produced through hydropower plants. Tajikistan is one of the leading countries in terms of the use green energy.

At the end of his speech, President Emomali Rahmon made the following proposals:

1) Comprehensively support renewable energy sources.

2) For donor countries and international and regional financial institutions to fully support the implementation of national strategies and programs aimed at adapting to climate change.

3) Strengthen systematic monitoring of water resources, especially glaciers.

4) Strengthen international cooperation in the protection of water sources, and implement the proposal of Tajikistan to establish the International Fund for the Protection of Glaciers.

5) Prevent the negative impact of climate change by placing the issue at the agenda of international and regional events.

6) For developed countries and international organizations to provide comprehensive financial and technical assistance to developing and least developed countries to monitor and protect glaciers and other water sources.

At the end, President Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude to the UNESCO leadership for the organization of General Policy Debate related to issues of climate change action.