Clean water and access to it are among the most vital and pressing issues of the 21st century. Today, the international community faces serious environmental challenges, including climate change, the rapid melting of glaciers, and shortages of drinking water. In this critical historical and geopolitical context, the Republic of Tajikistan, under the leadership of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, has gained international recognition as a leading country and a key initiator of efforts to address water-related challenges. This standing is attributable not only to the country's abundant natural resources but also to its forward-looking policies and constructive initiatives in water diplomacy.
Tajikistan is one of the world's richest countries in terms of water resources. Approximately 60 percent of Central Asia's water resources originate within the territory of Tajikistan. Our country is home to thousands of small and large rivers, lakes of various origins, and vast glaciers, which serve as vital sources of life not only for Tajikistan but also for the entire region. Recognizing this significant natural and geographical responsibility, the Government of Tajikistan has elevated water-related issues beyond the scope of national and regional interests, transforming them into matters of global importance.
Tajikistan's first major initiative in the field of water resources was proposed by the President of the country in 1999 at the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Head of State proposed declaring 2003 the International Year of Freshwater. This initiative was welcomed by the international community and marked the first step towards the international recognition of Tajikistan as a country actively promoting the global water agenda. It was this initiative that drew the attention of the international community to the problem of freshwater scarcity and the need to protect its sources.
The success of the first initiative laid the foundation for Tajikistan to put forward further proposals. The next strategic step was the declaration of 2005–2015 as the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life.” This decade provided countries around the world with an opportunity to implement concrete programmes aimed at ensuring access to drinking water and reducing poverty. During this period, millions of people worldwide gained access to clean water and improved sanitation.
Subsequently, with the aim of strengthening interstate cooperation in addressing water-related challenges, 2013 was declared the International Year of Water Cooperation at the initiative of Tajikistan. This initiative demonstrated that no country can resolve all water-related problems on its own and that the most effective way forward is to promote water diplomacy and constructive transboundary cooperation.
One of Tajikistan's most important and long-term initiatives, which is currently being implemented, is the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development,” 2018–2028. This initiative, established through a resolution adopted with the unanimous support of United Nations Member States, aims to promote sustainable development and the integrated management of water resources. It brings together the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of water-related issues and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In today's world, as global climate change intensifies, glacier melting has become a serious threat. Glaciers are a vital source of freshwater, and their disappearance could lead to large-scale environmental disasters and droughts. Deeply aware of the dangers associated with this trend, in 2021, the President of Tajikistan proposed at a high-level meeting devoted to water and climate issues that 2025 be declared the International Year of Glacier Preservation. The United Nations General Assembly supported Tajikistan's proposal by adopting a corresponding resolution. Under this resolution, 2025 was declared the International Year of Glacier Preservation, and 21 March was designated as World Day for Glaciers, to be observed annually. In addition, a trust fund for supporting glacier preservation activities was established under the auspices of the United Nations, marking an important historic achievement of Tajikistan's diplomacy.
To advance these initiatives, the capital of our country, Dushanbe, has become a centre for high-level international meetings and conferences on water-related issues. The regular hosting of conferences within the framework of the Dushanbe Water Process demonstrates that Tajikistan not only puts forward initiatives but also provides a favourable platform for dialogue and the development of practical solutions to existing challenges.
In conclusion, Tajikistan's global water initiatives demonstrate the country's commitment, under the leadership of the Leader of the Nation, to pursuing a humanitarian and forward-looking policy. Through these initiatives, Tajikistan has demonstrated that water should not become a source of conflict and disagreement but should instead serve as a means of promoting unity, peace, friendship, and sustainable development for all the people of our planet. Tajikistan's standing as a country championing international water initiatives is a source of great pride and, at the same time, entails a profound responsibility towards future generations of humanity.
Head of the Department of the Main Directorate in Sughd Region
Ravshan Rizozodaм
