Today, on the sidelines of the Fourth Dushanbe Water Conference and the global water agenda, a regional seminar for Eurasian parliaments was held in Dushanbe. The seminar was titled: "Addressing Issues of Climate Change and Sustainable Development through Parliamentary Actions."
Aziz Giyozoda, Deputy Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, emphasized that climate change has now transcended the framework of purely environmental issues. Instead, it has become a critical factor influencing national security, economic development, and the social stability of nations. The increase in natural disasters, rapid glacier melting, depletion of water resources, and the destruction of ecosystems have highlighted the urgent need for joint, coordinated, and political decisions.
It was emphasized that Tajikistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and the melting of glaciers carries serious consequences for the Central Asian region. Out of Tajikistan's 13,000 glaciers, more than one thousand have already completely disappeared.
In this context, special emphasis was placed on the importance of the international initiatives put forward by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, regarding the advancement of the global water and climate agenda. In particular, the United Nations General Assembly's declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation was recognized as a major achievement for Tajik international diplomacy.
It was noted that Tajikistan is taking practical steps toward developing a "green economy" and adapting to climate change. The adoption of the National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change up to 2030 and the Green Economy Development Strategy for 2023–2037 were cited as key examples of these initiatives.
In a video message, Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, emphasized that Eurasian countries are already experiencing the direct impacts of climate change, including water scarcity, air pollution, and threats to food security.
Local and international experts exchanged views on the overall outlook for climate and sustainable development, the protection of water resources, the urgent need to combat air pollution and reduce methane emissions, as well as strengthening the role of parliaments in implementing climate policies. The establishment of permanent mechanisms for coordinating inter-parliamentary cooperation on climate and water resource issues was deemed essential.
The seminar will continue its work tomorrow, where guests are expected to visit regions directly affected by climate change.
