The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon attended the Third Meeting of the Water and Climate Coalition Leaders in Dushanbe.

The forum participants include the representatives of a number of countries and experts from leading international institutions and organizations.

Petteri Taalas, the Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), opened the meeting and gave the floor to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.

As the host country and initiator of global action regarding water issues, President Emomali Rahmon first welcomed all participants in Tajikistan and wished success to the work of the meeting.

It was stressed that today’s meeting is taking place on the sidelines of the Second Dushanbe Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018 – 2028 that its main purpose is to accelerate and implement the previous commitments and to facilitate new actions.

President Rahmon stressed that the analysis shows that, despite significant efforts, we are far behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular in the water sector.

“It is gratifying that the Water-Climate Coalition leaders also pay special attention to this area, and do their utmost to develop and implement new initiatives. I believe today we will approve our Action Plan and its implementation will bring the desired results in addressing water and climate issues” – noted leader of our country Emomali Rahmon.

It was stressed that the Dushanbe Conference, as a key event for preparation to the 2023 Conference, will also focus on the close linkage between water resources and climate change.

President Emomali Rahmon stressed that we have raised the issue of the rapid melting of glaciers and the dramatic consequences of this process in various high-level events on many occasions. This issue is indeed crucial since glaciers are the main source of fresh water and their resources are rapidly declining under the impact of global warming.

“Experts estimate that the last three years have been the hottest in the history of meteorological observations on the planet. Obviously, the continuation of this process, given the rapid increase in water demand due to population growth and economic development, will lead to negative consequences” – noted President Rahmon.

“Naturally, this topical issue should be in the center of attention of the world community” – he added.

While addressed on declaring of the 2025 as the International Year for the Protection of Glaciers, President Rahmon emphasized that the declaration of World Glacier Day, the creation of the International Glacier Protection Fund, the establishment of the Integrated Global Cryosphere Information Network and the international mechanism will be significant results of this initiative.

It was noted that water resources play an important role in adaptation. They are also important for threat reduction and resilience.

While drawing the attention of the participants to development of the hydropower sector which is the generator of «green energy», President Rahmon noted that along with generating green and affordable electricity, the plant will also make a significant contribution to sustainable water management by reducing the risk of floods, droughts and greenhouse gas emissions.

It was assured that the Coalition will continue to pay attention to this issue given its importance in comprehensively addressing the water and climate issues.

Concluding his address, President Rahmon strongly believe that the Water and Climate Coalition Leaders will make a valuable contribution to further consolidate the efforts of the international community and, in particular, political leaders, to strengthen and accelerate action in this area.