Shaista Hassan
High Level International Glacier Preservation Conference held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from May 29 to 31, 2025, was more than a routine environmental summit — it was a unique confluence of scientific rigor, cultural exchange, geopolitical dialogue, and human empathy.
As a delegate from Pakistan, I found myself not only learning from technical discussions on glacier science but also experiencing the profound warmth, hospitality, and social harmony that define Tajikistan. What follows is a reflection on this memorable event, which has left a lasting imprint on both my academic journey and personal worldview.
Jointly organized by the Government of Tajikistan in collaboration with the United Nations, ICIMOD, UNESCO, and regional stakeholders, the conference brought together scientists, climate negotiators, policy analysts, youth representatives, and civil society members from over 30 countries. The primary aim was to draw global attention to the rapidly accelerating melt of glaciers — especially in the Hindu Kush Himalayas and the Pamir-Alay ranges — and to craft a framework for coordinated global action to preserve these crucial freshwater reserves.
The Himalayas and Pamirs, often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to their vast ice reserves, are now melting at an alarming rate due to global warming. The implications for water security, agriculture, biodiversity, and regional stability are profound, particularly for countries like Pakistan that are downstream and heavily dependent on glacial melt for their river systems.
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, invited as Guest of Honor, delivered a speech that skillfully combined scientific facts, regional urgency, and moral appeal. He emphasized that Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. He pointed to the catastrophic 2022 floods — fueled by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and erratic monsoon patterns — as a stark reminder of climate injustice.
He underscored the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science and emphasized the urgency for a fair climate finance mechanism. Calling for international solidarity, he urged richer nations to deliver on their promises under the Paris Agreement and COP pledges — not just in funding but in meaningful partnership.
Throughout the three-day conference, leading glaciologists and climate scientists shared troubling findings. The rate of glacial melt in the Pamir and Hindu Kush regions has nearly doubled in the last two decades. Rising temperatures, black carbon deposits from fossil fuel use, deforestation, and lack of regional monitoring are accelerating the degradation of these critical ecosystems.
One striking presentation revealed that by 2100, more than two-thirds of glaciers in the region may vanish if emissions continue unchecked. This would jeopardize water supplies for over 1.5 billion people, disrupt agriculture, increase hydro-political tensions, and elevate disaster risks across South and Central Asia.
An important dimension of the conference was the recognition of gender roles in environmental stewardship. The sessions emphasized empowering women in glacier-fed communities — not only as victims of climate change but as frontline leaders. From local water managers in Gilgit-Baltistan to youth climate activists from Nepal, female voices resonated strongly throughout the forum. Pakistan’s Gender Action Plan for Climate Change was highlighted as a commendable initiative aimed at gender mainstreaming in national climate governance.
Pakistan’s recent environmental initiatives — including the Billion Tree Tsunami, Protected Areas Initiative, Recharge Pakistan (focused on nature-based solutions for flood mitigation), and the launch of its first Climate Change Gender Action Plan — were highlighted as models of inclusive and scalable solutions. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, contingent upon adequate international support.
Yet, the challenges are vast: from limited climate finance access, lack of technical infrastructure, and institutional bottlenecks to socio-economic vulnerabilities in glacier-fed regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The conference reinforced the need for strengthening local capacities through regional platforms and cross-border collaboration.
Perhaps one of the most significant takeaways from the event was the atmosphere of regional camaraderie. Delegates from India, China, Afghanistan, and Central Asian republics spoke of the need to establish joint observatories, shared data banks, and coordinated early warning systems for GLOFs and drought forecasting. There were calls to revive scientific diplomacy as a bridge in otherwise tense geopolitical relations.
Tajikistan, with its strategic location and cultural proximity to both South and Central Asia, positioned itself as a neutral convener of dialogue and scientific exchange. The host country was lauded for creating a non-politicized, solution-driven environment.
Several sessions addressed the barriers developing countries face in accessing international climate finance. Mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, and LDCF were discussed, with many pointing to the lengthy bureaucratic processes and lack of technical capacity. Pakistan proposed simplifying access for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and climate-vulnerable regions. The importance of linking national plans with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement for carbon markets was also stressed.
Beyond the conference halls, the Tajik cultural experience left an indelible impression. From the rhythmic beats of the “Badakhshi dance” to the vibrant embroidery on traditional “Chughtai robes,” every element spoke of a civilization deeply rooted in poetry, hospitality, and aesthetic harmony.
One cultural evening featured a mesmerizing performance of the rubab and daf — string and percussion instruments that echo through Persian and Central Asian musical traditions. The fusion of art, music, and history provided a welcome respite from scientific discussions and reminded us that culture, too, is a medium of climate awareness and resilience.
The culinary hospitality was equally rich and meaningful. Every dish, whether it was Osh (pulaow), shorba (meat soup), non (bread), or the subtly sweet chakka, carried the aroma of familial warmth. Meals were shared communally, and hosts took pride in explaining their culinary heritage. As one elderly Tajik gentleman remarked, “When you share bread with someone, you share your story.”
The city of Dushanbe itself is a tribute to architectural dignity and historic reverence. The Independence Monument towers proudly in the city center, symbolizing the resilience and sovereignty of the Tajik people. Not far stands the statue of King Ismail Somoni, a revered figure who laid the foundations of the Tajik nation. Holding a sword with confidence, the statue silently echoes strength, vision, and pride.
The Tajik language, derived from classical Persian, resonated deeply with me as an Urdu and Persian speaker. Although phonetic shifts made words sound slightly different — such as “Somoni” for “Samani” or “Zoyeda” for “Zada” — the core remained easily comprehensible. The written script in Cyrillic added an exotic layer, yet the emotional familiarity was undeniable.
Perhaps the most visually striking aspect of Dushanbe was its immaculate cleanliness. Streets were devoid of litter. There was no smog. Public parks were vibrant and well-kept. Citizens took evident pride in maintaining public spaces. This environmental discipline was not just policy-driven but a manifestation of collective civic conscience — a model for many urban centers struggling with pollution.
As a woman traveler, one of the most comforting aspects was the overwhelming sense of safety and dignity. Young girls walked confidently, even late in the evening. Children played freely in parks and alleys. There was no sense of fear, surveillance, or social tension. People smiled freely. It was a society that had embraced freedom without losing its moral compass.
Among all the formal protocols, the moment that moved me most was when the Tajik hosts declared Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the “Guest of Honor.” This wasn’t a mere diplomatic label — it was a heartfelt gesture of regional brotherhood. It felt as though the honor was being extended to every Pakistani present — a shared respect that goes beyond politics.
In conclusion, the Glacier Preservation Conference was not just an academic milestone or a diplomatic engagement. It was a profound human experience. It reminded us that climate change is not only a scientific crisis but a cultural and moral one. Solutions lie not only in labs and policies but in kitchens, poems, forests, and friendships.
From Dushanbe’s snow-fed rivers to its warm-hearted people, from scientific panels to shared meals, every moment carried a lesson in coexistence — with glaciers, with communities, with history, and with hope.
“This nation protects not just its glaciers but also its values, women, children, elders, and nature itself — this is the real face of progress.”
