From May 28 to June 1, 2025, the International High-Level Conference on Glacier Preservation was held in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. The conference brought together over 2,500 experts from 80 countries, including heads of governmental delegations, senior representatives of regional and international organizations, research institutes, and development partners. The event was organized within the framework of the International Year of Glacier Preservation, following the initiative of the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, which was endorsed during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO was represented at the conference by:

V.P. Kapitsa, Head of the High Mountain Geocryology Laboratory

A.B. Egorov, Head of the International Relations Department

S.U. Ranova, Head of the Natural Hazards Laboratory

D.K. Kisebaev, Researcher at the Laboratory for Monitoring the Dynamics of Snow and Ice Resources

As part of the conference, representatives of the CARGC participated in the following events:

May 28, 2025: V.P. Kapitsa took part in a stakeholder workshop on the use of cryospheric data to enhance climate resilience and water security in Central Asia titled “From Mountains to Strategies: Applying Cryospheric Data to Strengthen Climate Resilience and Water Security in Central Asia.”

May 29, 2025: At the Regional Forum on Glaciers and the Cryosphere of Central Asia (organized by the Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan), the following three presentations were delivered:

1. Cryosphere dynamics in the runoff formation zone of Central Asian rivers – V.P. Kapitsa
2. River runoff dynamics of the Ile Alatau, Northern Tien Shan – D.K. Kisebaev
3. Glacial debris flow risk in the Ile Alatau – S.U. Ranova

Also, on May 29, 2025, V.P. Kapitsa and A.B. Egorov participated in the Fourth Consultative Meeting in preparation for the 2026 Regional Climate Summit titled: “Climate Science and Research Inventory: A Foundation for Sustainable Solutions in Central Asia.”

On May 30, 2025, the main working day of the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation and Sustainable Water Resources Management took place.

The event was held at the State Complex "Kohi Somon" and brought together representatives of governments, international organizations, the scientific community, and experts from various countries. The working day began with an official opening ceremony, during which heads of delegations delivered welcome remarks.

Following the opening ceremony, representatives of the CARGC participated in Session 1: "Glaciers, Arctic and Antarctic Ice Sheets, the Threat of Sea-Level Rise, and Strategies for Small Island Developing States", and Session 5: "The Future of Glaciers: Uniting Knowledge, Communities, and Policies for Climate Resilience."

As part of the conference, meetings and discussions were held with international colleagues and representatives of global organizations.

On May 31, 2025, the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation continued with plenary and thematic sessions focused on scientific support, monitoring, and adaptation strategies to climate change in glacier-dependent regions.

Representatives of the CARGC participated in Session 9: "Latest Scientific Findings on Glaciers and the Cryosphere", and Session 11: "Climate Financing and Investment for Glacier Preservation and Adaptation".

In the evening of May 31, 2025, they attended the exhibition "Song of the Glacier", held at the Botanical Garden as part of the conference's cultural program.

On June 2, 2025, a meeting with colleagues from Tajikistan took place, during which the delegation visited the Glacier Research Centre of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

Conclusion and Outcomes:

Participation in the High-Level International Conference provided valuable insights into advanced scientific approaches and international best practices in the fields of cryosphere research, natural hazard assessment, and water resources management. Professional networks were established, and up-to-date knowledge was acquired. The conference highlighted the importance of transboundary cooperation and the integration of science into sustainable development policy.