[Video Message]
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
It is a great pleasure to address this International Conference "Water Diplomacy of Emomali Rahmon: From the First Step to Global Partnership.¡± I thank the Government of Tajikistan for the kind invitation and the opportunity to share my perspectives.
As Secretary-General of the UN 2023 Water Conference, I witnessed firsthand the critical importance of global cooperation on water issues. The Conference had catalysed increased action and collaboration, setting the stage for addressing the global water crisis.
In this context, I commend President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan for his visionary leadership in water and climate initiatives, which have placed water at the forefront of the global agenda.
Water diplomacy, led by President Emomali Rahmon, is crucial for promoting peace over scarce resources, improving sustainable development, and fostering international cooperation.
By encouraging joint scientific research, capacity building and data-sharing, water diplomacy supports global and regional collaboration, helps communities adapt to climate-induced changes in water availability, and ensures long-term protection of freshwater ecosystems.
2025 marks the International Year of the Glaciers¡¯ Preservation, an important initiative for climate mitigation and adaptation, advancing the water agenda, and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
It is another testament to the unwavering commitment of President Emomali Rahmon to water agenda, and will further amplify the urgency of safeguarding our precious freshwater resources.
Excellencies,
Implementing the outcomes of the UN 2023 Water Conference, and advancing initiatives like the International Year of Glaciers¡¯ Preservation, will be pivotal to honoring our commitment to SDG6 and creating a better future for all.
As we look ahead to the next UN conferences on water in 2026 and 2028, international platforms on water diplomacy are integral for policy dialogue and joint action across the water agenda.
Let us ensure that this watershed moment is an opportunity be fully seized.
I wish you a fruitful conference.
Thank you.