UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to media in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. UN Secretary General in Dushanbe: Tajikistan is a world leader in issues of water resources and glacier protection UN
In a world divided by geopolitical differences, Central Asia is choosing the path of solidarity and joining forces with its neighbors. Tajikistan, “with its wonderful leadership,” is an important part of this process. This was stated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking to reporters in Dushanbe on Friday.
Valued partner of the UN
Tajikistan became the fourth stop on the UN chief’s multi-day tour of Central Asia, during which he visited Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. “Since joining the UN 32 years ago, this country [Tajikistan] has been a champion of multilateralism and a valued partner [of the UN],” said Antonio Guterres, addressing reporters. Earlier on Friday, the UN chief met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
“We highly value Tajikistan’s exemplary cooperation with the United Nations through the UN Country Team and the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia,” said the Secretary-General. “Tajikistan understands that we must solve regional and global problems based on solidarity.”
Water resources management
António Guterres particularly highlighted Tajikistan’s leadership in water management issues, praising the country’s role in hosting the third Dushanbe Water Conference, the UN Water Conference and the first International Conference on Glacier Conservation, which will be held in 2025.
According to the Secretary General, in matters of attitude to water resources and protection of glaciers, Tajikistan is a world leader.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres meets with young people at the Adolescent Innovation Lab in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Regional and global solidarity
Antonio Guterres also highly appreciated the solidarity shown by the countries of the region, in particular Tajikistan. “One example is the progress on the border issue with Kyrgyzstan,” he added. “The United Nations is ready to provide assistance as soon as an agreement is reached on both sides of the border.”
The UN chief also noted Tajikistan’s commitment to humanitarian solidarity with Afghanistan, recalling that official Dushanbe helps the UN deliver aid, accept refugees, export electricity and facilitate cross-border trade.
Tajikistan, he said, also demonstrates solidarity in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. “I am especially grateful for the repatriation of Tajik women and children from Syria and Iraq, as well as for Tajikistan’s support for the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy,” Guterres emphasized.
The UN, he continued, recognizes Tajikistan’s participation in overcoming the climate crisis and highly appreciates President Rahmon’s promise to make Tajikistan a “green” country by 2037.
Sustainable Development Goals
In addition, Tajikistan is making progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to hunger, health and energy. “Our country team is ready to support your priorities with the analysis, expertise and resources that we can mobilize,” said the UN Secretary-General.
Human Rights
Full respect for human rights is a solid foundation for peace, security and development, Guterres emphasized. He noted that Tajikistan recently adopted the National Human Rights Strategy and is making progress in ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities this year.
The Secretary-General expressed support for Tajikistan’s presidency of the Women’s Council -leaders of Central Asia in 2025 and called on the country to promote gender equality and women’s rights throughout the region. He proposed relying in these matters on cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms and being guided by the recommendations of the world organization.
Guterres also particularly emphasized the role of civil society, human rights defenders and independent media workers.