On April 22, the President of Tajikistan, speaking at the meeting of the Council of Heads of State-Founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in Astana, proposed the creation of an interstate energy commission for Central Asia.
During his speech, Emomali Rahmon emphasized that Tajikistan has regarded the Fund as an important mechanism for multilateral cooperation on water management and environmental issues since its inception, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
He noted that over time, a platform for open dialogue on the problems of the Aral Sea has been formed and has attracted the attention of the international community, as well as implemented a number of joint projects in the field of water resource management and environmental protection.
At the same time, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan highlighted serious environmental challenges, including the accelerated melting of glaciers, ecosystem degradation, water-related natural disasters, and the increasing frequency of dust storms, which negatively impact fresh water sources, population health, and agriculture.
The President noted that Tajikistan, where up to 60% of the region’s river flow is formed, is particularly acutely experiencing the consequences of these processes. Population growth, increased water consumption, and climate change are putting additional pressure on water resources, affecting energy, food, and environmental stability.
In these conditions, the head of state called for prioritizing the effective use of existing cooperation mechanisms on water resource issues in Central Asia. He also emphasized the importance of adapting the Fund to modern realities to strengthen and develop regional interaction in the Aral Sea basin.
He initiated the creation of an Interstate Energy Commission for Central Asia within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
He noted that water resource issues worldwide remain among the most prioritized and sensitive. According to him, Central Asia and the cooperation mechanisms in place in the region already demonstrate positive experiences in the joint management and use of water resources.
At the same time, the head of state stressed that in the face of existing challenges and the development of new technologies, it is necessary to strengthen measures for the comprehensive, rational use and protection of water resources.
Earlier at the Regional Environmental Summit “Common Vision of a Sustainable Future,” Emomali Rahmon noted that Tajikistan forms up to 60% of the water resources of Central Asia, which emphasizes the important role of Tajikistan’s mountain ecosystems in ensuring water supply and sustainable development in the region.
The President drew the attention of summit participants to the necessity of promoting the climate transition as a priority development direction, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and forming a low-carbon economy.
According to him, the development of hydropower and other clean energy sources is a strategic priority for Tajikistan.
Under current conditions, he noted, mobilizing environmental investments and implementing market mechanisms to support “green” growth are of particular importance. In this regard, the country’s government is issuing “green” bonds, which are considered an important step towards integration into the global sustainable climate finance system.
The feasibility of considering the possibility of gradually forming a regional carbon market to support efforts to reduce emissions and attract investments was also voiced.
