Dushanbe, June 16, 2026 – The Europe Today: In accordance with Decree No. 1184 of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, dated June 15, 2026, the International Water Award of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan has been officially established.
The creation of the award represents a continuation of Tajikistan’s global initiatives in the field of water resources and reflects the visionary leadership and forward-looking policies of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon.
For more than two decades, Tajikistan’s water-related initiatives have received broad support from the United Nations General Assembly and have significantly contributed to addressing global water challenges and advancing efforts in glacier preservation.
Among the country’s landmark initiatives are the proclamation of the “International Year of Freshwater, 2003,” the International Decade for Action “Water for Life, 2005–2015,” the “International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013,” the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028,” the “International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, 2025,” and the International Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034).
In addition, March 21 has been designated at Tajikistan’s initiative as World Glacier Day, observed annually since 2025.
The High-Level International Conference of the Dushanbe Water Process continues to serve as a leading global platform for dialogue on water-related issues and is widely recognized as an important international forum for addressing global water challenges.
The adoption of relevant United Nations resolutions reflects the international community’s recognition of Tajikistan’s constructive initiatives in this field.
The establishment of the International Water Award is expected to further strengthen Tajikistan’s role as a key advocate for global water cooperation and environmental sustainability.
The award will also encourage greater engagement by researchers, experts, and scientific institutions in water-related studies, while promoting technological innovation, knowledge exchange, and investment aimed at glacier preservation and ensuring access to clean water.
A dedicated selection commission will be formed to evaluate candidates for the award, including representatives of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. The award ceremony will be held within the framework of major international water-related events hosted by Tajikistan.
