Model United Nations Conference Dedicated to the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation gathered inspired Young People of Tajikistan in Dushanbe

The event organized by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office jointly with UN Association of Tajikistan with support of Embassy of the Republic of France and IOM Office in Tajikistan brought together more than 40 young people from all regions of Tajikistan and served as a platform for educational simulation in which students learned about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations.

Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami, UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan praised the participants – young women and men leaders of today, mentioning that they steer their country and the world towards peace, stability, equality, and equity, while preserving the planet for all future generations. She noted: “Young people are the untapped and infinite reservoir of ambition, aspiration, innovation, and hope. Together, we can protect the glaciers – not just for Tajikistan, but for the region, and for future generations everywhere.” 

H.E. Elsa Pignol, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Tajikistan called them “youth activists of Tajikistan, hopefully future colleague diplomats.” She said that “Your country has many assets, but definitely two treasures: most of the highest and biggest glaciers in the world but also a talented, motivated and committed youth. History shows us that the active and inspired youth are the spark that ignites change.” 

During the Model UN Dushanbe Conference, students acted as delegates from different countries and debated global issues in simulated UN Committees. They gave speeches, wrote resolutions, and negotiated with others to solve problems — just like real diplomats. 

Ms. Ramaswami stated that “Model United Nations Conferences replicate the dynamics of the United Nations, giving the students an opportunity to take part in and experience international debate, negotiation, and diplomacy firsthand. I am very delighted to see so many of you here, and proud to partner with you to live and show the spirit and values of the United Nations.” 

Ms. Naima Radjabova, Model UN youth delegate stated: “This is my first experience of participating in an event of such a scale and it was a great discovery for me. I really felt like a delegate to the UN Assembly who makes the most important global decisions. I am happy, along with my peers, to make an important contribution to solving the problem of melting glaciers and making the environmental situation in the world better and more stable.”

Mr. Alijon Abdulloev, Model UN youth delegate mentioned: "As a participant and delegate, engaging in Dushanbe Model UN has empowered me to think critically, speak confidently, and collaborate globally — it is more than a simulation; it is a step towards becoming a changemaker in the real world."

This year Youth Delegates of the Model UN Conference in Dushanbe had a key topic of Glaciers in Crisis: Linking Environmental Protection, Innovation, and Human Mobility with three key sub-topics: Strengthening Public Awareness and Advocacy for Glaciers’ Preservation, Using Technology for Glaciers Monitoring and International Cooperation to Build Climate Resilience and Human Mobility and Glaciers’ Loss: Addressing Climate Migration and Displacement. 

The upcoming first-ever international Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe is the result of high-level advocacy of the Republic of Tajikistan with the UN and global community. Climate change and its impact on glaciers is an immediate threat not just to Tajikistan but to the world. Tajikistan glaciers that serve as vital sources of water for Central Asia, are retreating rapidly. Their loss threatens agriculture, livelihoods, biodiversity, and regional and global stability.