Tajikistan is looking to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for support in creating an International Trust Fund dedicated to preserving glaciers.  According to the Tajik president’s official website, his was announced during a meeting between Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and ADB Vice-President Yingming Yang held in Dushanbe on May 28.

The talks reportedly focused on expanding the partnership between Tajikistan and the ADB, with particular attention to new areas of cooperation amid climate change challenges.

President Rahmon described the ADB as one of Tajikistan’s key development partners. Since the start of their collaboration, the bank has financed 190 projects in the country, totaling over US$2.7 billion. These investments have supported sectors such as energy, transport, healthcare, education, and others.

Both sides emphasized the importance of advancing digital economy initiatives, agricultural development, tourism, and strengthening the private sector.

Progress was also highlighted in the implementation of the ADB project titled “More Opportunities for Professional Growth and Employment.”

This project focuses on improving the vocational, technical, and soft skills of youth, women, and labor migrants in Tajikistan, with the goal of promoting inclusive growth.  Specifically, it aims to enhance employability by supporting migration service centers, constructing model "Job Centers" for market responsive training and employment services, and developing the capacity of relevant agencies. 

The meeting included discussions on preparing a new five-year partnership strategy between Tajikistan and the ADB.

The announcement coincides with the upcoming First International High-Level Conference on Glacier Preservation, set to take place in Dushanbe from May 29 to 31 at the Kokhi Somon complex.  The event is organized within the framework of the International Year of Glacier Preservation, declared by the United Nations General Assembly.  The conference aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of glaciers and to discuss global efforts to safeguard them.

Since Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998, ADB has provided over US$2.7 billion in assistance to the country, including over US$2.2 billion in grants, supporting a diverse range of sectors – from strategic road and energy infrastructure to climate resilience and social services.  ADB and Tajikistan are currently preparing a new country partnership strategy for the next five years.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific.  Founded in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is owned by 69 members – 50 from the region.