Forum 7: The Cryosphere and the Future of Water in Central Asia                   

                                          

Forum 7 of #Glaciers2025 has focused on how cryosphere monitoring—of glaciers, snow, and permafrost—can guide smarter, more resilient water allocation in a region where agriculture consumes nearly 90% of freshwater resources.

With climate change accelerating glacier melt and population pressures rising, sustainable water management has never been more urgent. Co-organised by GIZ,German International Cooperation, OSCE – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, the EU, and the German Government, the Forum brought together government officials, scientists, and international experts to explore how hydrological science and regional cooperation can help avert future crises.

Key discussions examined the role of Tajikistan as a water resource leader, the future of regional diplomacy, and technical solutions to safeguard water, energy, food, and environmental security across Central Asia.

As the cryosphere changes, so must our strategies—grounded in science, shaped by partnership, and aimed at long-term resilience.