Thematic Session 11: Climate Finance and Investment for Glacier Preservation and Adaptation
31 May 2025

Tajikistan


Under current climate projections, much of the world’s stored freshwater is set to disappear within the coming decades. Despite this significant impact on the freshwater supply, there is no straightforward pathway to future-proof communities relying on the frozen stores in the mountain cryosphere. It is clear, though, that investment needs to happen now and cannot wait for glaciers to recede further. This reality must be considered in future financing from multilateral development banks, climate finance mechanisms and funds, as well as bilateral donors and the private sector. 

Proactive financing is critical, as the impacts of glacier loss are reaching levels where adaptation is no longer feasible. Communities are already experiencing consequences: formerly fertile agricultural valleys have been abandoned as water sources decline, disrupting local economies, food security, and livelihoods. The effects can also be observed in infrastructure projects, energy (e.g., through hydropower generation), transportation, and other sectors. 

Thematic Session 11 aimed to discuss needs, challenges, and barriers to concessional and long-term financing needed for the preservation of glaciers and snowpack and adaptation to the disruption of the essential local, national, and regional ecosystem services these provide. The goal of this session was to bring together interested parties on topics related to finance and contribute to material that can be used to guide glacier-related financing in the future. The information shared in this session was incorporated into a white paper, which was disseminated to governments, other funding partners, and agencies worldwide.

Program and Learning Materials
Session / Activity Title Speaker(s)
Opening Keynote Speech
This keynote speech discusses climate finance and investment strategies for glacier preservation and adaptation, emphasizing the urgent need for…
Yasmin Siddiqi
Presentation Thematic Session 11 Consolidated Presentations
This is the consolidated presentation from Thematic Session 11, which outlines climate finance focused on glacier preservation and adaptation…
Abdurahmonzoda Nigina Shukhrat

Disclaimer

The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Event Coordinator/s

  • Declan Magee
  • Jorge Molinero Brizuela
  • Ganjina Fazilova

ADB Organizer/s

  • Climate Change and Sustainable Development
  • Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office

Topics

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • Climate Change
  • Finance
  • Governance and Public Sector Management
  • Regional Cooperation and Integration