UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell concludes visit to Tajikistan

DUSHANBE/NEW YORK, 30 May 2025 – UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell concluded a three-day visit to Tajikistan today and expressed appreciation for the country’s investment in children while reaffirming UNICEF’s continued commitment to advance the rights of children, including on building climate resilience.

During her visit, Russell met with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Emomali Rahmon, along with several Ministers and the Deputy Prime Minister Mme. Dilrabo Mansouri, and attended the International Conference on Glaciers Preservation. During her meeting with the President, Russell re-affirmed the close partnership with the Government of Tajikistan on key issues, including the importance of quality education and the need to expand early childhood education in the country, underscoring the importance of advancing the international water agenda, climate action, and the role of children in both.

Russell highlighted that children in Tajikistan and across Central Asia are especially vulnerable to the impact of melting glaciers from a warming planet, which can lead to landslides and lake flooding, and severely impact key services that children rely on, as well as livelihoods of families, and access to clean water.

“Children are uniquely vulnerable to the impact of weather-related emergencies. Their bodies are less equipped to handle extreme heat and climate related health risks. And the impacts from losing access to key services when storms or flooding strike are more severe and long-lasting.” 

“Children are uniquely vulnerable to the impact of weather-related emergencies. Their bodies are less equipped to handle extreme heat and climate related health risks. And the impacts from losing access to key services when storms or flooding strike are more severe and long-lasting,” said Russell. “We need to invest in the resilience of communities, schools and health systems to protect children from climate shocks and ensure they have access to basic health services, education and protection against harm.”   

During her visit, Russell attended the Children and Youth International Glacier Forum, hosted by UNICEF, and met with young climate activists to hear their concerns about the impacts of climate change and their solutions.

Russell inaugurated a new Early Childhood Intervention Center in Dushanbe, where she met with early intervention specialists, parents, and children. She discussed the centre’s critical role in promoting early childhood development and providing family-focused services for all children, including children with developmental delays.

Russell met with young people at an Adolescent Innovations Lab, and heard about their aspirations, challenges, and innovative ideas for shaping a better future.

At the high-level Glaciers Preservation Conference, Russell joined global leaders in advocating for increased climate financing and child-centered climate action.

According to a recent UNICEF analysis, over one billion children globally are at high risk from the impacts of climate and weather-related shocks and environmental hazards.

“UNICEF appreciates the strong collaboration with the government. Investing in children and adopting child focused policies to safeguard their rights will pay dividends for children and for the future of Tajikistan,” said Russell.