During 27 - 31 May 2025, H.E. Mrs. Piyapin Niyomrerks, Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan, assigned Dr. Orathai Phubunlap Gunaseelan, Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana, to represent the Embassy in extending hospitality and logistical support to Dr. Surasi Kidtimonton, Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources of Thailand, who participated in the Conference as the representative of the Prime Minister of Thailand, along with the Thai delegation.

The High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, held in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, brought together representatives from more than 80 countries, including UN Member States, international organizations, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Conference was convened pursuant to the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and 21 March of every year as World Glaciers Day, with the aim of raising global awareness of the critical role of glaciers in ecosystems and climate systems and promoting international cooperation for the sustainable management of water resources.

On this occasion, Dr. Surasi delivered a statement at the Plenary Session, underscoring that while Thailand does not have glaciers, the country is still affected by glacier melt through natural disasters. He reaffirmed Thailand’s strong commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065, in parallel with the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan and the 20-Year Master Plan on Water Resource Management, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6 on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. He also emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the challenges of glacier preservation.

In addition, the Thai delegation participated in a side event organized by the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), entitled “Water Security and Climate Resilience: Addressing Environmental Challenges in CICA Member States.” During the event, Thailand shared its national water governance framework, which emphasizes resilience and sustainability through strategic environmental assessment in 22 major river basins and the adoption of nature-based solutions, while highlighting the need to strengthen regional cooperation to improve adaptation and integrated water resource management.

The active participation of the Thai delegation underscored Thailand’s proactive engagement in global efforts to safeguard water resources and combat climate change. The Conference served as a valuable platform for Thailand to share its experiences and best practices, contributing to national policy development and enhancing Thailand’s capacity for sustainable water governance. Moreover, it reinforced Thailand’s constructive role within the CICA framework, where the country serves as a coordinator for sustainable development under the environmental dimension of the CICA Confidence-Building Measures.