Sadyr Japarov: The Snow Leopard is the soul of our snow-covered mountains, the guardian of inaccessible peaks, a living symbol of freedom, resilience, and devotion to the homeland.

Ирэн Орлонская • 23.10.2025, 11:28 • Ecology

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, delivered a speech dedicated to the International Snow Leopard Day. Text of the address: “Today we celebrate the first International Snow Leopard Day at the international level. This event fills me with special pride, as the initiative originated on Kyrgyz soil, in the very heart of our people, and has been recognized worldwide! A year ago, our people, whose fate is inextricably linked to the majestic mountains and this amazing animal, proposed an important initiative. And the world heard us! The unanimous adoption of the UN resolution proclaiming the International Snow Leopard Day is not just a diplomatic success, but also a vivid testament to the unity of humanity in the preservation of natural heritage, where borders lose their significance. The snow leopard is an integral part of Kyrgyzstan. It symbolizes the soul of our snow-covered mountains, serves as a protector of the inaccessible peaks, and is a living symbol of our freedom, resilience, and devotion to our homeland. Like our people, the snow leopard is loyal to its icy heights and does not abandon them even in the most difficult times. We, the descendants of the great mountains, draw strength from freedom, independence, and unyielding will on high peaks that reach for the sky. Since ancient times, our ancestors, like the snow leopard, have preserved their values through the centuries. Their love for freedom and resilience allowed them to overcome many trials and achieve victory in challenging historical moments. We, the descendants of a glorious people, draw strength not for conquests, but to protect our homeland, traditions, and family values. We remain true to our roots and continue to develop. Our initiative at the UN was a logical step, as it concerns not only a rare and endangered animal but also a people that is inextricably linked to this nature. Protecting the snow leopard is preserving a part of ourselves. Protecting its habitat is safeguarding the sources that provide water for a third of the world's population! Today is not only an opportunity to admire the beauty of the snow leopard. It is a call to responsibility for all humanity. It is an appeal to all countries of the world to unite efforts to protect this unique animal and its fragile ecosystem. On this day, Kyrgyzstan leads a global campaign in honor of the guardian of our mountains — the snow leopard. Their survival is connected to our ecosystems, our heritage, and our future. On October 23, we symbolically dedicate 23 minutes to the snow leopard — for walks, exercises, or movements in the fresh air. Protecting nature is our common cause, and safeguarding the snow leopard is our joint victory! Let us together preserve this invaluable heritage! Happy holiday! Happy International Snow Leopard Day!”

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