Dushanbe, June 2, 2025 – A significant partnership was established today between the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) at the sidelines of the 2025 Conference on Glacier Preservation in Dushanbe. The collaboration aims to address critical environmental challenges in the Hindu-Kush Himalaya (HKH) and across the Asia-Pacific region.
The HKH, often referred to as the "Third Pole," is one of the most glaciated, water-abundant, and biodiverse regions on Earth. However, it faces unprecedented threats, including accelerated glacial melting, declining biodiversity, persistent air pollution, and increasing risks from natural disasters. These changes pose severe consequences for millions of people dependent on the region's fragile ecosystems.
The agreement between ICIMOD and UN ESCAP sets a comprehensive framework for tackling these challenges, focusing on three priority areas:
1. Regional Cooperation on Air Quality: Utilizing the Regional Action Plan on Air Pollution (RAPAP) platform, the partnership aims to address transboundary air pollution, which has dire implications for health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
2. Climate Risk and Water Governance: The collaboration will enhance climate resilience through early warning systems and promote sustainable governance of water resources, vital for communities and economies in the HKH and Asia-Pacific.
3. Knowledge Sharing and Policy Engagement: By fostering shared knowledge, tools, and policy dialogues, the initiative seeks to empower countries and communities with evidence-based solutions to mitigate environmental challenges and enhance resilience.
ICIMOD's Director General, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, emphasized the urgency of the partnership, stating, “The Hindu-Kush Himalaya is at a tipping point. This collaboration with UN ESCAP is a pivotal step toward safeguarding the region’s future and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for its people.”
Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP, Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in addressing interconnected environmental challenges. “By uniting our expertise and resources, we can create a sustainable and resilient future for the Asia-Pacific region.”
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, resilience building, and regional cooperation. As the HKH continues to face mounting challenges, collaborative actions like this offer hope for a more sustainable and equitable future.
