International Conference “Global Mountain Dialogue for Sustainable Development”
On 24–25 April 2025, the International Conference “Global Mountain Dialogue for Sustainable Development / Towards the Bishkek+25 Summit” took place in Bishkek at the State Residence “Ala-Archa-1”. A highlight of the event was Parallel Session 6: Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers and the Cryosphere, organized by the National Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic for UNESCO and the Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG).
Moderated by Dr. Tomas Saks, the session focused on the impacts of climate change on glaciers and the cryosphere, their critical role in water supply, energy, and agriculture, and the threats posed by glacier melt and permafrost thawing. Discussions centered on adaptation measures and international cooperation to mitigate climate risks and ensure the resilience of mountain ecosystems.
Key presentations were delivered by leading experts:
- Dr. Tomas Saks (Switzerland) on the state of the cryosphere in Central Asia;
- Dr. Iskandar Abdullaev and others (Uzbekistan) on mountain ecosystems;
- Dr. Tilo Schöne (GFZ, Germany, online) on climate and glacier monitoring;
- Dr. Beatriz Fuentealba Duran (Peru) on glacier retreat;
- Dr. Takir Balykbaev (Kazakhstan) on cryosphere research.
A panel discussion featuring experts from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Germany addressed topics such as water reserves, glacial runoff, glacier preservation technologies, and the management of flood and mudflow risks. The session concluded with the discussion of a resolution outlining recommendations for enhanced research, monitoring, and collaboration.
The conference underscored the importance of collective efforts for the sustainable development of mountain regions amid global warming.
Конференция подчеркнула важность совместных усилий для устойчивого развития горных регионов в условиях глобального потепления.
