The event will focus on the critical role glaciers play in the global ecosystem and the urgent need to address their rapid melting. Participants will explore science-based interventions aimed at mitigating the environmental and societal impacts of glacier loss. The event will also highlight the importance of strengthening the science-policy interface, ensuring that research translates into effective climate policies. Emphasizing the value of international cooperation, the event aims to foster partnerships for sustainable development, driving collective action to preserve glaciers and protect ecosystems vital to global climate stability.

Opening statements

• Mr Abou Amani, Director of the Division of Water Sciences, Secretary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, UNESCO
• Ms. Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General, WMO
• Mr. Bahodur Sheralizoda, CEP Chairman, Tajikistan
• Ms Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA

Speakers

• Mr. John Pomeroy, UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability
• Ms Ruth Nguma, UNESCO
• Mr A.K.M. Saiful Islam, Institute of Water and Flood management of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
• Ms Carolina Adler, Executive Director of the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) (Virtual)
• Mr Laurent Fouinat, Senior Expert, Polar and Climate - Exhibition on Mountains and Glaciers, GRID-Arendal
• Ms Izabella Koziell, Deputy Director General at ICIMOD

Moderator

Mr Anil Mishra, Chief of the Section on Hydrological Systems and Climate Change Adaptation, UNESCO