High-level session: Collaboration and cooperation beyond borders: HKH Ministerial meeting

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, often referred to as the “Water Tower of Asia,” is crucial for the survival and well-being of nearly two billion people in South Asia. However, the region is facing serious environmental threats, including rapidly melting glaciers, severe air pollution, loss of biodiversity, and more. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, while changing populations and growing social and economic inequalities are putting pressure on water, food, and energy security, as well as the regional economy and mountain livelihoods.

These challenges cross national borders and are too large for any single country to manage alone. Urgent and coordinated regional action is necessary to address these issues effectively.

The HKH, as the source of twelve major Asian rivers, a key regional climate regulator, and a rich mountain biome, is a global asset. Yet, it remains one of the least recognised and appreciated regions globally for the essential services it provides, supporting millions in the mountains and billions downstream.

To secure its future, HKH countries must work with mountain networks and international partners to present a strong, united voice on global platforms. This is essential to attract the investment and support needed for sustainable development and resilience in the region.

With the gracious presence of HKH ministers, this plenary is an urgent call for collaborative anticipatory actions to build a sustainable and resilient HKH region for our people.

This plenary aims to:

  • Discuss the impacts of changing cryosphere, deteriorating air quality and increasing disasters on mountain communities and populations downstream
  • Deliberate on possible future collaborative actions to further strengthen regional cooperation for a resilient HKH region and
  • Explore opportunities to strengthen HKH’s voice at global forums such as UNFCCC and CBD COPs (to increase recognition of HKH as a global asset, international cooperation, and investment in the HKH region).

Tentative agenda (90 mins)

Moderator: Ms Noelle O’Brien, Director, Climate Change, Asian Development Bank

Rapporteur: Avash Pandey, Policy Specialist, ICIMOD

Timing

Activity

Speaker

15.00 – 15.20

Welcome and opening remarks from the Chair

Remarks from the Hon’ble Minister for Energy & Natural Resources, Bhutan

H.E. Honourable Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister for Forests and Environment, Nepal

H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering

Minister for Energy & Natural Resources, Bhutan

15.20 – 15.35

Keynote: Uniting for Action: Regional Cooperation to Tackle Climate and Environmental Crisis in the HKH region”

Dr. Pema Gyamtsho

Director General, ICIMOD

15.35 – 16.05

Expert Panel Discussion:

Key challenges and opportunities to enhance regional cooperation to tackle climate and environmental change impacts in the HKH region

(10 mins each)

Panellists:

1.     Prof. Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari, Vice Chair, National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal

2.     H.E. Shyam Saran

Former Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change.

3.     Ms. Alenka Smerkolj

Secretary General, The Alpine Convention.

16.05 – 16.25

Remarks from country and CSO representatives

The HKH Country’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation for urgent collaborative actions on shared challenges, including climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, and socio-economic shifts

(05 mins each)

Country and CSO representatives:

·       Mr. Ziaul Haque, Director, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh

·       Mr. Sonam Tashi, Director, Climate Change Division, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan

·       Dr Eklabya Sharma, Strategic Advisor and Senior Fellow, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), India

·       Ms Aisha Khan, Founder and Chief Executive, Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change & Mountain and Glacier Protection Organisation, Pakistan.

16.25 – 16.30

Vote of thanks

Maheshwar Dhakal, Joint Secretary,

Ministry of Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal