Commemoration: IMD at the UN
This in-person event to commemorate International Mountain Day was hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN, and featured opening remarks by Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Ms Aida Kasymalieva, as well as interventions by Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN H.E. Mr Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Andorra H.E. Ms Elisenda Vives Balmana, Permanent Representative of Bolivia H.E. Diego Pary Rodríguez, Deputy Permanent Representative of Nepal Mr Kaushal Kishor Ray, ECOSCO Minister of the Permanent Mission of Jalan Mr Shu Nakagawa, and Information and Knowledge Management Expert of FAO, Ms Katherine Clyne.
The Kyrgyz Republic briefed on progress in implementation of the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023-2027), including support on developing national roadmaps, and planning global conferences while looking towards Bishtek+25 in 2027. The importance of ongoing advocacy for the mountain agenda, including Italy and Andorra’s effort to include as a COP28 agenda item was also emphasized.
Italy noted their contributions towards mountain development since the launch of the Mountain Partnership in 2002. Contributions for initiatives on food security, mountain fashion, and the link to key challenges for water are all part of Italy’s mountain diplomacy.
Andorra noted they had submitted a background note to UNFCCC and requested a COP agenda item on mountains. While it was included in the draft agenda for COP28, it did not make it to the final agenda, rather it was put as an agenda item under the Nairobi Work Plan, and there will be an expert dialogue at SBSTA 2024.
Nepal noted the impacts of climate change on vulnerable mountain communities, including through the melting of glaciers which have effects on water resources, landslides and reduced biodiversity. Nepal thanked FAO for work in supporting mountainous countries, including through accessing finance.
Bolivia noted that reference to mountains is in the framing of their constitution. The Ambassador also noted the importance of mountains for socio-economic development for rural and indigenous communities, as well as the importance of respecting and living in harmony with mother nature.
Japan noted they recently joined the UN Group of Friends of Mountain Countries in April of 2023 as a mountainous country. National contributions to the mountain agenda were noted such as through JAICA in Peru to support infrastructure for livelihoods of mountain communities, contributions to OCHA for mountain communities impacted by natural disasters, and the 10M contribution of Japan to the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28.
FAO delivered a statement on behalf of the MPS.
Photo by Айдана Абакова