News

International conference in Kyrgyzstan focuses on sustainable mountain development

27.01.2023

The Academic Consortium "International University of Kyrgyzstan", jointly with the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic and International Institute of Mountains, hosted an international conference on 19–21 January 2023 in the framework of the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022 (IYM2022).

The conference "Environmental and socioeconomic security as a factor for sustainable mountain development" presented and discussed research materials and projects devoted to the study of socioeconomic problems in mountainous countries. Best practices as well as scientific and technical information were exchanged among participants, which included representatives of the Kyrgyz Government, United Nations organizations, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, academia and beyond.

The Government of Kyrgyzstan has been leading international efforts in recent years to promote sustainable mountain development at global level. The United Nations General Assembly declared the IYM2022 at the proposal of the Government of Kyrgyzstan, with the co-sponsorship of 94 governments. In November 2022, the United Nations General Assembly approved the triennial resolution on sustainable mountain development, which proclaimed 2023–2027 as "Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions" also at the proposal of the Government of Kyrgyzstan. The resolution was co-sponsored by 110 governments.

"Mountains need more attention, investments and support to continue fulfilling their role in supporting the planet with very important ecosystem goods and services," said Rosalaura Romeo, Interim Coordinator of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat. "The Five Years of Action that the Government of Kyrgyzstan has promoted is an opportunity to jointly define a strategy to protect mountains as important sources of water, biodiversity and more."

The outcome of the conference will be a conference resolution on the sustainable development of mountain regions. The final text is being finalized and will be disseminated widely.

Photo: ©FAO/Mirbek Kadraliev