Mountain Partnership renews global commitment in Andorra

Set in the mountains of Andorra, the Seventh Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership concluded on 28 March 2026, bringing together more than 150 representatives from over 45 countries. As the final Global Meeting before the conclusion of the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023–2027) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it marked a key milestone to  accelerate progress and to place mountain sustainability and resilience at the centre of global processes, policies and investments. 

Five panels convened over the first two days of the conference, delving into issues related to: climate action; ecosystem protection, restoration and sustainable management; sustainable tourism; financing sustainable development; and livelihoods, agrifood systems and mountain economies. Two parallel sessions took place on the topics of youth and sustainable tourism in mountain and island ecosystems. Across every session, a consistent message emerged: the solutions exist. 

The main outcome was the adoption of the Andorra Declaration. Presented by Noëlia Souque, Ambassador for Cross-border Cooperation, Andorra — the Declaration is a unified commitment from members which calls on the global community to intensify coordinated, inclusive and accelerated action to address the challenges faced by mountain regions and fully realize their sustainable development potential. It builds on the momentum provided by the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023–2027) and highlights the relevance of key upcoming processes, observances and frameworks, including the UN Conventions, International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, among others.  

Alongside the Declaration, members endorsed the updated Governance, Advocacy and Communication strategies for 2026–2030. These documents are the operational backbone that will guide how the Partnership works, advocates and leads as one voice over the next four years.  

A newly elected Steering Committee presided by Italy as the Chair and Kyrgyzstan as the Vice Chair will lead the Partnership through this next phase, providing strategic direction through 2030 and toward the Second Global Mountain Summit "Bishkek+25" in 2027. An additional Vice Chair rotates on an annual basis among four organizations, with ARCOS serving for the first year, KIRDARC for the second year, Coalition Civile pour la Montagne - Morocco for the third year, and ICIMOD for the fourth year. 

The meeting showed clear momentum and a shared direction. With the Andorra Declaration, updated strategies and new leadership in place, the Mountain Partnership now shifts to delivery. The focus is on results in the final phase of the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023–2027), which will be presented at the upcoming Global Mountain Summit Bishkek+ 25 hosted by Kyrgyzstan in October 2027. This means stronger coordination, targeted investment and policies shaped by the realities of mountain communities. It also means keeping mountains visible and mainstreamed in global processes and decisions, including across the Rio Conventions such as the  UN Convention on Climate Change which will host a mandated dialogue on mountains and climate change at the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SBSTA 64), as well as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, both of which are advancing complementary agendas on ecosystem conservation, land restoration and resilience in mountain regions. We look forward to what lies ahead and to engaging with all the partners to increase support for practical on the ground action.