©Sophia Haber
Mountains gained significant recognition from the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, with the announcement of a mandated dialogue on mountains and climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. This marks another important step forward in integrating the priorities and unique vulnerabilities of mountain regions into global climate policy and action.
During the negotiating period, the Conference of the Parties formally requested the Chairs of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) to convene a dialogue focused on mountains and climate change. This high-level discussion is scheduled to take place in conjunction with the 64th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies in Bonn, Germany, from 8 to 18 June 2026.
Efforts undertaken since SBSTA 62 have been successful, resulting in the inclusion of mountain-related indicators among the 59 Belém Adaptation Indicators of the Global Goal on Adaptation framework.
Mountain Partnership members drive collaboration at COP30
The commitment of Mountain Partnership (MP) members was evident throughout COP30, with several events advancing the integration of mountain priorities under the UNFCCC, the linkages between biodiversity and climate change agendas, international climate financing as well enhancing adaptation and resilience.
Over 20 related events contributed to broader recognition of mountains and the cryosphere across at least eight Pavilions, including the Cryosphere Pavilion, the Climate Mobility Pavilion, the DRI Pavilion, the Colombia Pavilion and the SDG Pavilion.
Towards the Second Global Stocktake (12 November)
At the event organized by Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), “Towards the Second Global Stocktake: recalibrating the UN climate regime to strengthen climate–biodiversity–development synergies beyond 2030”, the discussion underscored the importance of the upcoming Second Global Stocktake as a key opportunity to steer global ambition toward more coherent and synergistic climate, biodiversity and development outcomes. Ludovica Martinelli, Chair of the Mountain Partnership Steering Committee, emphasized the need to align climate action with sustainable development outcomes, especially for fragile mountain regions. The session highlighted that advancing synergies across the Rio Conventions will be essential to ensure the next phase of global climate governance delivers integrated solutions for people, biodiversity and ecosystems.
Highlighting mountains: Incorporating mountain priorities into the UNFCCC (14 November)
The side event supported by the MPS and co-organized by the Government of Andorra, OIKOS and KIRDARC, opened with remarks by H.E. David Forné Massoni and was moderated by Kaveh Guilanpour, MPS. Discussions highlighted integrating mountain priorities into COP30 outcomes, including mountain-relevant adaptation indicators under the Global Goal on Adaptation and references in Biennial Transparency Reports. The MPS publication Mountain demographics and trends - Monitoring changes in the global mountain population: new insights and data was launched at the event. Closing remarks were delivered by Ludovica Martinelli.
Catalyzing resilient infrastructure investment in mountain regions (14 November)
An event organized by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) brought attention to the growing risks facing infrastructure and communities in high-altitude environments. Amy Duchelle, FAO, emphasized the need for climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure, along with nature-based solutions, supported by targeted financing to protect mountain communities.
Mountain areas: interlinkages between the biodiversity and climate change agendas (14 November)
Co-organized by ZOI Environment Network, Bhutan, Nepal and CONDESAN, this event side explored how mountain regions serve as critical spaces where climate and biodiversity challenges intersect. Examples from across regions illustrated how integrated approaches—combining conservation, adaptation and community-led solutions—are essential for protecting mountain landscapes. The discussion reinforced that safeguarding biodiversity in mountains is inseparable from strengthening climate resilience and supporting the well-being of the millions who depend on these environments. The session served as a platform to launch the policy brief Policy Pathways under the CBD and UNFCCC, a joint work by CONDESAN and ZOI Environment Network, with inputs from regional conventions and the MPS.
Cryosphere adaptation & disaster risk reduction: Lessons learned and next steps for the HKH region (14 November)
An event organized by the Government of Pakistan and ICIMOD brought forward urgent experiences from the Hindu Kush Karakoram, where rapid glacial melt is reshaping risks for communities and economies. Martial Bernoux, FAO, highlighted that preserving glaciers is essential for sustaining agriculture, water security, and the livelihoods of mountain communities. Speakers shared grounded lessons on disaster preparedness, early warning systems and locally driven adaptation strategies. The discussion aimed to consolidate regional recommendations to manage cryosphere-related threats, underscoring that science-based, community-centered action is essential to protect lives and sustain development in these highly fragile mountain systems.
Multi-stakeholder partnerships for accelerating climate action through water transversality (17 November)
The high-level dialogue, organized by the India Water Foundation, emphasized water as a powerful, transversal connector across climate, development and resilience agendas—particularly in mountain regions that serve as natural water towers for billions. Sara Manuelli, MPS, highlighted that sustainable water management relies on multi-stakeholder partnerships to strengthen climate resilience and empower the communities who safeguard these critical freshwater sources. The event underscored that integrated water governance, grounded in partnership, is vital for reducing climate risks and advancing sustainable development in both mountain areas and downstream regions.
