By H.E. Mr. Ulan Djusupov
Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UK
Mountains are not just majestic landscapes—they are the lifeblood of our planet, nurturing biodiversity, sustaining ecosystems, and supporting billions of lives. For Kyrgyzstan, a country whose identity is shaped by its soaring peaks, mountains are our pride, our heritage, and our responsibility.
On International Mountain Day, celebrated every December 11, we are reminded of the urgent need to protect these natural treasures. Mountains provide freshwater for nearly half the global population, harbor countless species, and offer inspiration that transcends borders. Yet, they are among the most vulnerable regions in the world, facing the devastating impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and human encroachment.
This year, Kyrgyzstan took bold steps to champion mountain sustainability on the global stage. At COP29 in Baku, President Sadyr Zhaparov delivered a powerful address, calling for coordinated climate action and proposing innovative solutions to protect our fragile mountain ecosystems. Highlighting the importance of collective responsibility, the President emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s “Debt for Climate” initiative, which channels external debt relief into green projects aimed at combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.
One of our proudest achievements at COP29 was organizing a High-Level Dialogue on Mountains and Climate. Leaders from countries like Nepal and Mongolia joined us to underscore the vital role of mountain regions in global water and energy security. Together, we issued a “Call to Action” to ensure that mountains receive the attention they deserve in international climate agendas.
Kyrgyzstan has long been a pioneer in advancing the mountain agenda. From initiating the International Year of Mountains in 2002 to securing the UN resolution declaring 2023–2027 the “Five Years of Action for Mountain Development,” we have worked tirelessly to bring mountain issues to the forefront of global discussions. Our leadership also extends to biodiversity conservation, where we actively champion the protection of the iconic snow leopard—a symbol of resilience and balance in mountain ecosystems.
But the challenges we face are immense. Climate change is melting our glaciers at an alarming rate; in the past 70 years, Kyrgyzstan’s glaciers have shrunk by 16%. If this trend continues, we risk losing more than half of them by the end of this century. This is not just a local crisis—it’s a global one, threatening freshwater supplies, food security, and biodiversity far beyond mountain regions.
This year’s International Mountain Day theme—innovation, adaptation, and youth engagement—is a call to action. Innovation is the key to tackling complex challenges, from climate-resilient agriculture to renewable energy projects like our solar and hydropower initiatives. Adaptation is critical for protecting our communities and ecosystems, whether through sustainable water management or disaster risk reduction.
Youth engagement is equally vital. The energy and creativity of young people are essential for ensuring the future of our mountains. By investing in education, entrepreneurship, and training, we empower the next generation to be stewards of these fragile ecosystems.
As we look ahead, Kyrgyzstan is preparing to host the Second Global Mountain Summit, “Bishkek+25,” in 2027. This landmark event will bring together leaders, experts, and mountain communities to review progress and chart a bold path forward for sustainable mountain development.
On this International Mountain Day, let us remember that the fate of our mountains is intertwined with the fate of humanity. Protecting mountains means preserving biodiversity, securing water for billions, and safeguarding the cultural and natural heritage that inspires us all.
Let us act—together, boldly, and urgently—to ensure that mountains remain the guardians of life and hope for generations to come.
