Science Diplomacy for Glacier Preservation and Transboundary Water Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)

Background

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), known as the “Third Pole,” holds over 54,000 glaciers that serve as Asia’s key water towers. These glaciers feed ten major rivers, supporting nearly two billion people. However, climate change is accelerating glacial melt, leading to increased floods, droughts, and Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). GLOF risks may triple in the coming decades, yet few glacial lakes are currently monitored. These growing climate risks transcend borders, posing threats to water, food, and energy security, as well as ecosystems and regional stability. Despite shared risks, governance is fragmented, and cooperation remains limited.

No single country can tackle these complex cross-border water risks alone. A systems approach linking “water, food, energy, and ecosystems” is vital for resilience and peace. This requires strong science-policy links, open data, nature-based solutions, and inclusive dialogue platforms.

The region faces a critical moment. Cryosphere changes such as glacier retreat, snow loss, and permafrost thaw impact water supplies, food and energy systems, biodiversity, disaster risk, culture, and livelihoods.

Science diplomacy is crucial for bridging divides, aligning policies, and facilitating joint research and cooperation. It helps turn evidence into action and supports inclusive, cross-border solutions for a more resilient HKH.

Objectives

This session will explore how science diplomacy, regional collaboration, and integrated adaptation strategies can drive urgent, coordinated action to safeguard glaciers and enhance resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). Showcasing successful initiatives like the Upper Indus Basin Network and emerging efforts in the Ganges and Brahmaputra, it will highlight the value of systems-based approaches, inclusive science-policy dialogues, and cross-border cooperation. Emphasizing culturally grounded and nature-based solutions, the session aims to scale community-driven innovations, foster trust, and align HKH glacier preservation with global climate and resilience agendas to attract greater investment and international support.

Agenda

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