Glacial Melt Media Forum

About the event

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) are hosting a virtual media forum to strengthen journalists understanding of glacial melt across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region and in Central and Western Asia.

The forum will feature leading climate and sustainable development experts to unpack the latest research on the rapid melting of glaciers and its far-reaching impacts on people and infrastructure in mountains and river basins. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of both the science and the human stories behind the cryosphere change.

The forum will also explore practical mitigation and adaptation strategies, including efforts such as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in 2025, Decades of Action for Cryospheric Science and the growing calls for greater investment in mountain regions.

In addition, senior media practitioners will share insights on covering glacier-related stories with accuracy, depth, and impact. Such guidance from senior media professionals will provide a strong base for translating complex science into compelling narratives that can raise public awareness and support inform climate action.

The sessions will be delivered in English with simultaneous translation for Russian-speaking attendees.

This opportunity is open to journalists who are interested in expanding their knowledge of glacier-related issues in this region and connecting with experts. If you would like to join, please write to: Johanna Camille (Jam) S. Cayco, Associate Communications Officer, ADB and/or Neraz Tuladhar | Media Officer, ICIMOD to register your interest

Objectives of the forum

• Strengthen journalists’ understanding of glacier melt and associated hazards and impacts in the HKH, Central and Western Asia regions
• Highlight potential mitigation and adaptation solutions, including collaboration with regulators, financial institutions, and the private sector to de-risk investments
• Present strategies for impactful reporting and storytelling about glacial melt
• Provide a platform for exchange of insights and experiences among journalists, climate scientists, and other technical experts

Expected outcomes

• Improved understanding of glacial melt impacts, related disasters, and their cascading effects on various areas such as livelihoods, food security and agriculture, and water availability
• Strengthened network among journalists, climate-, and other experts through access to resources and expertise
• Well-informed reporting on glacial melt spotlighting the urgency of the issue, needed actions, and possible solutions
• Increased in number of in-depth reporting on climate change in these three regions highlights social and economic impacts.

Related links:

• ADB’s work on glacial melt
• Building Adaptation and Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (BARHKH) initiative
• ADB Launches Major Initiative to Build Resilience to Melting Glaciers
• Green Climate Fund Approves $250 Million for ADB Glacial Melt Adaptation Program in Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Pakistan
• Thame Valley Glacial Lake Outburst Flood 2024 – HimalDoc
• HKH monsoon outlook 2025
• HIWISE report
• HKH Snow Update 2025
• HKH assessment 2019
• The voice of the Hindu Kush Himalaya