Antalya, Turkey – 12 November 2026 – The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) participated in the high-level summit event “Advancing the Mountain Agenda: Glaciers, Cryosphere and Resilience under Overshoot, Shared Responsibility and Sustainable Financing”, held on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.
Organized by Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Pakistan and Bhutan, the event brought together high-level representatives of mountain countries and international organizations to discuss priorities for advancing the mountain agenda under the UNFCCC. Discussions focused on the impacts of climate change on glaciers and mountain ecosystems, strengthening the resilience of mountain communities, improving scientific monitoring and early warning systems, and mobilizing sustainable climate finance.
Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening international and regional cooperation to address the growing vulnerabilities of mountain regions. Particular attention was given to glacier retreat, the implications of global warming exceeding 1.5°C, disaster risk reduction, transboundary cooperation and the need to improve access to climate finance and technical support for mountain countries.
A key outcome of the event was a Call to Action on advancing the mountain agenda under the UNFCCC. It calls for stronger protection and restoration of mountain ecosystems, improved glacier monitoring and early warning systems, enhanced scientific research and knowledge exchange, and expanded cooperation on climate risks and natural hazards. It also emphasizes the need to facilitate access to climate finance and strengthen support for mountain communities.
The Call to Action further supports the proposed UNFCCC agenda item “Matters related to Mountains and Climate Change” and a series of dialogues at the upcoming sessions of the subsidiary bodies (SB66 and SB68), with summary reports to be presented to COP32 and COP33. These efforts aim to ensure that the specific vulnerabilities and adaptation needs of mountain regions receive sustained attention within the international climate agenda.
Additional information:
Dilovarsho Dustzoda Advisor to the CAREC Executive Director