IYGP 2025 official launch side event - panel discussion - Mountain voices: science, stories, and solutions

About the Event

Glaciers are considered the ‘climate sentinels’ of the mountains because they are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation. Their retreat or advance provides clear evidence of long-term climate trends. These changes disrupt water availability, threaten livelihoods, and pose risks to downstream infrastructure and economies. Future projections indicate more frequent floods and landslides, along with increased uncertainty in seasonal water distribution, particularly impacting irrigated agriculture, freshwater ecosystems, and other water uses, thus threatening water, food, and energy security. While the effects of climate change on glaciers and water resources are documented, the consequences for mountain societies and ecosystems remain underexplored, necessitating greater scientific and policy attention.

The side event will provide scientific insights for discussion on action for glacier preservation and will include science, stories, and solutions from the mountain communities around the globe, highlighting the impact of rapid glacier melt. The discussion will also focus on identifying actionable pathways for the future.

Agenda

Session title: Mountain voices: science, stories, and solutions

Moderators:

• Dr Neera Shrestha Pradhan, Cryosphere and Water Lead, ICIMOD
• Du Xiangtong, Director of Public Welfare, Polar Hub

Introduction of session, speakers and panellists by moderators (5 min + 5 min buffer time)

1. IYGP Teaser Video
2. Opening remarks
   • Dr. Anil Mishra, Chief of Section, Hydrological Systems, Climate Change and Adaptation, Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), Division of Water Sciences, UNESCO
3. Keynote speech
   • Dr. Wang, Institute for Surface Systems and Hazards, Northwest University (TBC)
4. Panel discussion
   • Dr. Anna Sinisalo – GRID-Arendal
   • Ms. Zoë Johnson- University of Saskatchewan
   • Ms. Hu Jiaojiao, Founder and chairman of the board, Polar Hub
   • Dr Mohd Farooq Azam, Senior cryosphere specialist, Intervention manager, ICIMOD
   • Documentary Trailer by Polar Hub
5. Open floor discussion
6. Call for action and closing
   • Izabella Koziell, Deputy Director General, ICIMOD

Target audience

• International organisations
• Scientists and researchers
• Government officials working on climate and glacier-related policies.
• Local communities and practitioners engaged in resilience efforts.
• Non-governmental Organizations, media, and youth organisations advocating for climate action