KATHMANDU: The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have signed a three-year agreement to strengthen climate action across the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region.

The MoU was signed by Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, and Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) meetings in Bonn, Germany. The partnership aims to support countries in the region in implementing the Paris Agreement and enhancing transparency in climate commitments.

The HKH region—home to fragile mountain ecosystems and millions of people—is witnessing alarming climate impacts such as glacial melt, water shortages, food insecurity, and disasters like glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). ICIMOD’s collaboration with UN Climate Change comes amid growing calls to highlight mountain-specific climate challenges on the global stage.

Key areas of focus include building regional capacity, supporting the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), and providing scientific evidence to guide policy and climate-smart investments. ETF enables countries to track and report progress on emissions reductions and adaptation goals, while identifying areas needing international support.

“This collaboration gives our region a stronger voice and practical tools to meet climate challenges at an unprecedented pace,” said ICIMOD Director General Gyamtsho. UN Climate Chief Stiell added, “Transparency is central to climate progress—it unlocks economic, health, and energy benefits for all.”

ICIMOD, which serves eight regional member countries, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, has long contributed to global climate forums as an observer, providing technical support, evidence-based research, and regional coordination.

The agreement builds on past momentum, including high-level dialogues held by Nepal and Bhutan, and ICIMOD’s efforts to spotlight mountain issues in climate negotiations.