The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) successfully concluded its 56th Governing Board Meeting in Kunming, China, from April 23rd to 27th. This year, under China’s chairmanship, the meeting was presided over by Professor Kang Shichang, Director of the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Vice Chair of the Chinese Committee on ICIMOD (CNICIMOD).
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from ICIMOD’s Board members from its member countries, independent board members, the ICIMOD Support Group, governess of ICIMOD and its departments, and representatives from CNICIMOD. The meeting was co-chaired by Prof. Kang and Dr. Teresa Fogelberg, Chair of ICIMOD’s Programme Advisory Committee.
During the meeting, participants reviewed and adopted key policy documents, electing a new Chair and Vice Chair for the ICIMOD Support Group. Discussions centered on ICIMOD’s future work plan, strategies for strengthening regional cooperation, and initiatives to promote sustainable mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
In his opening address, Prof. Kang extended a warm welcome to all Governing Board members and participants. He underscored the importance of achieving sustainable development in the HKH region and reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening collaboration with ICIMOD and its member countries to address pressing mountain issues.
“This meeting holds great significance as we gather to make pivotal decisions that will shape the future of ICIMOD and the region we serve,” stated Professor Kang. “we will also explore new avenues for collaboration and innovation, ensuring that our actions are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.”
Prof. Yang Yongping, Vice Chair of CNICIMOD, spoke on behalf of the Chinese side. He highlighted the urgency of collectively addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution, and expressed China's commitment to working with member countries to advance sustainable development and resilience in the HKH region.
During the meeting, a joint ICIMOD-China Partners’ Day was also organized. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions, Lanzhou University, Sichuan University, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and other partner institutions shared their experiences and showcased research outcomes between Chinese partners and ICIMOD and its member countries.
Dr. Quan Zhanjun, Vice President of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences and Vice Chair of CNICIMOD, and Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of their respective organizations.
Following the meeting, the ICIMOD Governing Board members visited a flower plantation base, dry-hot valley agriculture industry, and the Mountain Future Innovation Centre, providing participants with firsthand insights into ongoing initiatives in sustainable mountain development.
The 56th Governing Board Meeting highlighted the continued dedication of ICIMOD and its partners to fostering a shared vision for a prosperous and resilient future for mountain people and environments in the HKH region.
