International Mountain Day 2025 message from Rector’s Office
Today, as we commemorate International Mountain Day 2025, the University of Central Asia (UCA) reiterates a simple but vital message: mountains matter, and they require urgent, collective action. This year’s theme — “Glaciers matter for water, food, and livelihoods in mountains and beyond” — underscores the profound implications of glacier retreat. Its effects are already unfolding, from increasing risks of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides to disruptions in water supply, declining water quality, and rising sea levels. These changes carry tangible consequences, threatening food and energy security and the overall well-being of communities both within and beyond mountain regions.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of UCA’s operations in advancing mountain science and research. Through the Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI), UCA continues to deepen understanding of climate change across the mountain systems of Central Asia. Our interdisciplinary work focuses on improving mountain livelihoods, strengthening sustainable natural resource management, and enhancing resilience to natural hazards — all essential to supporting the sustainable development of these fragile environments.
To mark International Mountain Day, UCA hosted an inter-school quiz competition on “Mountains and Climate Change” in Bishkek, organised in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Mountain Agenda. We remain committed to empowering young people — our future leaders and agents of change — with the knowledge and skills they need to confront the critical challenges facing mountain regions.
Mountains have long served as natural guardians for humanity. As they now endure the accelerating impacts of climate change, it is our responsibility to safeguard them in return. On this International Mountain Day 2025, I encourage all of us to work together to preserve and protect our mountain environments for future generations.
We wish you all a meaningful International Mountain Day.
