The University of Central Asia and Partners Launch First IPROMO Central Asia Summer School
The University of Central Asia (UCA), in partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and within the framework of the Mountain Partnership, has launched the first Central Asian edition of the International Programme on Research and Training on Sustainable Mountain Development (IPROMO), one of the world's leading training programmes dedicated to mountain development.
For the first time in its history, the programme, traditionally hosted in Italy and organized by the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the University of Turin and the National Research Council - Research Institute for Hydrogeological Prevention and Protection, is being delivered in Central Asia. Hosted at UCA's Naryn Campus from 24 June to 7 July 2026, the Summer School brings together approximately 30 government officials, researchers, academics, practitioners and development partners from across Central Asia and Europe to explore mountain development and cryosphere-related challenges.
The programme's arrival in Central Asia reflects both the growing global importance of mountain regions in climate and sustainable development discussions and UCA's emerging role as a regional hub for mountain development, climate resilience and cryosphere-related research, education and policy dialogue.
Held under the theme "Glaciers: Understanding, Preserving and Adapting to Climate Change", the Summer School focuses on glacier retreat and the loss of snow and permafrost, and their implications for sustainable mountain development, water security, climate resilience and regional cooperation. The programme also contributes a Central Asian perspective to the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Christopher J Gerry, Rector of UCA, highlighted the significance of bringing IPROMO to Central Asia at a time when mountain regions are increasingly at the forefront of global discussions on climate change and sustainable development.
“Hosting IPROMO Central Asia is an important milestone for the University. UCA is increasingly becoming a regional hub for mountain development, climate resilience and cryosphere-related research, education and policy dialogue. By bringing together researchers, practitioners and policymakers from across the region and beyond, the programme helps strengthen the knowledge, partnerships and expertise needed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing mountain societies today," he said.
Through lectures, seminars, case studies, group work and field visits, participants will explore the complex interconnections between climate change, glacier preservation, water management, environmental governance, biodiversity, food systems and local livelihoods. They will also collaborate on group projects aimed at developing practical approaches to climate adaptation, cryosphere preservation and sustainable mountain development.
“Here at UCA campus in Naryn we are laying a foundation for new tradition. I hope hosting IPROMO in Central Asia will become a long term annual tradition of bringing young talents and experts from the region” – shared Dinara Kemelova, Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on mountain agenda.
The IPROMO Central Asia Summer School represents an important step in strengthening regional capacity, expertise and cooperation to address the challenges posed by climate change and cryosphere loss. At a time when mountain regions are experiencing some of the earliest and most significant impacts of climate
change, initiatives such as IPROMO help equip policymakers, researchers and practitioners with the knowledge and networks needed to respond effectively.
“IPROMO is built on the understanding that mountains require dedicated knowledge, skills and collaboration. What makes it unique is the network it builds. Students become part of a global community of professionals working across disciplines and regions to advance sustainable mountain development,” said Thomas Hofer of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat.
For UCA, the programme reflects the University's growing contribution to research, education and policy dialogue on mountain development. Through initiatives such as IPROMO, UCA continues to strengthen its role as a regional platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and evidence-based solutions that support the resilience and sustainable development of mountain societies across Central Asia.
