UCA at UNESCO World Glaciers Day Conference 2026
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was represented at the UNESCO World Glaciers Day Conference 2026 in Paris by Denis Samyn, Senior Cryosphere Researcher.
Held on 18–19 March at UNESCO headquarters, the conference marked a major global shift from awareness to action in addressing the cryosphere crisis. It also launched the Decade of Actions for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), aimed at strengthening climate science, global cooperation, and practical solutions for communities affected by glacier loss.
As part of an official side session co-organised with the World Climate Research Programme, UCA contributed to global dialogue on “Science to Societies: Ethical and Action-Oriented Adaptation to Cryospheric Loss.” Dr Samyn presented on Central Asia’s changing cryosphere, highlighting a critical paradox: short-term increases in glacier meltwater are masking long-term risks of water scarcity and rising hazards for mountain communities.
The session also explored key themes such as equity in adaptation, integration of Indigenous knowledge, and innovative approaches like granting legal rights to natural entities such as glaciers and rivers.
UCA’s participation highlights its increasing contribution to global climate dialogue and its commitment to ensuring that Central Asia’s mountain systems are represented in international research, policy, and action frameworks.
