President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic delivered a compelling address at the First Meeting of the High-Level Committee on Global Summing up on Adaptation, held as part of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In his speech, President Japarov issued an urgent call for a new global dialogue focused on understanding the critical interactions between mountains and climate. He emphasized that mountains, beyond their majestic landscapes, serve as crucial water towers, guardians of biodiversity, and key influencers on the planet's health. However, these sensitive ecosystems are profoundly impacted by climate change, with consequences extending far beyond mountainous regions.
"The Kyrgyz Republic, like many mountainous countries, is seeing the effects of climate change first-hand. Our glaciers are melting, our biodiversity is under threat, and our people, who have lived in harmony with these landscapes for centuries, are facing unprecedented challenges."
The Kyrgyz Republic, grappling with firsthand experiences of climate change effects, witnesses melting glaciers, biodiversity threats, and unprecedented challenges for its people. President Japarov drew attention to the alarming situation, citing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent observation from Everest, where Nepal has lost a third of its glaciers in the past 30 years, mirroring the situation in Kyrgyzstan.
Expressing gratitude to partners supporting the Kyrgyz Republic's initiative, President Japarov acknowledged the adoption of the resolution "Sustainable Mountain Development" at the UN General Assembly's 77th session. This resolution declares 2023-2027 as the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions, uniting mountain countries like Andorra, Nepal, Bhutan, and others.
President Japarov's call for a new dialogue mechanism extends beyond mountains; it addresses the global climate system. Mountains play a pivotal role in weather patterns, water cycles, and carbon storage. Protecting them, he asserted, is not a regional concern but a global imperative. He urged nations, especially those with mountainous regions, to support this initiative, emphasizing the need for unified strategies to address the unique challenges faced by mountains, contributing significantly to global climate sustainability.
"Our joint call for a new mechanism of dialogue is not only about mountains, it is about the global climate system. Mountains play a key role in weather patterns, water cycles and carbon storage. Protecting them is not a regional issue, it is a global need."
As the world stands at a crossroads, President Japarov urged collective action, foresight, and cooperation to shape the future of mountains and, consequently, the world. The decisions made at COP28 hold the key to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
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