Inter-Polar Dialogue on People, Glaciers, and Climate - A Side Event at the UNESCO Headquarters!

 

-Kamrul Hossain

On March 18, 2026, I had the privilege of joining colleagues and partners at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to mark the end of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 and the start of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034). The event, held alongside World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day, brought together a notable community of scientists, policymakers, and practitioners, all united by a common concern: the rapidly changing state of the world’s glaciers and their impact on humanity.

While the high-level discussions on the first day set an important tone, it was on March 19 that a series of parallel side events took place, highlighting various aspects of changes in glaciers and the cryosphere that could pose serious threats to humanity worldwide unless strong actions are taken to protect glaciers. I had the pleasure of contributing to the side event 11, titled “Inter-Polar Dialogue on People, Glaciers, and Climate,” a session that resonated deeply with my own work and perspective. The side event was co-organized by the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, and the UArctic Chair in Arctic Legal Research and Education, in collaboration with key international partners including the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Polar Educators International, Asian Indigenous International Network, and the Asian Mountain Academic Alliance, among others.

What stood out to me in this dialogue was its focus on linking the Arctic and the Third Pole HKH, regions that are geographically distant yet interconnected through common issues. Despite the distance, both areas are experiencing rapid glacier melt, rising environmental dangers, and significant impacts on communities reliant on glacier-fed water for their livelihoods, food, and water security.

The event began with a brief opening remark and a short video presentation by Task Force 2 of the International Year of Glaciers Preservation. Following the video, I delivered a keynote, highlighting the need to connect the Arctic and the Hindu Kush Himalaya. This connection should go beyond scientific collaboration to include physical science, social science, and Indigenous knowledge. I believe that understanding glacier change requires multiple perspectives. We need to listen across disciplines, cultures, and lived experiences to truly understand the complexity. I emphasized the immediate need to address glacier-related hazards and risks, while also strengthening resilience and adaptation measures. The effects we see today are not just predictions; they are happening now, impacting water security, livelihoods, and the cultural identities of communities in these areas.

Following my remarks, a panel discussion took place during the side event, featuring scholars and policy planners from the Arctic and the HKH. Speakers highlighted that in the Third Pole region, melting large ice reserves that feed major Asian rivers are already transforming ecosystems, risking water supplies, and increasing the risk of disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods. Meanwhile, Arctic communities are experiencing equally significant environmental and lifestyle changes.

The dialogue highlighted three essential messages for guiding our future efforts. Firstly, we need to focus on people and recognize that communities are directly affected by climate change. Secondly, although different regions face unique challenges, their vulnerabilities often overlap, emphasizing the importance of collaborative solutions and enhanced cross-regional cooperation. Thirdly, we should improve the connection between science, policy, and society to make knowledge more inclusive and actionable.

As the session ended with reflections on transitioning “from Year to Decade,” I felt a renewed sense of urgency and hope. The conversations highlighted that glacier loss isn't limited to distant mountains or polar areas; it’s a worldwide, interconnected crisis. Events in these regions have far-reaching impacts, influencing billions of people downstream. Reflecting on the event, I see it not just as a moment to reflect on our achievements during the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, but also as an encouragement to increase our efforts. The start of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences offers an essential opportunity to turn knowledge into impactful action. To me, the Inter-Polar Dialogue highlighted an important point: our challenges are interconnected, and our responses should be as well. By connecting science with human experience and bridging diverse regions and knowledge systems, we can begin to tackle the significant changes occurring in the world’s most fragile ice landscapes.