ICIMOD

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is an intergovernmental learning and knowledge management organization dedicated to advancing sustainable mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. Established in 1983, ICIMOD serves as a regional hub for eight member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. The organization operates under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal.

ICIMOD’s mission is to improve the well-being of mountain peoples and reduce vulnerability to disasters through integrated research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Its work spans environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, water resource management, and sustainable livelihoods. The organization collaborates with governments, research institutions, NGOs, and local communities to address challenges such as glacial melt, biodiversity loss, and poverty in mountainous regions. ICIMOD also plays a key role in monitoring the health of the HKH region, including the world’s third-largest ice mass after the Arctic and Antarctic.

The centre’s programs focus on evidence-based solutions, emphasizing gender equality, youth engagement, and inclusive development. ICIMOD publishes research, policy briefs, and training materials to support decision-making at local and regional levels. It also facilitates regional cooperation through platforms like the HKH Knowledge Portal and the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES). With a network of regional and global partners, ICIMOD aims to ensure resilient and prosperous mountain ecosystems for current and future generations.