By,Adnan Hameed
TWA
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Islamabad :The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad’s (ISSI) Centre for Strategic (CSP) takes a pivotal step towards regional collaboration, forging a groundbreaking partnership with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Nepal. The momentous in-house session on February 1, 2024, witnessed key representatives from both organizations laying the foundation for a shared commitment to address climate change challenges in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director CSP Dr. Neelam Nigar, and the CSP Research team engaged in a constructive dialogue with ICIMOD’s Director Operations, Mr. Shekhar Gimire, and Intervention Manager, Dr. Faisal Mueen. Ms. Aisha Khan, Executive Director of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), also added her valuable perspectives to the discussion.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his opening statement, highlighted ISSI’s dedication to tackling climate change challenges through international conferences and consultations. Proposing a strengthened partnership with ICIMOD, he emphasized the need to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on mountainous regions and communities.
Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, expressed the organization’s keen interest in close cooperation with ISSI, focusing on regional climate challenges. He underscored the importance of transboundary cooperation, drawing parallels with successful Alpine and Arctic coalitions.
During the interactive session, Ms. Aisha Khan emphasized the significance of media training for climate change reporting and positioned ICIMOD as a pivotal data source for ISSI researchers. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood proposed the establishment of an institutional relationship and the development of a roadmap for collaborative events in 2024, solidifying a closer working alliance.
This strategic partnership, anchored in the vibrant landscape of Nepal, marks a significant milestone in regional climate resilience efforts. ISSI and ICIMOD’s collaborative endeavors aim to address shared.
