Highlights and images for 26 March 2026

Mountain regions cover nearly a quarter of the planet, host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and provide half the world’s population with freshwater, energy and other critical ecosystem services. Yet, these regions are at the frontline of global threats such as climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation. The Seventh Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership brings together Members and partners to discuss these challenges and consider ways forward.

In her opening remarks, Noëlia Souque, Ambassador for Cross-border Cooperation, Andorra, stressed the need for coordinated action, scaling up solutions, and ensuring that mountain voices are heard at the highest level of decision making. Ludovica Tancredi Martinelli, Outgoing Chair of the Steering Committee, Mountain Partnership, pointed out that practical solutions often come directly from mountain communities and Indigenous Peoples. Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General, UN Tourism, called for sustainable and geographically balanced tourism, noting that up to 16% of travelers now choose mountain destinations. Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the need to strengthen political will and turn commitments into action. Imma Tor Faus, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andorra, reaffirmed the importance of the Mountain Partnership for ensuring mountain resilience.

During a Founders of the Mountain Partnership round table, representatives from Italy, Switzerland, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), discussed the Partnership’s achievements and priorities in the coming years. Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, Ambassador of Italy to Spain and Andorra, stressed the importance of translating multi-stakeholder cooperation into tangible local action. Alwin Kopše, Deputy Assistant Director-General and Head of International Affairs, Federal Office for Agriculture, Switzerland, underscored the Partnership’s unique opportunity to connect processes related to agriculture and food systems with the mountain agenda. Zhimin Wu, Assistant Director-General and Director, Forestry Division, FAO, stressed the importance of expanding the Partnership to ensure that mountains are reflected in national agendas. Arnold Kreilhuber, Europe Regional Director and Representative, UNEP, underscored work to improve the science-policy interface, stressing that “in everything we do, we should be guided by science”.

Following the opening session, three panels took place on climate action, ecosystem protection, and sustainable tourism.

During the panel on climate action, panelists discussed current efforts and future avenues for bringing mountain voices onto the agenda of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Some highlighted regional and global initiatives to foster coordinated approaches for protecting mountain ecosystems, illustrating the transboundary nature of mountain issues. Several stressed the importance of bringing science closer to decision-making processes. One participant called for monitoring the effectiveness of adaptation measures, including assessing whether they sufficiently address the risks facing mountain regions.

In the panel on ecosystem protection, speakers highlighted efforts for addressing biodiversity loss and implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Several emphasized the importance of maintaining and supporting traditional mountain practices and livelihoods for long-term sustainability. A representative from the Convention on Biological Diversity noted that the upcoming midterm review of the KMGBF will help define how the international community can pick up the pace and focus on key issues.

During the panel on Sustainable Tourism, participants were told of the Samoan proverb ‘E afua mai mauga manuia o nuú’ (from the mountains flow the blessings to the village), offering a reminder that what happens to the mountains also impacts the lowlands. Panelist discussions touched on: the significance of tourism planning and adaptation strategies; the importance of understanding and measuring tourism’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental impact; and ways for strengthening community-based tourism, including through the empowerment of women.