Paro: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN Climate Change) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have launched the Hindu Kush Himalaya Regional Climate Action Transparency Hub (HKHRCATH). This initiative aims to strengthen climate action across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region by establishing a dedicated platform for sustained capacity building and data sharing among ICIMOD’s eight Regional Member Countries (RMCs): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the launch of the HKHRCATH stems from a three-year memorandum of understanding and took place during a Regional Stakeholders Consultation Workshop in Paro, Bhutan. The workshop brought together country representatives to define priority actions for implementing the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) across the region.
Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, emphasized the significance of the hub, stating, “This is a leap forward in increasing the pace of climate action in the region. The transparency hub will be a platform for all countries of the HKH to understand their progress on commitments, define challenges, and collaborate on shared climate issues. It will enhance the capacity of our Regional Member Countries in delivering and reporting their commitments.”
Jigme, Manager of the Transparency division at the UNFCCC secretariat, highlighted the importance of the ETF, noting that it is “the backbone of mutual trust and collective ambition” and crucial for the HKH region due to the fragility of its mountain ecosystems and shared vulnerability to climate change.
The hub is designed to support national decision-makers, investors, and stakeholders in the participating countries, facilitating the acceleration of mitigation and adaptation actions. By implementing the ETF, the hub aims to build mutual trust and confidence while serving as a platform for accessing resources and acting as a regional technical center.
This launch follows the UN Climate Change Conference in Bel©m, Brazil, where ICIMOD and its RMCs advanced discussions on climate finance and transparent climate reporting, including issues related to loss and damage.
The HKH region, often referred to as the “Water Tower of Asia,” faces significant climate challenges, including faster warming than the global average and increased extreme weather events, impacting billions of lives and livelihoods.
ICIMOD views the regional hub as a new gateway for strengthened collaboration and knowledge sharing among HKH countries, with the aim of advancing solutions and financing for climate resilience.