Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
28 April 2022
His Excellency, Mr. Sadyr Japarov, President of Kyrgyz Republic,
His Excellency, Mr. Roberto Natali, Minister Plenipotentiary and Chair of the Mountain Partnership Steering Committee,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you for this Opening Ceremony to celebrate the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development.
I take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for rallying global attention around the protection and sustainability of Mountains.
I also commend the significant work and contribution of the Mountains Partnership.
Excellencies,
As the first of its kind, marking this year as the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development is an acknowledgement of
the growing challenges and limitations faced by mountain regions, especially of developing countries.
Mountains are perhaps the most striking features of planet earth. They not only play a major role in determining global and regional climates, but are sources of most rivers and act as cradles, barriers and bridges for species, and are crucial for the survival and sustainability of many communities.
Mountains constitute approximately 27 percent of the planet’s land area and are home to almost 15 percent of the world’s population.
Mountains are not only a vital source of freshwater for almost 2 billion people worldwide, but are also considered a major source of energy, biological diversity, mineral wealth, and agricultural productivity.
They are home to a wide range of fauna and flora and provide important ecosystem supportive services to billions of downstream communities.
Mountains are already intricately connected with people and communities – an inspiration of culture, and traditions.
Their recognition and protection are imperative for the sustainability of natural resources, ecosystems, the improvement of human well-being, and the sustainability of communities and their cultures.
Excellencies,
While we acknowledge the beauty and benefits of mountains, we must also contend with the challenges and harm that we are inflicting.
Today, global mountain areas are experiencing environmental degradation due to the adverse effects of climate change.
The science is very clear. Climate change is affecting major mountain ranges and it is estimated that one-third of Himalayan glaciers will disappear by 2100. Increasing temperatures have contributed to more landslides, loss of glacier mass, and loss of agriculture.
In the mountainous regions of the world, snowpack serves as frozen reservoirs. Warmer temperatures are causing these snowpacks to melt, reducing their availability for food and production uses.
The pandemic and the associated restrictions accelerated these challenges by cutting-off sources of livelihoods for mountain communities. Its pertinent to note that mountain tourism attracts 15-20 percent of global tourism.
Excellencies,
We must reverse the current scenario before it is too late.
Because mountains matter for everyone, whether we live on high or low ground.
I join the call on the importance of raising awareness of public and private sectors, and all relevant stakeholders, to increase their commitment, engagement, and investments in mountain development.
Let us build on the momentum and energy of this year of Sustainable Mountain Development to collectively promote global commitments towards the protection of these vulnerable ecosystems, and to build the resilience of those who call mountains home.
Let this International year be a moment for change, of working together to save our mountains environment, our communities, and our planet.
I thank you.
