Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pema Gyamtsho on Wednesday laid emphasis on greater collaboration in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region as they support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators and leaders.
"ICIMOD looks forward to continued collaboration as we support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators, and leaders," he said as the ICIMOD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kathmandu University to formally transfer the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) secretariat.
The ceremony was held at the ICIMOD Headquarters in the capital city of Nepal.
"Today’s MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional leadership and research for sustainable mountain development. Kathmandu University is exceptionally well placed to guide HUC into its next phase as an independent and regionally rooted consortium," said the ICIMOD DG.
HUC was established in 2007 to bridge the gap in collaboration between universities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and beyond to tackle shared development challenges, particularly on mountain issues.
Hosted by ICIMOD and supported by its core donors, HUC has created a network of universities and knowledge-sharing institutions, connecting experts, students and other learners across the region and beyond.
HUC has grown into a vibrant network of more than 100 universities and academic institutions from within and beyond the HKH.
“It is truly a proud and heartening moment to see Kathmandu University take on the responsibility of hosting the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC), " said Dr Eklabya Sharma, former DDG, ICIMOD and former Steering Committee Member, HUC.
Looking ahead, Dr Sharma said HUC’s strength and impact lie in deepening regional collaboration in research, education, capacity development, and the co-generation and dissemination of knowledge. "Such collective efforts will play a vital role in informing policies and practices for sustainable mountain development across the region."
The transition of the HUC Secretariat to Kathmandu University marks an important next step, realising HUC’s long-envisioned role as an independent, regionally rooted, and academically driven consortium.
“The Program Advisory Committee fully acknowledges and deeply appreciates that ICIMOD has hosted the HUC since its inception in 2007," saidTeresa Fogelberg, Programme Advisory Committee Chair.
For more than seventeen years, Fogelberg said ICIMOD has nurtured this network, ensuring it had the support, stability, and visibility required to grow.
"But we on the PAC also believe—strongly and unanimously—that the moment had come for the HUC to stand confidently on its own feet. And now, that moment has arrived. This transition is not only timely; it is truly remarkable," said the Programme Advisory Committee Chair.