The UNFCCC Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change, held during the 64th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SB64), provided a key opportunity to take stock and reflect on how mountains are being addressed across the Convention’s multiple processes and workstreams. Representing the MRI, Executive Director Carolina Adler helped facilitate discussions on research and systemic observations, and strengthening international collaboration to support climate action in mountain regions.
The Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) contributed to the UNFCCC Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change, held on 12 June 2026 during the 64th Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) in Bonn, Germany. Convened under a mandate adopted at COP30 in November 2025 (see FCCC/CP/2025/12, paragraphs 39-45), the dialogue marked an important milestone for the global mountain community, bringing together Parties, researchers, international organizations, and practitioners to take stock and reflect on opportunities and the role of mountain issues within the UNFCCC process, and explore the need to hold an annual Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change.
Mr. Sonam Tashi of Bhutan and Ms. Saskia Sanders of Switzerland were appointed by the SB Chairs as co-facilitators of the Dialogue, in accordance with COP conclusions (see FCCC/CP/2025/12, paragraph 41) requesting that the SB Chairs jointly appoint the co-facilitators in consultation with Parties, ensuring representation from both developing and developed country Parties.
MRI Executive Director Carolina Adler participated as co-moderator of the breakout discussions on Research and Systematic Observation, and later co-facilitated discussions exploring options for continued engagement on mountains and climate change under the Convention.
Strengthening the Role of Science in Mountain Climate Action
The Dialogue focused on presenting practical experiences in advancing climate action in mountain regions and explored how mountain issues can be better reflected in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and the Nairobi Work Programme (NWP), Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), Research and Systemic Observations (RSO), and other UNFCCC workstreams.
A recurring message throughout the discussions was that effective climate action for mountains depends, among other things, on active engagement and inputs across relevant UNFCCC workstreams and processes – informed and supported by robust evidence and scientific knowledge, and enhanced coordination and connections between research, policy, and practice.
As co-moderator of the break-out session on Research and Systematic Observation, alongside Pam Pearson of the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), Adler helped guide discussions on how mountain observations, monitoring networks, and research partnerships can better support climate decision-making. Participants explored opportunities to strengthen long-term monitoring, improve data accessibility and interoperability, enhance the relevance of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) strategy and its implementation to address mountain specificities, and heighten collaboration and coordination across institutions, disciplines, and regions.
These discussions reflected long-standing priorities of the MRI and its global research community, including technical specifications for improving high-elevation observations as part of an ongoing collaboration with the WMO, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring that scientific knowledge is translated into practical information for policymakers and mountain communities.
Looking Beyond SB64
The Dialogue also considered how mountain issues can maintain greater visibility within UNFCCC processes. During the afternoon session, Adler and others co-facilitated discussions in three breakout groups examining the potential role of an annual Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change and the opportunities that exist across other mechanisms for sustaining knowledge exchange, strengthening coherence across UNFCCC workstreams, and supporting implementation under the Convention and the Paris Agreement.
One example, reported as part of the many SB64 conclusions and outcomes, was the conclusion reached by the SBSTA Chair on the NWP in which adaptation challenges faced in mountain regions are acknowledged (see FCCC/SBSTA/2026/L.4, paragraph 7). It highlights that knowledge gaps in mountains can be addressed through relevant activities under the NWP, not least given the platform already afforded under its Thematic Area Mountains.
The outcomes of the Dialogue will inform a summary report to be prepared by the Subsidiary Body Chairs, for submission at COP31. Together with the recent adoption of the Andorra Declaration at the Seventh Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership and the launch of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), the Dialogue reflects growing international interest and impetus in advocating for the importance of mountain regions for climate resilience, biodiversity, water security, and sustainable development.
Continuing MRI’s Commitment to the Science-Policy Interface
The MRI’s participation at the Dialogue builds on its long-standing commitment and actions to strengthening the science-policy interface for mountain regions. By connecting researchers, observation networks, and policy processes – including through our ongoing collaboration with the WMO – the MRI helps ensure that mountain knowledge contributes to informed decision-making at national, regional, and global levels.
As momentum continues to build within the UNFCCC process, the MRI looks forward to working with its own network members and partners across the global mountain community to support coordinated climate action and ensure that mountain voices remain visible in future international climate discussions.
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Photo by Tadej Skofic.