Japarov: Kyrgyzstan proposing creation of International Association of Mountain Cities

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has announced that his country is proposing the creation of an International Association of Mountain Cities and is ready to offer a platform for this purpose in Bishkek, Report informs.

Speaking at the WUF13 Leaders' Summit in Baku, Japarov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan, as a mountainous country, attaches particular importance to the sustainable development of mountain regions.

"According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, mountains not only directly support the livelihoods and well-being of more than a billion people worldwide, but also indirectly benefit billions of people in foothill regions. Unfortunately, melting glaciers, climate change, population migration, and increasing pressure on ecosystems negatively impact cities located in mountainous and foothill regions," he said.

According to the politician, to ensure the sustainable development of mountain cities, it is important to pay attention to the following three factors.

"First, ensuring ecosystem sustainability. We advocate for the development of comprehensive urban management strategies that take into account the vulnerability of mountain ecosystems. In particular, adapting to reduced glacial runoff and implementing water-saving technologies is critical. Furthermore, it is necessary to implement and develop environmentally friendly waste collection systems, as well as recycling and disposal systems, and, of course, prevent potential landscape pollution," he said.

Japarov added the use of environmentally friendly materials and the latest technologies to his list of priorities.

"Mountain cities aren't just about nature; they're primarily about people. Therefore, it's essential to create comfortable living and working conditions for citizens, provide educational opportunities, social infrastructure, and tourist routes. Given the particular relevance of mountain city development, as well as our experience in this field, we propose considering the creation of an International Association of Mountain Cities. We hope that the association will become a platform for exchanging experiences for potential joint research projects for the benefit of mountain cities. For our part, we also offer to host this association in Bishkek," Japarov said.