An Agreement has been signed between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the renewal of the status of the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre in Kazakhstan as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO for a period of eight years. The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan by the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, and on behalf of UNESCO by the General Director of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UNESCO and the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre on the resumption of the Centre's activities in Kazakhstan as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO.

By the instruction of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, K.K. Tokayev, the activities of the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre under the auspices of UNESCO are being resumed. On April 12, 2024, during a meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology, the Head of State stated:

"The Regional Glaciological Centre, established in 2020 in Almaty by a decision of UNESCO, is making a significant contribution to the study of climate change. Our scientists are not only researching glacier melting, but also seeking ways to reduce vulnerability to mudflows and glacial lake outburst floods.

 It is essential to fully utilize the potential of the Glaciological Centre. … Particular attention must now be given to the issue of extending the agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and UNESCO on the operation of the Glaciological Centre."

The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre under the auspices of UNESCO (hereinafter – the Centre), established in 2020, is the only glaciological centre in the world operating under the auspices of UNESCO.

According to the Agreement, the Centre is mandated to conduct scientific research on glaciology-related issues, coordinate scientific activities and exchange information among various institutions involved in the monitoring of glaciers, snow, and permafrost in Central Asia, as well as to implement and promote regional glaciological research programmes aligned with the goals of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP).

 UNESCO, having assessed the Centre’s activities over the past years, has decided to extend its mandate for another 8 years.

From 11 to 13 June 2025, during high-level events in Paris marking the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and the 60th anniversary of UNESCO’s Water Sciences Division, the Centre was recognized as an active participant in the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and awarded a commemorative token for the 50th anniversary of the IHP.

The Centre also contributes to the implementation of UNESCO programmes by providing opportunities for capacity-building, sharing technical expertise and experience among Member States, and fostering the creation of regional networks. It serves as a resource centre and actively participates in the implementation of key programmes and projects such as “Cryosphere” (GEF-UNDP-UNESCO), GLOFCA (UNESCO and the Adaptation Fund), among others.

The signing of the Agreement will enable the Glaciological Centre, over the next eight years, to continue carrying out critical research for Kazakhstan — including operational monitoring of mountain glacial systems, assessment of glacier area and volume in transboundary basins, and the analysis of their change dynamics. These efforts provide an essential scientific foundation for decision-making on water resource management at both national and regional levels, which is directly linked to the country’s water security.

The Agreement also outlines principles of corporate governance and operational support for the Centre, which will enable it to carry out its scientific and organizational activities effectively, and to actively participate in initiatives of UNESCO, the International Hydrological Programme, and other relevant bodies.

Nations as the International Year of Glacier Preservation. This timely signing will allow Kazakhstan and the Centre to implement key initiatives during the International Year of Glacier Preservation, contribute to the Decade of Action in Support of Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), and effectively host the Regional Climate Summit under the auspices of the United Nations in Kazakhstan in 2026.

The Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO will also take an active role in the implementation of the Water Towers Partnership initiative, launched by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which aims to unite global research centres to study and protect glaciers.