On 12 February 2026, the Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Ambassador Alexey Rogov, visited the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre as a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO.

The OSCE delegation included: Head of Mission, Ambassador Alexey Rogov, and Project Officers Nigmyat Nurtaza and Miras Makitov.

The Centre was represented by: Director Takir Balykbayev; Scientific Supervisor Igor Severskiy; Head of the International Relations Department Alexandr Yegorov; Heads of Laboratories Alexandr Kokarev and Vassiliy Kapitsa; and Head of Expeditionary Works Nikolay Kassatkin.

Director of the Centre, Professor T. Balykbayev, delivered a presentation on the Centre’s activities and future prospects, including ongoing international collaborative projects. The Scientific Supervisor of the Centre, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan I. V. Severskiy, presented the main research areas and key scientific results.

The Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Alexey Rogov, presented an overview of the activities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) globally, in Central Asia, and specifically in Kazakhstan. Nigmyat Nurtaza, Project Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, spoke about the economic and environmental dimensions of the OSCE’s work in the region, including its support for regional cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.

During the meeting, participants discussed the importance of monitoring glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost in the mountainous areas of Central Asia in the context of regional water and food security. It was emphasized that the Centre is actively involved in the implementation of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, as well as in preparations for the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana and the Water Tower Partnership initiative.

The participants also explored opportunities for joint involvement in ongoing projects, initiatives, and events carried out by their organizations and expressed their readiness to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation.

The meeting was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.