On 16 February 2026, a meeting was held between the Regional Representative for Central Asia of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Barbara Janusz-Pawletta, and representatives of the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Centre as a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO.

CARGC was represented by Director Takir Balykbayev, Head of the International Relations Department Alexandr Yegorov, and Laboratory Heads Alexandr Kokarev and Vassily Kapitsa.

Professor T. Balykbayev presented an overview of the Centre’s activities and future prospects, including its international collaborative projects, as well as the Water Tower Partnership initiative.

Barbara Janusz-Pawletta introduced IWMI’s activities in the Central Asian region, outlining current projects and future plans.

During the meeting, participants discussed the importance and necessity of studying cryosphere components - glaciers, snow cover, permafrost, and buried ice - in the mountainous areas of Central Asia in the context of regional water and food security.

Barbara Janusz-Pawletta expressed interest in strengthening cooperation between IWMI and CARGC in cryosphere research, as well as in developing human and institutional capacity for assessing climate change impacts on cryosphere components at the regional level.

The participants agreed to explore opportunities for organizing training for young glaciology specialists from Central Asian countries at CARGC’s high-mountain research stations, as well as for holding a working meeting of leading experts from interested regional organizations to enhance cooperation and discuss the implementation of joint cryosphere research projects.

The meeting participants also discussed preparations for the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana and expressed their readiness to further develop mutual cooperation and partnership.

The meeting was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.