A Himalayan opportunity for integration

The third Himalayan Consensus summit saw 75 speakers from around the world elaborating on a variety of issues which have an impact on the lives of those living in the greater Himalayan region, who comprise a sizable percentage of the world population. The political boundaries across the fragile Himalayas have had a great impact on the lives of many.

When birds fly, they do not see boundaries nor do the animals that crisscross different regions, and definitely not the air pollutants that affect the health of millions of people. Until now, countries have been secretive about the data they gather on the flow patterns of rivers or the movement of people, but the time has come to open up discussions to share such data so there is more of a regional focus rather than an individual country focus.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, a multilateral organization headquartered in Kathmandu, has built a repository of knowledge and research. It has formed a partnership with the Himalayan Consensus to look into the business aspects of regional partnerships and other arrangements that can leverage their findings for practical purposes.