ICIMOD announced on Wednesday that it will hand over the secretariat to Kathmandu University, signing an agreement at a ceremony held at its headquarters.
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The Kathmandu-based International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has formally handed over the secretariat of the Himalayan University Consortium (Himalayan University Network) to Kathmandu University.
Signing a memorandum of understanding at a ceremony held at ICIMOD headquarters, ICIMOD announced that it will hand over the secretariat to Kathmandu University on Wednesday, December 1.
The Himalayan University Consortium is a network of universities established in 2007 to strengthen collaboration among universities within the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region to address common development challenges. Its main objective was to create a knowledge exchange platform to address problems particularly in the hilly regions.
'It is a truly proud and exciting moment that Kathmandu University is taking over the responsibility of the secretariat of the Himalayan University Consortium. Its strengthening and impact in the coming days will depend on deepening regional collaboration in areas such as research, education, capacity building, and knowledge co-production and dissemination. Such collective efforts will play a crucial role in informing the policies and practices needed for sustainable development in the Himalayan region,' said Dr. Eklavya Sharma said.
With the support of ICIMOD and its main donor agency, the Himalayan University Consortium has brought together universities and knowledge-sharing institutions to bring together experts, students and other learning communities on a single platform. Currently, the Himalayan University Consortium has transformed into a network of more than 100 universities and educational institutions within and outside the Hindu Kush-Himalayas.
The decision to move the secretariat of the Himalayan University Consortium to Kathmandu University has made the consortium independent in line with the consortium's predetermined goals and has also added energy to its local spirit and academic image.
'This moment when Kathmandu University is taking on the responsibility of the secretariat of the Himalayan University Consortium is truly a proud and exciting moment. Its strengthening and impact in the coming days depends on deepening regional cooperation in areas such as research, education, capacity building and knowledge co-production and dissemination.' Such collective efforts will play a crucial role in informing the policies and practices required for sustainable development in the Himalayan region,” said Dr. Eklavya Sharma, former Deputy Director General of ICIMOD and former member of the Steering Committee.
The consortium will play a key role in strengthening mountain-oriented research and developing scientific solutions to the problems faced by the fragile mountain ecosystems, communities and cultures of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. This handover also ensures the autonomy and independence of the consortium, while also adopting the review’s recommendation that the Himalayan University Consortium be housed within the university.
The proposal for Kathmandu University to take over the secretariat, following an initiative taken by the Director General of ICIMOD himself in September 2025, follows the long-term vision of the Himalayan University Consortium to be established within the leading university in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.
'Today's MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional leadership and research for sustainable mountain development. Kathmandu University is truly capable of taking the consortium, which has built an independent and regional image, to new heights. We look forward to continuing our collaboration, supporting the new generation of researchers, innovators and leaders from the mountains,' said Pema Gyamchho, Director General of ICIMOD.
Kathmandu University's entry into this role further strengthens the university's emerging recognition as a regional academic leader. This transfer proves that the university's network, skills and capabilities are capable of taking HUC forward strongly in the years to come.
'This will be a new milestone in academic collaboration among universities in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. Kathmandu University is ready to take its collaboration with higher education institutions in the region and beyond in a more useful direction. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events increase, academic institutions in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region must shoulder more responsibility for developing reliable data and research. This common purpose unites us today,' said Kathmandu University Chancellor Prof. Achyut Wagle.
Kathmandu University's leadership and commitment make it the ideal location for the Himalayan Universities Consortium's Secretariat. The university will contribute to the sustainable and effective development of the Himalayan Universities Consortium by expanding on its achievements.
'It is very pleasing to hear that the consortium has found a new home in Kathmandu University. The establishment of this consortium in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region will be beneficial for the academic community. "Also, taking the mountain agenda to the global stage effectively, particularly through ICIMOD, directly linking knowledge generation and participation in processes such as the UN Climate Change Fund, is a positive step for the planet," said Rob Fenn, British Ambassador to Nepal.
Himalayan University Consortium The Himalayan University Consortium is committed to promoting mountain-oriented research, education, outreach and practice, which enhances the leadership capacity of the next generation, while advancing the study and research of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region to address policy and emerging challenges.
