International Round Table “Glaciers, Water and Climate: From Observations to Solutions” Held at the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of KazNU

On March 18, 2025, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology at the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a significant scientific event – the International Round Table dedicated to the Year of Glacier Preservation and to the Day of Water Resources and Meteorologist.

The event was held in a hybrid format at the Kazakhstan-China Joint Laboratory and via Zoom, bringing together more than 50 participants from various countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Switzerland, and Finland. The round table focused on discussing pressing issues related to glacier degradation and its consequences for water resources and climate. Participants emphasized the need for continuous monitoring, international cooperation, scientific exchange, and adaptation strategies in the face of climate change.

Presentations were delivered by:

• Natalia Donoho and Rodica Nitu (WMO, Switzerland) – on the Global Cryosphere Watch project;
• Larisa Kogutenko (UNESCO, Almaty) – on glacier preservation projects in Central Asia;
• Vasily Kapitsa (RCCCA) – on the scientific work of the Regional Glaciological Center;
• Alexander Mahura and Hanna Lappalainen (University of Helsinki, Finland) – on the experience of the PEEX project;
• Experts from Kazhydromet, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other organizations.

The round table addressed global and regional climate trends, modern glacier monitoring and modeling technologies, the impact of climate change on the region’s water balance, and practical approaches to adaptation. Each session was followed by open discussions with questions from the audience and the Zoom chat, engaging both young researchers and experts.

As a result of the round table, a set of recommendations and resolutions was proposed, including:

• Strengthening inter-university and international cooperation;
• Supporting educational and research programs in glaciology and climatology;
• Creating digital platforms for glacier monitoring;
• Active involvement of universities in the initiatives of international organizations such as WMO and UNESCO.

The round table served as an excellent example of how a university can act as a platform for global scientific dialogue and for finding solutions to issues critical to the sustainable development of entire regions.