The countries of Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Pakistan are home to a significant portion of Asia's glaciers. It is estimated that around 80 per cent of the total river runoff in Central Asia is supplied by meltwater from snow, glaciers, and permafrost in the region. These rivers comprise a critical resource for the economies and people in Central and West Asia, providing irrigation for land, generating electricity, and supplying domestic water needs. They support the livelihoods of an estimated 350 million people in the region. Recognizing the severe climate challenges, particularly the escalating heat and the impacts of glacial melting, countries in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan called for regional actions to preserve glaciers and accelerate efforts to strengthen climate resilience. 

Thematic Session 4 explored the impacts of glacial melt in this region and how partnerships could help the Central and West Asia Region adapt. It featured the initial findings from new glacier risk assessments undertaken under the Asian Development Bank's Glaciers to Farms regional programme, as well as relevant permafrost studies in the region. This session highlighted the critical role glaciers play and explored existing and emerging risks from continued temperature rises. 

It also underscored the vital role of regional cooperation, with particular emphasis on the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) platform. The session was participated by high level participants from Central Asia, Mr. Yerlan Nyssanbayev​​ (Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan), Mr. Mashiev Meder Asanovich​ (Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, Kyrgyz Republic), Mr. Bahodur Sheralizoda​ (Chairman, Committee for Environmental Protection, Tajikistan), Mr. Charygeldi Babanyyazov​ (Minister of Environmental Protection, Turkmenistan), Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov​ (Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Uzbekistan), Ms. Umayra Taghiyeva​ (Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Republic of Azerbaijan) and Mr. Mr. Abdulaziz Alshehhi​ (Deputy Head of Research Sector, TRENDS Research and Advisory Center).