The collaboration between the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) and The Walker Institute at the University of Reading is a significant partnership that addresses climate resilience and sustainable development across the vast Himalayan region, stretching across Central and South Asia. This collaboration is part of the “My Climate Risk” initiative under the World Climate Research Programme, which approaches regional climate risk from the ground up, focusing on the impact of climate change on people and the places in which they live. By leveraging our respective expertise, the partnership aims to enhance understanding of climate impacts and develop strategies to mitigate these effects, which are already being felt across the Himalayan region.

A key aspect of this collaboration is the exchange of knowledge and resources

The Walker Institute, known for its interdisciplinary research on climate resilience, provides valuable insights and methodologies that can be applied to the unique challenges faced by the Himalayan region. This includes addressing issues such as water scarcity, glacial melt, and the impact of climate change on local communities. HUC, with its extensive network of universities and research institutions in the Himalayan region, brings wide local expertise across a range of disciplines and deep contextual understanding to the partnership. 

 Additionally, the collaboration fosters the development of early-career researchers and promotes global mobility and exchange of scholarship. Initiatives like the HUC-Walker Women Leaders in Science Interdisciplinary Network aim to support the professional growth of women scientists from the Hindu Kush Himalaya and the University of Reading. This network not only enhances the capacity of researchers but also strengthens the overall research output and impact of the collaboration. Through joint projects, workshops, and seminars, the partnership continues to build a robust framework for addressing climate challenges in the Himalayan region.