ICIMOD Hands Over HUC Secretariat to Kathmandu University
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has formally handed over the secretariat of the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) to Kathmandu University.
ICIMOD transferred the secretariat to Kathmandu University on Wednesday by signing an agreement letter at a ceremony held at ICIMOD’s headquarters.
About the Himalayan University Consortium
The Himalayan University Consortium is a university network established in 2007. It works to strengthen collaboration among universities within the Hindu Kush–Himalaya region and addresses shared development challenges.
Its main objective is to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, particularly to help address problems seen in mountain areas.
At present, more than 100 universities and academic institutions from within and outside the Hindu Kush–Himalaya are affiliated with the consortium.
Significance of the Secretariat Transfer
It has been stated that the decision to move the consortium’s secretariat to Kathmandu University has helped make the consortium independent in line with its pre-set goals, while also adding strength through local ownership and academic identity.
Statements from Key Participants
After signing the agreement, ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho noted that this reflects a shared commitment to strengthen regional leadership and research for sustainable mountain development.
Kathmandu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Achyut Wagle stated that this would prove to be a new milestone in academic collaboration among universities in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya region.
He said Kathmandu University is prepared to advance cooperation with higher education institutions within and beyond the region in a more meaningful direction.
At the ceremony, the British Ambassador to Nepal, His Excellency Rob Fenn, expressed the view that the establishment of this consortium in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya region would be beneficial for the academic community.
Published Date: 18th December 2025
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