Dear Partners and Colleagues,
We are pleased to share a recap of a momentous two days for the EvK2CNR Association. From March 3rd to 4th in Rome, we took an active role at the prestigious Arctic Circle Rome Forum, transforming the headquarters of the National Research Council (CNR) into a dynamic crossroads for dialogue on climate, science diplomacy, and international cooperation.
Our presence at the Forum was a significant opportunity to showcase the unique work EvK2CNR carries out at the "Third Pole"—the Hindu Kush Karakorum Himalaya—and to strengthen the vital interconnections between research, territories, institutions, and universities. Our goal is to facilitate projects that are truly rooted in the needs of local countries, territories, and populations.Highlights from Our Two Official Sessions
We organized and promoted two official sessions that placed the Third Pole at the heart of the international debate.
SESSION 1 | Science Diplomacy for the Third Pole: Geopolitical and Climate Challenges
Moderated by Efrem Ferrari (EvK2CNR), this session explored how data sharing and joint research can build trust and overcome political barriers. We were honored to host high-profile speakers, including:
H.E. Musadik Masood Malik, Pakistani Federal Minister for Climate Change
Francesco Corvaro, Italian Special Envoy for Climate Change
Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)
The discussion highlighted the Italian cooperation model in Pakistan, where EvK2CNR has coordinated groundbreaking work, including the first comprehensive inventory of the country's 13,032 glaciers.
SESSION 2 | Science on the Roof of the World: The Third Pole Sentinel and Pyramid Lab
Moderated by Giuliana Panieri (Director of the CNR's Institute of Polar Sciences), this session focused on the Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory, our "jewel" of international research located at 5,050 meters on Mount Everest. Speakers, including Paolo Laj (WMO), Angela Marinoni (ISAC-CNR), Guglielmina Diolaiuti (University of Milan), and Yaoming Ma (Chinese Academy of Sciences), underscored the Pyramid's critical role in global climate monitoring and its contribution to major international scientific programs.
Beyond the official sessions, the Forum served as a platform for high-level dialogue facilitated by EvK2CNR, reinforcing our role as a bridge between institutions and nations.
A Catalyst for Bilateral Meetings: EvK2CNR was instrumental in facilitating a series of strategic bilateral meetings for Pakistan's Climate Change Minister, H.E. Senator Musadik Masood Malik. During the two days, the Minister engaged in productive dialogues with key Italian and international figures, including:
Andrea Lenzi, President of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR).
Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
Ólafur Grímsson, President of the Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland.
Other prominent institutional representatives, strengthening the network of collaboration between Pakistan, Italy, and the broader international community.
Presentation of the Pakistani Glacier Inventory: In a significant moment, the Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, received the official inventory of Pakistan's 13,032 glaciers from Minister Malik and our President, Agostino Da Polenza. This achievement, from the "Glaciers and Students" project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), executed by the UNDP (United Nations Development Program), and implemented by EvK2CNR, stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring scientific collaboration between Italy and Pakistan.
A Dedicated Meeting with EvK2CNR Researchers: Minister Malik also requested a dedicated meeting with EvK2CNR scientists to understand the realities of their field work in Gilgit-Baltistan. This dialogue underscored the deep-rooted collaboration between our researchers and Pakistani institutions, paving the way for new avenues of scientific cooperation. As the Minister stated, *"The work being done by EvK2CNR researchers in Gilgit-Baltistan is not just scientific research; it is a bridge between our nations."*
Pakistan's Call to Action: During a plenary session, Minister Malik delivered a powerful address, reminding us that for countries like Pakistan, climate change is a daily reality. His call for open data sharing and the creation of "Green Universities" resonates deeply with EvK2CNR's long-standing commitment to fostering local expertise and sustainable development.
Our participation in the Arctic Circle Forum was far more than an event; it was a consolidation of EvK2CNR's role as a key player in international science diplomacy. It reaffirmed our commitment to a method that combines cutting-edge research with concrete cooperation, from glacier monitoring to training local students and researchers. We are ready to offer our expertise to build a new paradigm of cooperation, for the benefit of local communities and the stability of the entire planet.
We invite you to explore the attached photo gallery and press review for a fuller picture of these two impactful days.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and support.