Andorra Positions Pyrenees at Core of Global Mountain Agenda in Seventh Partnership Meeting

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor positioned the Pyrenees at the centre of the global mountain agenda during the seventh Mountain Partnership meeting, hosted in the principality from Thursday through Saturday.

The gathering drew around 200 delegates from regions including the Himalayas, Alps, and Caucasus to address mountains' critical role as planetary water reserves amid their high vulnerability to climate change. Tor emphasised raising awareness of these ecosystems ahead of 2030, pushing for greater prominence in climate summits and biodiversity talks. Mountains receive far less attention than islands or oceans, she noted, adding that the event aims to drive concrete actions through enhanced international visibility.

Key themes include blending sustainable tourism with prosperous local communities that sustain traditional activities, alongside state-to-state cooperation and development aid for southern countries. These priorities will shape the Andorra Declaration, presented on Saturday with recommendations for governments and global organisations.

State Secretary for Energy Transition, Transport and Mobility David Forné opened the event, crediting Andorra with leading mountain advocacy at COP climate summits. He stressed adaptation to climate impacts alongside emission reductions, pairing domestic transparency with pressure on major polluters. Forné highlighted protecting 30% of Andorra's predominantly mountainous land, pursuing carbon neutrality by 2050, and slashing emissions since 2005 via the Renova programme, renewable energy investments, and efficiency measures to cut fossil fuel reliance. Amid global energy tensions, these steps build national resilience. He praised exchanges with countries like Nepal and Bhutan, where shared defences of mountain interests prevail despite diverse contexts.

Organisers minimised environmental footprint through a mostly paperless, digitally prepared format. Tor conceded travel emissions from international attendees but defended in-person meetings: such gatherings, though not ideal for climate action, enable experience-sharing and project launches that virtual ones cannot match.

Head of Government Xavier Espot skipped the event due to a fire at the former Arinsal water factory overnight into Thursday morning. Tor confirmed no victims, with Espot overseeing the site.