Recognizes that mountains provide indications of global climate change through phenomena such as modifications of biological diversity, the retreat of mountain glaciers and changes in seasonal runoff that may impact major sources of freshwater in the world, and stresses the need to undertake actions to minimize the negative effects of these phenomena; recognizes also that sustainable mountain development is a key component in achieving the Millennium Development Goals in many regions of the world; encourages the development and implementation of global, regional and national communication programmes to build on the awareness and momentum for change created by the International Year of Mountains in 2002 and the opportunity provided annually by International Mountain Day on 11 Dec.

Adopted without vote, 78th plenary meeting

6 p.

Issued in GAOR, 62nd sess., Suppl. no. 49.