Elena Osipova is the Head of Natural Sciences Unit at UNESCO Almaty Regional Office coordinating UNESCO’s work in Central Asia across a diverse portfolio of topics, from UNESCO designated sites, such as Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks, to integrated water resources management, to promotion of science, technology and innovation. Elena is a biologist and a nature conservation specialist with nearly 15 years of experience. Prior to joining UNESCO, Elena worked at the European Environment Agency and the International Union for Conservation of Nature on internationally designated protected areas.

Diana Aripkhanova is a hydrology and water management expert with over a decade of experience in climate resilience and transboundary cooperation in Central Asia. With a background in hydraulic engineering and a Master’s in Integrated Water Resources Management, she brings both technical and coordination expertise to regional water and climate efforts.

Her main research interests are climate change in Central Asia and its impact on water resources and ecosystems. She is an author and co-author of the series of publications on glacier degradation in Tien-Shan Mountains and other Central Asia regions, water resources and climate change adaptation. Larissa holds a master’s degree in Hydrometeorology from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Kazakhstan) and PhD in Climate System and Climate Change in Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (China).

A disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation specialist, who has amassed over 15 years of experience in development cooperation, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and environmental protection with local communities, international partners, and government authorities in Tajikistan and Central Asia. Her roles have included working with FOCUS, UNDP, Caritas Switzerland, DAI Global, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society.

Nazgul has worked extensively on donor-funded initiatives in Kyrgyzstan with UNICEF, UNDP, UN Women, and the Asian Development Bank. Prior to joining the team, she managed diverse portfolios spanning WASH, fire safety and disaster risk reduction, environmental health, early warning systems, and emergency preparedness. Her leadership on regional uranium legacy mitigation, climate adaptation, and community resilience projects—supported by the Governments of Japan, USAID, the EU, and Sweden—has had a wide-ranging impact across Central Asia. Nazgul holds degrees in linguistics, business enterprise, and international relations.

Dana Zhunissova is the Finance and Administrative Assistant for the GLOFCA Project at UNESCO Almaty, with a background in public policy and experience in organizing regional initiatives.

Kudratkhon Bakhadirov is the GLOFCA Project National Coordinator for Uzbekistan, supporting climate resilience and disaster risk reduction efforts.

Altyntomiris Baltabayeva is the Communications Assistant for the GLOFCA Project at UNESCO Almaty, specializing in digital content, media, and strategic communications.

Prof. Dr. Christian Huggel leads research on cryosphere risks and climate adaptation, focusing on glacier lakes and GLOFs in mountain regions worldwide.