RIYADH: The Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh — together with the UN Tourism Regional Office — has hosted a celebration of the UN-designated International Day of Mountains.

The event brought together diplomats, members of civic society, mountaineers, and artists to highlight the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of mountain ecosystems both globally and within Pakistan.

The evening commenced with “Mountains of Pakistan,” a documentary showcasing the beauty and ecological importance of Pakistan’s mountain landscape.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq said that mountains were not just landscapes but life-giving ecosystems, repositories of culture, and sources of inspiration. He said the event was a celebration of their beauty and stressed the shared responsibility to protect them for future generations.

He spoke of the critical role of mountains in sustaining water, food, and livelihoods, and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable mountain development and meeting the challenges amid glacial melt.

The program also included a speech from the director of the UN Tourism Regional Office, which emphasized international cooperation in preserving mountain ecosystems. A second documentary, “Spirit of Mountaineering, ” which celebrated the courage, resilience, and achievements of Pakistan’s mountaineers, was also featured.