The University of Central Asia (UCA) and Karakoram International University (KIU) have agreed to collaborate on advancing education and research initiatives in mountainous regions. UCA’s Mountain Universities Program (MUP) Coordinator, Ali Yor recently met with Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Attaullah Shah and discussed ongoing projects and future collaborations between the two institutions dedicated to serving mountain communities. One of the key discussions centred on establishing a state-of-the-art Tourism Lab at KIU’s Hunza Campus. The proposed lab will feature modern facilities and aims to promote sustainable tourism by leveraging Gilgit-Baltistan’s rich cultural and natural heritage. It will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and skill development, offering programmes on tourism management, environmental conservation, and community-based tourism initiatives.