At ICIMOD, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Lars-Erik Liljelund, a respected former Independent Board Member of ICIMOD and a committed champion of sustainable mountain development.
Dr. Liljelund joined ICIMOD’s Board of Governors in 2010 as an Independent Board Member and provided thoughtful guidance and steady leadership during a pivotal period for the organisation. He served as Chair of the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) from 2011 to 2015 and as Vice Chair of the ICIMOD Board of Governors.
As Chief Executive of the Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Mistra), Sweden, Dr. Liljelund was widely recognised for advancing strategic environmental research and for strengthening the bridge between science, policy, and real-world change. At ICIMOD, his contributions helped focus our programmatic direction and reinforced our commitment to rigorous, relevant, and collaborative work across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends. He will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude for his service, wisdom, and enduring contributions to ICIMOD and to the broader environmental community.
Message from David Molden, Former Director General of ICIMOD:
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Lars-Erik Liljelund. I will always remember Lars-Erik as an exceptionally supportive Board member and PAC Chair. Lars-Erik played a pivotal role in initiating ICIMOD’s work on air quality, forging key connections within Sweden and across the international community. Beyond his professional contributions, I recall with great fondness his warm, outgoing nature and his infectious, jovial laughter”.
