The Himalaya - Third Pole Circle was initiated in Thimphu, Bhutan, by Iceland's President Olafar Ragnar Grimsson who was an architect of the Arctic Council. Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay hosted the convening. On personal invitation from Iceland's President, Laurence Brahm representing Himalayan Consensus Institute, was invited to become a member of the Circle that is dedicated to evolving regional multi-lateral cooperation in the fight against climate disruption. The Arctic region faces the same challenges of glacial melt occurring due to global warming and the disruption of ecological systems and human living. President Grimsson is sharing the experience of nations sharing the Arctic glacial and water resources in their own formation of an Arctic Council. Similarly the Himalayan glaciers are source to the water systems of East, Southeast, and South Asia supporting one third of all humanity. President Grimsson is highly respected in Asia for his independent thinking and standing up to the neo-liberal policies of Washington and the IMF during the global financial crisis of 2008. He has authority to convene heads of state in Asia.