Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025: Nepal Leads Global Dialogue on Mountain Climate Crisis

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Kathmandu, May 17, 2025— Nepal has inaugurated the first-ever Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global climate dialogue convened in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18, bringing together over 350 delegates from around the world to address the escalating climate crisis in mountainous regions. Named after Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali), the event underscores Nepal’s commitment to amplifying the voices of vulnerable mountain and island nations disproportionately affected by climate change.  Ref: ([The Diplomat][1], [Nepal News][2])



A Platform for Mountain Nations

Themed “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity,” the dialogue aims to foster international cooperation on climate resilience, adaptation, and justice. Originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this inaugural session is organized by the Government of Nepal in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Forests and Environment. ([Press Information Bureau][3], [Sagarmatha Sambaad][4])

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli emphasized the interconnectedness of global ecosystems, stating, “The fire that rages in one land darkens the skies of others. The melting of distant glaciers shifts the rains, floods the fields, and parches the plains far away.” ([Kathmandu Post][5])

Urgent Climate Warnings

Union Environment Minister of India, Bhupender Yadav, highlighted the alarming rate of glacial retreat in the Himalayas, citing scientific data on the Gepang Gath glacier in Himachal Pradesh, which has retreated 480 meters between 2014 and 2023. He warned that such changes threaten water security for millions and increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Ref: ([The Times of India][6])

Echoing these concerns, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a video message, praised Nepal's climate leadership and initiatives like the United Nations Early Warning Systems for All. He urged global action, stating, “The world has much to learn from Nepal’s climate leadership.” Ref: ([United Nations Press][7])

Nepal has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the global target. The country is advancing adaptation plans, greening its economy, and integrating sustainability into its national vision. ([Rising Nepal][8])

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized the need for climate justice, highlighting that nations like Nepal contribute minimally to global emissions yet face severe climate impacts. She called for a global alliance based on justice and solidarity to address existential threats posed by climate change.  Ref: ([AP News][9])

On the sidelines of the dialogue, Nepal and India discussed strengthening environmental protection and promoting joint action on climate change. The ministers explored opportunities for collaboration in areas such as biodiversity conservation and regional climate initiatives. 

Ref: ([The Tribune][10])


Sagarmatha Sambaad is envisioned as a biennial event, positioning Nepal as a leader in climate diplomacy focused on mountain ecosystems. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the dialogue aims to influence global climate policies and ensure that the unique challenges faced by mountainous regions are addressed in international forums. 

Ref: ([The Diplomat][1])

As the dialogue continues, participants are expected to adopt the Kathmandu Declaration, outlining commitments to enhance climate resilience, mobilize climate finance, and strengthen international cooperation to protect vulnerable mountain communities.



Conclusion of today:

The inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad has positioned Nepal as a key advocate for mountain nations in the global climate discourse. By convening international leaders, scientists, and stakeholders under the theme "Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity," Nepal has drawn urgent attention to the disproportionate impacts of climate change on fragile mountain ecosystems. 

The dialogue emphasized the need for global solidarity, climate justice, and immediate action to protect these vulnerable regions. With strong commitments from Nepal and support from international partners, the Kathmandu Declaration is expected to set the groundwork for a sustained, collaborative global response to the climate crisis affecting both mountain and island nations.

Commitment from Great Nepal Treks and Expedition

Great Nepal Treks and Expedition, a responsible travel agency deeply involved in Nepal's mountain tourism, is committed to supporting the vision and goals of the Sagarmatha Sambaad. Recognizing the urgent need for climate action in the Himalayas, the company pledges to:

  • Promote eco-friendly travel by encouraging low-impact tourism practices and reducing carbon footprints on trekking and expedition routes.
  • Raise awareness among travelers about climate change impacts on Nepal’s mountains and local communities through educational campaigns and guided experiences.
  • Collaborate with local communities to enhance climate resilience by supporting sustainable livelihoods, especially in remote Himalayan regions.
  • Advocate for climate justice by aligning its business practices with national goals like Nepal’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2045.
  • Participate in future dialogues and initiatives that aim to amplify Nepal’s leadership in mountain climate diplomacy.

Great Nepal Treks and Expedition seeks to actively contribute to the evolution of Nepal's mountain tourism in alignment with environmental sustainability and global climate responsibility.
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Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025 Concludes with Urgent 25-Point Plan to Safeguard the Himalayas (2nd Day)

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The Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025, Nepal’s flagship international summit on climate resilience, wrapped up in Kathmandu on Sunday with a robust 25-point Call to Action aimed at protecting the Himalayas and addressing cascading climate threats. Organized by the Government of Nepal, the event rallied global stakeholders to confront the interconnected crises of glacial melt, rising seas, and sustainable development under the theme “Climate Change, the Himalayas, and the Future of Humanity.”

Key Outcomes and Commitments

The declaration underscores the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to climate change and its global ramifications, urging immediate collective action. Highlights include:
  • Mountain-Island Solidarity: Strengthening collaboration between Himalayan nations and low-lying island states, recognizing shared risks such as glacial retreat and sea-level rise.
  • Climate Justice and Equity: Prioritizing inclusive solutions for marginalized groups—including women, youth, and people with disabilities—and ensuring vulnerable communities access climate finance and technology.
  • Green Economy Transition: Accelerating sustainable development through renewable energy, ecosystem conservation, and green investment.
  • Funding Mechanisms: Proposing a dedicated fund for mountain nations and advocating grants/concessional finance for climate-vulnerable countries.
  • Global Advocacy: Pushing for ambitious emission cuts to cap global warming at 1.5°C and establishing a multilateral platform for mountain-focused climate innovation.

Global Participation and Voices

The summit convened ministerial delegates from 12 countries, 150+ international participants, and 61 organisations. Foreign Minister Narayan Rana Deuba emphasised Nepal’s role as a “voice for the Himalayas,” stressing the need to translate dialogue into actionable policies. Ian Fry, representing Tuvalu, highlighted the symbolic link between “melting glaciers and sinking islands,” urging unity to amplify marginalised nations in forums like COP30.

Next Steps and Accountability

Nepal pledged to present the Call to Action at major international events, including the UN General Assembly, COP30, and the Glacier Preservation Conference in Tajikistan. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai reaffirmed plans to institutionalize the Sagarmatha Dialogue as a biennial summit, delayed earlier by the pandemic and political shifts.

Critical Perspectives

While youth advocate Anju Pokhrel applauded the focus on marginalized groups, she stressed the need for “concrete measures, not just pledges.” Climate expert Sanot Adhikari noted broad endorsement of Nepal’s agenda but warned implementation remains the true test.

A Himalayan Wake-Up Call

The Dialogue marks Nepal’s push to center mountains in the climate discourse, linking Himalayan preservation to humanity’s survival. As glaciers vanish and seas rise, the summit’s message is clear: solidarity, equity, and urgent action are non-negotiable.
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The Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025 Declaration will be accessible via Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

References:

[1]: https://thediplomat.com/2025/05/nepals-call-for-climate-action-at-sagarmatha-sambaad/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Nepal’s Call for Climate Action at Sagarmatha Sambaad"

[2]: https://nepalnews.com/s/explainers/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sagarmatha-sambaad-nepals-global-climate-dialogue/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Everything You Need to Know About Sagarmatha Sambaad"

[3]: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2129186&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Visit of Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment ... - PIB"

[4]: https://sagarmathasambaad.org/concept-note/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Concept Note - Sagarmatha Sambaad"

[5]: https://kathmandupost.com/national/2025/05/16/prime-minister-oli-calls-for-global-solidarity-on-climate-action-as-sagarmatha-sambaad-kicks-off?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Prime Minister Oli calls for global solidarity on climate action as ..."

[6]: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/himalayas-sounding-alarm-of-climate-change-bhupendra-yadav/articleshow/121218451.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Himalayas sounding alarm of climate change: Bhupendra Yadav"

[7]: https://press.un.org/en/2025/sgsm22652.doc.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com "‘World Has Much to Learn from Nepal’s Climate Leadership’, Says Secretary-General, in Message for Everest Dialogue"

[8]: https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/62058?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Sagarmatha Sambaad kicks off calling for global climate action"

[9]: https://apnews.com/article/6a7dc20eb5c74d3f5110fdcc973cd0e4?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Nepal hosts environment conference as Himalayan glaciers melt"

[10]: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/nepal-india-discuss-climate-cooperation-on-sidelines-of-sagarmatha-sambaad/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Nepal, India discuss climate cooperation on sidelines of ..."

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