Nepal’s Sagarmatha Sambaad highlights climate crisis in mountains

KATHMANDU: Nepal has taken a bold step in addressing the global climate crisis with the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad, a high-level forum focused on climate change, mountains, and the future of humanity. Kicking off on Friday in Kathmandu, the event was inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and will run through May 18. Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized the urgent need to address the “extraordinary stress” faced by Nepal’s mountains due to climate change, calling for global cooperation to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

In her address, Foreign Minister Rana highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on Nepal’s Himalayan region. “Our mountains are under extraordinary stress due to climate change. The melting of glaciers and the increasing risk of glacial lake outburst floods are growing,” she said. “This is not only threatening our environment but also endangering our lives and livelihoods.” Her remarks underscore the critical challenges faced by mountainous nations, which are disproportionately affected by global warming despite contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions.

A Platform for Global Climate Advocacy

The Sagarmatha Dialogue, named after Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), is Nepal’s flagship biennial forum designed to foster global dialogue on pressing issues. The 2025 edition, aligning with the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, aims to amplify the voices of mountainous and coastal nations facing climate-related challenges. With participation from ministers, climate research experts, private sector leaders, and influential figures from various countries, the event seeks to build a shared understanding and drive collective action.

Foreign Minister Rana emphasized the dialogue’s role in showcasing Nepal’s experiences and solutions. “We will share our experiences and challenges, and we will also present our solutions,” she said. “This dialogue will inspire us to strengthen global cooperation to combat climate change and protect our planet.” Nepal is positioning the Sagarmatha Dialogue as a global platform to advocate for climate justice and the protection of mountain ecosystems, which are vital for global climate stability and water resources.

Climate Threats to the Himalayas

The dialogue comes at a critical time, as the Himalayas face unprecedented threats from climate change. Research indicates that two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers could melt by 2050 if global temperatures rise by 1.8°C, far exceeding the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. This could devastate local communities and downstream regions dependent on glacial water sources. Foreign Minister Rana warned of the growing risks, including melting glaciers and glacial lake outburst floods, which pose severe threats to both the environment and human livelihoods.

Nepal, often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast glacial reserves, is advocating for compensation for climate-induced losses and recognition of its environmental services. “We need global consensus and cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Rana said. “Through this platform, Nepal will advocate for climate justice and the protection of mountainous regions.” The dialogue will also address issues like clean energy, food security, and loss and damage caused by climate change, aiming to forge inclusive solutions.

High-Level Participation and Global Support

While the event has attracted around 450 participants, including representatives from 175 international organizations, no foreign heads of state or government are attending, which some have described as a diplomatic setback. However, high-level delegates, such as India’s Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav and China’s Xiao Jie, Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, are representing their countries. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver a video message, adding global weight to the event.

India has supported the dialogue by gifting 15 electric vehicles to facilitate the movement of guests and officials, a gesture handed over by Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava to Foreign Minister Rana on May 11. The event is coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Forests and Environment, with a steering committee chaired by Prime Minister Oli and a management committee led by Foreign Minister Rana.

Nepal’s Growing Role in Climate Advocacy

The Sagarmatha Dialogue marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s efforts to position itself as a leader in global climate advocacy. First conceptualized in 2019 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is now a biennial platform to address critical issues like climate justice and sustainable development. Nepal’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and its enforcement of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act demonstrate its proactive approach to climate resilience.

The dialogue will feature discussions on 16 themes, including mountain economies, climate-induced disaster preparedness, and the link between science and climate action. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, Nepal hopes to foster collaboration and develop practical solutions to the climate crisis. “This conference will be important for Nepal and other vulnerable countries to come together to address impacts of climate change and collectively advocate for climate justice on the global stage,” Rana said at a recent workshop.

As the Sagarmatha Dialogue unfolds, Nepal is sending a powerful message to the world: the climate crisis demands urgent, collective action. By highlighting the plight of mountainous regions and advocating for inclusive solutions, the event aims to inspire global solidarity and drive ambitious climate policies. With its rich cultural heritage and vulnerable ecosystems, Nepal is uniquely positioned to lead this conversation, urging the international community to protect the planet for future generations.