Delegates at Sagarmatha Sambaad Treated to Ilam’s Organic Tea

Delegates attending the Sagarmatha Sambaad were not only immersed in high-level discussions on climate and sustainability but also had the chance to savor Nepal’s famed organic Ilam tea through a special tea-tasting initiative held on the sidelines of the three-day dialogue.

A dedicated tea exhibition stall was set up at Hotel Soaltee, the venue of the event, under the coordination of Suryaodaya Municipality, offering attendees the opportunity to sample fresh Ilam tea and purchase it as a souvenir. The initiative aimed to promote Nepal’s organic tea to a global audience.

Prajwal Pradhan, Chairman of the Ilam Tea Station, shared that various flavors and products were available at the stall for tasting. “Our tea stall received significant attention from both foreign and domestic visitors. They enjoyed sampling different brands, and we believe this initiative helped boost the visibility of Nepali tea in the international market,” he said, emphasizing the importance of hosting such exhibitions during international conferences.

In a further gesture of hospitality, organic Ilam tea was presented as a gift to all foreign delegates and panelists participating in the dialogue. The initiative was supported by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). NTB CEO Deepak Joshi stated that the board had actively facilitated the global promotion of Nepali tea through this platform.

The idea for a tea-tasting exhibition at the Sagarmatha Sambaad was originally proposed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Sagarmatha Sambaad Management Committee. She was inspired by the enthusiastic response from foreign diplomats and ambassadors during a tea retreat in Ilam organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 13, 2025, ahead of the Nepali New Year.

Following that retreat, and as preparations for the Sagarmatha Sambaad were underway, Minister Rana recommended incorporating a similar tea-tasting experience into the dialogue event. Her directive led to the setup of the stall, ensuring that international participants could experience the authentic taste of Nepali tea while engaging in discussions on pressing global climate issues.

The effort reflects Nepal’s broader strategy to link cultural promotion with diplomatic dialogue, using platforms like the Sagarmatha Sambaad not just for policy exchange but also for showcasing the country’s unique products and traditions on the world stage.