
Nepal to Host Sagarmatha Sambaad to Champion Climate Justice

Nepal has intensified its efforts to address the global climate crisis by resuming preparations to host the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad (Dialogue)’ – a platform aimed at advocating for climate justice and promoting global collaboration. This initiative follows Nepal’s increased participation in national and international climate change forums. The Sagarmatha Sambaad, originally planned in 2019 under the KP Sharma Oli-led government, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the government has revived the initiative to establish global leadership on climate issues.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Forests and Environment have formed various committees to coordinate the event. The Council of Ministers has decided to hold the dialogue every two years, with the next session proposed for May 15-17, 2025. Key attendees will include heads of state and government from mountainous and maritime nations, climate researchers, private sector representatives, subject experts, media professionals, and social influencers.
Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Joint Secretary and chief of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests, announced that preparations will begin with the event’s declaration as part of the United Nations’ International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. The global observance is spearheaded by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO, with the official launch on January 21. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is expected to officially announce the Sagarmatha Sambaad during a special ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The event will be attended by government officials, diplomats, development partners, climate organizations, and media representatives.
The theme of the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad is “Climate Change, Mountain, and Human Future.” Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global climate conferences such as COP-26 (Glasgow), COP-27 (Sharm El-Sheikh), COP-28 (Dubai), and COP-29 (Baku) have underscored the urgency of the climate agenda. Nepal seeks to contribute meaningfully to these discussions by addressing the specific vulnerabilities of mountainous regions and advocating for equitable solutions. Dr. Dhakal emphasized the need for robust dialogue on the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas and the challenges faced by local communities. Given the effects of climate change on mountainous regions, we must find collective solutions to enhance resilience and adaptation efforts. Nepal is committed to reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2045, despite limited resources and capacities, he stated.
Nepal plans to highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-emission countries like itself. The dialogue will advocate for international compensation for climate-induced losses and for payments recognizing Nepal’s environmental services in preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. Dr. Dhakal warned of the grave consequences of inaction, stating that if we fail to secure international support and solutions, we risk paying a steep price for the survival of human civilization. The Sagarmatha Sambaad will aim to raise global awareness of the risks faced by Nepal due to climate change, enhance access to climate finance and capacity building, foster youth participation in technology development for climate resilience, and advocate for more resources for local communities to adapt to climate impacts.
Climate change is a critical global challenge, especially for vulnerable countries like Nepal with fragile ecosystems. Nepal has already suffered significant losses from climate-related disasters in 2023, and scientific studies predict that temperatures in the Himalayan region will rise 0.3°C to 0.7°C higher than the global average in the coming years. Through the Sagarmatha Sambaad, Nepal aims to not only voice its concerns but also inspire collective international action to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for all.
Bhishma Raj Ojha/RSS
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