Preparations in Full Swing for Sagarmatha Dialogue, 16 Climate Themes to be Discussed

Nepal is gearing up to host the much-anticipated Sagarmatha Sambaad (Sagarmatha Dialogue), a high-level international forum focused on climate change. The event, scheduled for May 20-21, will feature discussions on 16 key climate-related themes, bringing together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders.

Approximately 450 participants, including heads of state and government, ministers, climate scientists, researchers, private sector representatives, and media professionals, are expected to attend. Invitations have already been extended to leaders from various nations, including India and China, as special guests.

To oversee the event, the government has formed a steering committee chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, with a management committee led by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and co-chaired by Forests and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri. A secretariat under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has also been established to facilitate preparations.

At a press conference on Sunday, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal emphasized that Nepal aims to use this platform to advocate for climate justice, highlighting the impacts of climate change and disaster preparedness. He stated that insights from expert discussions, covering topics from mountain ecosystems to coastal vulnerabilities, will be integrated into Nepal’s climate policies while also contributing to global discourse on climate action.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai noted that diplomatic missions are actively working to ensure the participation of distinguished guests and international experts. He underscored the media’s crucial role in amplifying the dialogue’s impact, given its significance as a national priority.

The Sagarmatha Sambad was initially proposed by then-Prime Minister Oli in 2076 BS (2019-20) but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s event aligns with the International Year of Glaciers, 2025, reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to addressing climate change on a global stage.