Sagarmatha Sambaad Aims to Build Global Consensus on Climate Crisis, Says Environment Minister

Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, has emphasized that the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambaad is intended to foster a unified global understanding of the climate crisis and to highlight Nepal’s vulnerability and contributions to environmental conservation.

Scheduled to take place in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18, the inaugural edition of the biennial dialogue forum is themed “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity.” According to Minister Shahi, preparations for the international event are in their final stages.

“This dialogue aims to bring global attention to the severe effects of climate change Nepal is facing, particularly in the Himalayas,” he said, adding that it would also serve as a platform for sharing Nepal’s conservation successes while learning from global experiences.

The Sagarmatha Sambaad is envisioned as a multi-stakeholder global forum that will regularly address critical national, regional, and international issues. The event will host around 300 distinguished participants, including ministers, diplomats, policymakers, academics, environmental experts, and heads of international organizations from over 35 countries.

Minister Shahi confirmed that high-level guests, including the Chair of COP-29 and representatives from neighboring countries, are set to attend. The event will open with a high-level plenary session, followed by 12 parallel discussions and side events. A Kathmandu Declaration will be issued on the final day, summarizing the key deliberations and proposed actions.

In light of the United Nations designating 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, the dialogue will place particular focus on the melting of glaciers, the link between the Himalayas and global sea levels, and the broader implications for the future of humanity.

Topics to be addressed include climate justice, green economy, disaster resilience, and ways to strengthen regional and global climate partnerships. On the final day, participants will be offered a mountain flight to witness the grandeur and fragility of the Himalayas firsthand.

Minister Shahi also noted that Nepal would use the platform to advocate for improved access to global climate financing mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Fund, and the Loss and Damage Compensation Fund.

“Our goal is to bring the outcomes of this dialogue into global climate platforms such as COP and the UN General Assembly,” Shahi said, adding that the government would also consider allocating resources in the national budget to support Himalayan municipalities affected by the climate crisis.