Nepal is set to host Sagarmatha Sambaad, also known as the “Everest Dialogue,” from May 16-18. “Sagarmatha” is the Nepali name for Mount Everest, which is also referred to as “Chomolungma” in Tibetan. Sagarmatha Sambaad is Nepal’s flagship initiative – a global forum designed to address urgent climate issues, particularly those impacting mountainous regions.
With the theme of “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity,” the dialogue seeks to foster a unified global response to the climate crisis. The structured sessions will explore a range of critical topics, including the impact of climate change on mountain environments (and the trickle-down impact on other areas), the green economy, climate-linked loss and damage, regional and global partnerships, and climate justice. These sessions aim to foster dialogue and collaboration on pressing climate issues affecting mountain regions and beyond.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Sagarmatha Sambaad is expected to be attended by 150-175 foreign delegates and an equal number of domestic participants. The Nepali government pointed to an enthusiastic response from the international community, with delegates from 40 countries and high-level participants from 12 countries, including ministers, diplomats, climate experts, and representatives from organizations such as the United Nations, European Union, SAARC, BIMSTEC, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the event, with Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba delivering the welcome address. Xiao Jie, vice chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, will serve as the chief guest. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav will represent India, and Azerbaijan’s COP29 president, Mukhar Babayev, will also participate. Additionally, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres will contribute a video message.
This dialogue is Nepal’s initiative to take the lead in climate diplomacy in the region. The government aims to organize the Sagarmatha Sambaad every two years to showcase Nepal’s diplomatic presence and issues of mountains in the global arena. This initiative seeks to build shared understanding among nations, advocate for climate justice by supporting vulnerable communities, and strengthen international cooperation to accelerate climate finance, technology access, and capacity building. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the dialogue aspires to form a global coalition dedicated to preserving mountain ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
During a press briefing about the event, Deuba, the foreign minister of Nepal was direct: “Nepal lies in the third pole, so if the snow melts here, everyone will suffer.” Indeed, glaciers in the region are melting at an alarming rate. Studies show that these glaciers disappeared 65 percent faster between 2011 and 2020 compared to the previous decade. This concerning trend continues today.
Nepal has organized several events to engage local communities and stakeholders in preparation for the Sagarmatha Sambaad. These include a “Children and Youth Summit and the Future of Humanity” in Kathmandu and a “Himalayan Dialogue ” organized in Jumla, which aimed to raise the problems of children and marginalized groups in Karnali.
A Himalayan nation, Nepal is prone to climate disasters and climate-related events. The capital, Kathmandu, frequently ranks among the most polluted cities globally, with air quality deteriorating due to a combination of local emissions and broader climate shifts. The rapid melting of the Himalayan glaciers poses significant threats not only to Nepal but also to the billions of individuals and species that depend on these water sources downstream. This phenomenon contributes to rising sea levels, which jeopardizes coastal communities worldwide.
Yet despite the clear risks, Nepal is struggling to convince major powers like its neighbors India and China – the world’s biggest and third-biggest emitters, respectively – to take action on climate change. As a least developed country, Nepal has consistently advocated for urgent climate action on international platforms.
The upcoming Sagarmatha Sambaad aims to amplify this call, bringing together global leaders to address the intertwined issues of climate change, mountain ecosystems, and humanity’s future. This event will culminate in the announcement of the “Kathmandu Declaration,” outlining collective actions and commitments to address climate change.