Nepal is gearing up to host its much-anticipated international dialogue, Sagarmatha Sambaad, from May 16 to 18 bringing together world leaders foreign ministers and experts to address the escalating climate crisis. The forum originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic aims to spark crucial discussions on climate change climate justice, and its devastating impacts on mountainous nations.
During a media briefing in Kathmandu, Amrit Bahadur Rai, Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that heads of state, foreign ministers, and ministers of forest and environment from various countries have been invited. While the list of attendees has yet to be finalized he confirmed that continuous dialogue is underway with different governments and international organizations. The event is expected to host approximately 350 delegates, including top global leaders, UN officials, and experts from across the world.
Themed “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity,” this year’s Sagarmatha Sambaad will feature 15 expert-led sessions, highlighting how climate change disproportionately affects mountainous nations. Nepal, a country already battling the adverse effects of rising global temperatures, aims to amplify its voice on climate justice and advocate for greater global action.
The event takes inspiration from globally recognized forums like the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, and India’s Raisina Dialogue. Initially announced in 2019 under the KP Sharma Oli government, the summit was postponed due to the global pandemic.
Nepal has been at the forefront of climate advocacy, particularly for mountain nations. The country has witnessed a surge in extreme weather events, including flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, and landslides, which have caused massive destruction and loss of lives. In 2023 alone, over 200 people died due to sudden heavy rainfall and related disasters.
To emphasize the severity of climate change, Nepal previously held a Cabinet meeting near Mount Everest at Kala Patthar in 2009, an iconic move to draw global attention to its environmental challenges. Last year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the Everest and Annapurna regions, delivering a strong message on the increasing threats faced by mountainous countries.
With global temperatures nearing a critical tipping point, Nepal hopes this summit will serve as a call to action for world leaders to prioritize climate financing, technological advancements, and stronger policies for vulnerable regions. The country also aims to push for mountainous nations to have a stronger voice in UN climate negotiations, particularly within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
As the world grapples with the consequences of unchecked carbon emissions, all eyes will be on Sagarmatha Sambaad 2024, where leaders and experts will attempt to forge solutions for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.