Kathmandu (TDI): Nepal is all set to host the first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad – the Everest Dialogue, from May 16-18, 2025.
The theme of the first ever Everest Dialogue is Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity. In January, when the United States pulled out of the Paris Agreement, Nepal decided to revive Sagarmatha Sambaad, just two days later.Â
However, questions on whether countries will join the Dialogue weighed heavy on the decision to hold the dialogue. Finally, Nepal is ready to voice climate change concerns as a country of mountains; and that too world’s highest peaks.
Two Days to the Sambaad!
“We are delighted to invite you to the first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad (Everest Dialogue), taking place in Kathmandu from 16 to 18 May 2025.
The theme of this first edition is Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity.
This theme arises… pic.twitter.com/CKeMaEusXt
— Sagarmatha Sambaad (@S_Sambaad) May 14, 2025
Generally referred to as Himalayan Diplomacy, mountainous regions’ vulnerability to climate change is not as widely acknowledged as other more visible damages caused by climate change.
Nepal wants to fill that gap and looks forward to making a compelling case for its climate vulnerability at the Everest Dialogue.
“The voices from the mountains must be considered a key variable in global decision-making on Climate Change,” the official welcoming statement of the Dialogue read.
“Rooted in Nepal’s centuries-old tradition of seeking wisdom in the lap of the Himalayas, the Sambaad is inspired by a deep sense of responsibility to humanity and Planet Earth,” it added.
Read More:Â Pakistan, Nepal Vow Climate Cooperation
Nepal is home to eight of the world’s highest peak, including the world’s tallest, Everest. 83% of Nepal’s terrain is mountainous.
Nepal’s climate vulnerability has propped up on various indexes but as yet, the world, especially the countries with a major carbon footprint, haven’t acknowledged the losses it faces every year due to climate-induced disasters.
It loses around 250 lives and $221 million in economic damage annually due to climate calamities, which affect over 75,000 every year. Last year, in October, devastating floods and landslides claimed 245 lives.
Nuzhat Rana is the Managing Editor (website) at The Diplomatic Insight.
