KATHMANDU: The Sagarmatha Sambaad has been inaugurated today in Kathmandu by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The three-day event is now underway, running from May 16 to 18, 2025. As a landmark international dialogue, it focuses on climate change and sustainable development in mountainous regions. Nepal hosts the Sambaad to spotlight the unique climate challenges facing the Himalayas and to promote global cooperation for mountain ecosystem resilience.
Here is an explainer on Sagarmatha Sambaad—what it is, why it matters, and how Nepal is leading this vital global conversation.
What is Sagarmatha Sambaad?
Sagarmatha Sambaad is Nepal’s premier biennial global dialogue focused on climate change, sustainable development, and environmental diplomacy. Launched by the Government of Nepal, the event brings together global stakeholders, policymakers, climate activists, and experts to discuss issues primarily affecting mountainous regions.
It is named after “Sagarmatha,” the Nepali name for Mount Everest, symbolizing Nepal’s commitment to global climate dialogue from the world’s highest peak. Unlike many regional forums, Sagarmatha Sambaad emphasizes mountain ecology and climate resilience, giving voice to vulnerable communities affected by glacial melt, landslides, and water scarcity. The 2025 edition is its first session, originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The dialogue serves as a platform for discussing climate adaptation strategies, loss and damage, and sustainable development goals. It aims to bridge the communication gap between mountain nations and global climate policymakers, ensuring their challenges are acknowledged in international climate action.
The dialogue is expected to shape climate policies and commitments, aligning with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement. Nepal’s commitment to the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and the third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3) climate action plan is being showcased during this event to highlight its proactive stance on climate change adaptation.
Why is it called ‘Sagarmatha’ Sambaad?
The name “Sagarmatha” represents Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, located in Nepal. By naming the dialogue Sagarmatha Sambaad, Nepal underscores its unique geographical positioning and its vulnerability to climate change. Mount Everest is a powerful symbol of resilience and natural majesty, yet it is under severe threat from global warming.
Sagarmatha Sambaad aims to project this symbolism onto the global stage, drawing attention to the specific challenges faced by mountainous regions due to climate change. The melting of glaciers, unpredictable weather patterns, and increased natural disasters are disproportionately affecting mountain communities.
Naming the dialogue after Sagarmatha also signifies Nepal’s ambition to lead global conversations on mountain ecology and climate adaptation. Unlike other global dialogues such as the Raisina Dialogue—which focuses on geopolitics and global governance—Sagarmatha Sambaad is rooted in environmental diplomacy, with a clear focus on sustainable development in fragile ecosystems. It is an acknowledgment of Nepal’s responsibility and opportunity to champion climate resilience in the Himalayas and similar mountainous regions worldwide.
Why is it being organized?
Sagarmatha Sambaad is being organized to create a global platform for discussing climate change impacts, sustainable development, and mountain resilience. Nepal, being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, initiated this dialogue to amplify the voices of mountain communities that are often underrepresented in international climate discussions.
The forum focuses on addressing the critical issues of glacial melt, landslides, changing weather patterns, and biodiversity loss that threaten both local and global ecosystems. Nepal’s mountainous regions are particularly sensitive to climate change, with rising temperatures accelerating glacial melting, causing flash floods, and disrupting water supplies for millions downstream.
By organizing this event, Nepal aims to bring international attention to these challenges and foster global cooperation in climate adaptation and mitigation. Furthermore, the 2025 Sagarmatha Sambaad is set to highlight Nepal’s climate initiatives, including its Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3) under the Paris Agreement. The event is designed to be a recurring dialogue, encouraging long-term policy commitments and collaborative action on climate resilience.
What is the theme of the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad?
The theme of the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad is “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.” This theme is deeply rooted in the understanding that mountainous regions are frontline witnesses to climate change impacts. With melting glaciers, unpredictable weather, and increased natural disasters, mountain communities face existential risks that extend to global water security and biodiversity. The theme emphasizes the crucial link between healthy mountain ecosystems and sustainable human development.
It aims to draw global attention to the significance of preserving these ecosystems, not just for local populations but for the global community. Unlike dialogues focused on urban and coastal challenges, Sagarmatha Sambaad emphasizes the fragility of high-altitude environments. Sessions are designed to explore climate adaptation, disaster resilience, water conservation, and sustainable mountain development.
By spotlighting these issues, the Sambaad intends to influence global climate policies, particularly concerning mountainous regions. Nepal hopes to position itself as a leader in advocating for mountain-specific climate action, pushing for policy commitments from international partners.
What are the key topics and sessions?
Sagarmatha Sambad 2025 is organized around five major thematic sessions that highlight Nepal’s dedication to tackling critical climate issues while giving a strong platform to the concerns of mountainous regions. The five thematic sessions include:
In addition to these core thematic sessions, there will be twelve parallel sessions that delve into more specific topics, including:
These sessions are designed to encourage practical, actionable solutions and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Together, they aim to build sustainable pathways that address the unique challenges and opportunities of mountain landscapes in the face of global climate change.
Who are the notable dignitaries attending Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025?
Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025 has attracted a diverse array of high-level delegates, although it has faced criticism for its inability to secure the attendance of heads of state or government. Notable participants include Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; Xiao Jie, Vice Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress; and Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources.
Additionally, ministers from Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives are attending, alongside representatives from the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), SAARC, BIMSTEC, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Despite extensive invitations, Nepal’s diplomatic outreach struggled to bring in prime ministers or presidents from major climate-vulnerable nations. This is partly attributed to the inaugural nature of the event and Nepal’s limited influence in global diplomacy. Organizers, however, are optimistic that the first edition will set a strong foundation for future summits with higher-level political engagement.
Why wasn’t the event held earlier?
The inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad was originally scheduled to take place in April 2020. However, it was postponed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which led to international travel restrictions and logistical challenges. The health crisis forced the Nepali government to shelve plans for the event indefinitely. The uncertainty surrounding global health protocols and cross-border movements further delayed the event until 2025.
Another contributing factor was Nepal’s limited capacity for large-scale diplomatic events. Organizing an international dialogue of this scale required extensive coordination, logistical planning, and diplomatic outreach—areas where Nepal faced considerable challenges. The wait also allowed Nepal to better prepare for the summit, aligning it with recent climate commitments like the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and NDC-3.
The 2025 edition, although delayed, has been positioned as a critical platform for discussing climate resilience, particularly for mountainous and landlocked countries. Organizers are hopeful that the learnings from this year’s event will set the stage for smoother iterations in the coming years.
Why couldn’t Nepal ensure the participation of state leaders?
Despite its best efforts, Nepal could not secure the attendance of heads of state or government for Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025. Several factors contributed to this, primarily Nepal’s limited diplomatic influence and the inaugural nature of the event. High-level participation typically demands strong diplomatic ties and consistent political engagement—areas where Nepal’s global outreach has been historically weak.
Another challenge was Nepal’s struggle to position the event as a major global platform equivalent to the Raisina Dialogue in India or the World Economic Forum in Davos. Unlike these established platforms, Sagarmatha Sambaad is in its infancy, making it less attractive to global leaders who prioritize well-established summits for climate and geopolitical discussions.
Additionally, Nepal’s internal political instability and frequent government changes have hampered consistent international diplomacy, affecting its ability to secure commitments from world leaders. Nepal is hopeful that the event’s successful execution this year will pave the way for higher-level political participation in the future. The government also plans to work on stronger diplomatic
How is Sagarmatha Sambaad different from the Raisina Dialogue and the World Economic Forum?
While Sagarmatha Sambaad draws inspiration from high-profile global forums like the Raisina Dialogue and the World Economic Forum (WEF), its focus and objectives are fundamentally different. The Raisina Dialogue, held annually in New Delhi, centers on geopolitics, economic development, and global governance. It is a strategic platform where heads of state, prime ministers, global strategists, and defense experts discuss political and security-related issues. Its primary aim is to shape geopolitical narratives and strengthen global cooperation on strategic matters.
The World Economic Forum, hosted in Davos, Switzerland, prioritizes economic policies, business innovations, and global markets. It brings together business leaders, multinational corporations, and policymakers to discuss global economic trends, technology, and sustainable development, with a heavy focus on market-driven solutions.
In contrast, Sagarmatha Sambaad is rooted in environmental diplomacy, with a dedicated focus on climate change, sustainable development, and mountain ecology. Unlike Raisina’s geopolitical lens or WEF’s economic perspective, Sagarmatha Sambaad seeks to amplify the voices of mountain communities and address the unique climate challenges they face, such as glacial melting, landslides, and water scarcity.
Nepal envisions it as a platform to advocate for climate resilience and sustainable practices specific to high-altitude regions. This distinct focus allows Sagarmatha Sambaad to carve its own niche in global climate diplomacy, pushing for actionable solutions for vulnerable mountain ecosystems.
What are the key climate change issues in Nepal?
Nepal is among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, with its mountainous geography exacerbating the impacts. Key climate change issues in Nepal include glacial melting, landslides, erratic weather patterns, and flooding. The Himalayas, known as the “Third Pole,” are experiencing unprecedented glacial melt, which threatens water security for millions of people in South Asia. According to recent studies, if global temperatures continue to rise at the current rate, nearly one-third of the Himalayan glaciers could melt by 2100.
Landslides and floods have also become more frequent and severe, endangering lives and livelihoods in remote mountain communities. Additionally, unpredictable weather patterns are affecting agriculture, which is a backbone of Nepal’s economy. Prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfall disrupt traditional farming cycles, leading to food insecurity and economic instability.
Nepal’s government has attempted to address these challenges through the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and the third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3), which outline its climate adaptation strategies. The Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025 is intended to spotlight these issues, urging global collaboration to support climate resilience in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas.
What are the expected outcomes of Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025?
The primary goal of Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025 is to position Nepal as a key advocate for climate resilience in mountainous regions while influencing global climate policies. The dialogue is expected to produce a comprehensive Kathmandu Declaration, outlining commitments to sustainable mountain development, enhanced climate adaptation measures, and international cooperation for climate-vulnerable communities. This declaration aims to highlight the specific needs of mountainous regions, urging global climate frameworks to account for the unique challenges faced by high-altitude ecosystems.
Furthermore, Nepal intends to use Sagarmatha Sambaad as a platform to promote its Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and the third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3) under the Paris Agreement, demonstrating its commitment to climate action and transparency. By showcasing its efforts, Nepal hopes to attract international support for technology transfer, capacity building, and sustainable development projects in the Himalayas.
The event is also expected to pave the way for stronger regional cooperation among South Asian and Himalayan nations to address transboundary climate issues like glacial melt and water security. Nepal envisions the dialogue becoming a permanent biennial platform for global discussions on mountain ecology and climate justice, mirroring the influence of other major global forums.
How can Sagarmatha Sambaad influence global climate diplomacy?
Sagarmatha Sambaad holds the potential to significantly influence global climate diplomacy by spotlighting the urgent climate challenges of mountainous regions. Unlike many global forums that prioritize urban and coastal climate issues, Sagarmatha Sambaad is designed to advocate for high-altitude ecosystems that are critically vulnerable to global warming. By bringing together regional leaders, environmental activists, climate scientists, and policymakers, Nepal aims to shape the global narrative on mountain resilience and climate adaptation.
The Sagarmatha Sambad Declaration will be announced following a series of consecutive sessions. After the closing ceremony, several delegates are scheduled to visit the Vajra Academy in Godawari, Lalitpur—an eco-friendly institution recognized as Nepal’s model green school.
One of its key strategies is to leverage the Sagarmatha Sambaad Declaration as a blueprint for sustainable mountain development and climate action. Nepal hopes to present this declaration at major international platforms like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and COP summits, urging world leaders to integrate mountain-specific policies into global climate agreements.
Moreover, Sagarmatha Sambaad aspires to establish Nepal as a thought leader in mountain climate diplomacy, enhancing its diplomatic standing in global environmental discussions. By championing the unique concerns of mountain communities, Nepal aims to mobilize global support for climate adaptation, technology transfer, and sustainable development tailored to high-altitude ecosystems.
