Sagarmatha Sambaad
The Sagarmatha Sambaad is a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum committed to deliberate on the most prominent issues of global, regional and national significance. As a platform, it brings together people from all walks of life from broader spectrum, having the stake, influence and capacity to shape and drive the discourse for positive change.
The Sambaad (dialogue) is named after the world’s tallest mountain Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) which is also a symbol of friendship and is meant to promote the notions of common good and collective wellbeing of humanity. Sagarmatha, being the highest natural landmark on the earth, is also the tallest witness of the unfolding global events.
Nepal is an ancient land with rich natural and cultural heritages. Historically, the Himalaya and its foothills have been home to many sages, thinkers and people who have attained Bodhisattva- enlightenment. Discourses, reflections, mediation, harmonious life with nature and enlightenment have remained defining features of that tradition. The majestic mountains, with Sagarmatha towering over us, inspire us to think beyond our border and reflect on issues in a holistic manner. As the ancient Sanskrit saying goes,‘‘वादे वादे जायते तत्व वोध:” (Knowledge is generated through discourses), we believe that the most challenging issues facing the global humanity can be addressed through discourses and reflections. In today’s complex world, we need even more open and collaborative dialogues to help flourish new ideas, views, and perspectives on various issues of common interest. Like the symbol, sanctity, beauty and the esteem for Sagarmatha, the forum intends to prove itself as a vibrant dialogue platform that could contribute towards the global efforts in promoting collective wellbeing.
The Government of Nepal is hosting the first Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu from 16 to 18 May 2025 on ‘Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity.’
It is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion forum. Every two years, the Sambaad draws in Kathmandu global leaders involving heads of state/government, parliamentarians, policy makers and local governments, as well as leaders from inter-governmental organizations, private sector, civil society, think tanks, academia, women, youths and media to discuss on the ways of cooperation, exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences on prominent global issues.
In today’s inter-connected world, there is a need for more open dialogues to address contemporary issues and reach consensus on the ways forward. As a country with its own success-stories of a home- grown peace process; of inclusive democracy, women’s empowerment and uplifting of the marginalized sections of society; as well as, of contributing to international peacekeeping and responding to climate change, Nepal offers a suitable venue for such a global forum.
Nepal is an ancient land with rich natural and cultural heritages. Historically, the Himalaya and its foothills have been home to many sages, thinkers and people who have attained Bodhisattva – enlightenment. As the ancient Sanskrit saying goes,‘‘वादे वादे जायते तत्व वोध:” (Knowledge is produced through discourses), discourses, reflections, mediation, harmonious life with nature and enlightenment have remained defining features of our traditions. The ethos of “सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामया:” (May all be happy; may all be healthy) remains at the core of this humanist tradition. The majestic mountains, with Sagarmatha towering over us, inspire us to think beyond our borders and reflect on issues in a holistic manner.
Nepal is in a new era of political stability following the successful conclusion of its peace process and the promulgation of an inclusive and democratic Constitution. The country’s priority now is on inclusive growth, sustainable development and socio-economic transformation. For this, regional and global partnerships are essential to address contemporary challenges and issues common to the global community. With firm commitments, Nepal has been contributing to global peace and stability through its longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and also as an advocate of global non- proliferation and peace efforts, while making resolute calls for inclusive prosperity and a just society. Nepal, therefore, offers a welcoming ground to bring together a cross-section of leaders and stakeholders for a global Sambaad to exchange ideas and experiences and to provide inspiration.
To provide a suitable venue for a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral global dialogue forumin Nepal on the pressing global issues of the time in the areas of environment, economy, and other socio-cultural fields among global leaders including heads of state/government, ministers, parliamentarians,policy makers, experts, media, business community, wider civil society, youths and people directly affected by the issues being discussed.
An open, frank, interactive and constructive global Sambaad – dialogue – on the most pertinent issues of the time in the fields of environment, economy, and other socio-cultural fields that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of humanity and a forum for reenergizing commitments and resolves from the stakeholders to address those issues.