Sagarmatha Sambaad- A Global Dialogue

In today’s interconnected world, there is a need to have more open dialogues in order to address contemporary issues and reach consensus on
the ways forward. As a country with its own success stories of a homegrown peace process, inclusive democracy, women’s empowerment and uplifting of the marginalized sections of society, contributions 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; and enlightenment. As the ancient Sanskrit saying goes, ‘‘वादे वादे जायते तत्व वोध:” (Discourses lead to knowledge), 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, including Sagarmatha, inspire us to think beyond our borders and to 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. Nepal has played a key role in contributing significantly to UN peacekeeping missions and advocating for global non-proliferation efforts. Nepal, therefore, offers a welcoming ground to bring together a cross-section of leaders and stakeholders for a global dialogue to exchange ideas and experiences; and provide inspiration.

In this context, the Government of Nepal is hosting the first edition of the Sagarmatha Dialogue in Kathmandu from 16 to 18 May 2025, with a focus on climate change, an existential issue of our time. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), is coordinating the Dialogue. The Right Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Foreign Minister chair the Steering Committee and the Management Committee of the Sambaad, respectively.

As a multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral forum, Sagarmatha Sambaad will draw global leaders including heads of state/government, ministers, parliamentarians, policy makers, academia, experts, media, business community, civil society, youth and people directly affected by the issues being discussed. The dialogue format will be open and interactive to enable free flow of ideas and views.

Climate change has emerged as an existential global issue posing serious threat to both humankind and nature. Due to anthropogenic emissions, the global average temperature is rising at unprecedented rates, changing precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency of heatwaves, melting icecaps and glaciers, and raising sea levels, resulting in adverse impacts on both natural and human systems. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has drawn attention to the catastrophic consequences of not limiting global average warming to 1.5°C. Current emission trends put the world on track to 3-4°C of warming by the end of the century. The time window for urgent action to limit warming is very short. Climate change will not only jeopardize our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, but also reverse development gains, rendering millions of the poor to the brink of further marginalization.

Nepal is home to the world’s eight of the fourteen highest peaks over 8,000 meters, including the Mt. Everest. The mountainous regions of Nepal are naturally beautiful and culturally rich. Humanity has greatly benefited from the ecosystem services provided by these mighty peaks, which include clean air, water and a natural cooling system. Although Nepal contributes a minuscule amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is glaringly exposed to the most adverse climate risks. It has now become scientifically accepted that climate change has a direct adverse impact on the mountain ecosystems, including on the Himalayan region. These regions are at the greatest risk due to climate induced disasters and erratic events.

The rapid melting of snow due to climate change has transformed the once snow-clad glittering white mountains into black rocks. This change has disrupted the natural cycle of ice accumulation and reduced the replenishment of lowland areas with fresh water. The effects of climate change have been particularly severe for local communities and indigenous peoples living in the Himalayan region. As a result of these changes, local communities are facing forced migration from their homelands, leading to the gradual decline and loss of their cultural heritage and traditions. This disruption has jeopardized the harmony between humans and the natural systems, resulting in an impending crisis for human civilization in the Himalayas. In response to these challenges, since COP13, the Government of Nepal has consistently and persistently called for special attention to the “Mountain Agenda” within the UNFCCC process. Similarly, the communities in the downstream as well as in the lowlands and coastal areas are also affected by adverse climate impacts. The Dialogue is expected to connect mountains and oceans, which is likely to be an imperative to form a likeminded group of mountain and island countries.