Kathmandu, March 16 – Nepal is set to host Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025, a high-level international forum aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, Himalayan conservation, and sustainable development. Scheduled for May 15-17 in Kathmandu, the dialogue will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on key issues such as climate justice, the green economy, and disaster resilience strategies.

The primary objective of the Sagarmatha Dialogue is to highlight the severe environmental threats facing the Himalayan region. Nepal and other mountainous nations are experiencing rapid glacial melt, an increase in natural disasters, and significant biodiversity loss due to climate change. Through this initiative, Nepal seeks to rally international collaboration to mitigate these crises and secure financial and technological support for climate adaptation.

Originally conceptualized by the Nepalese government five years ago, the Sagarmatha Dialogue was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Nepal is reviving this initiative to spearhead multilateral efforts against climate change.

As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Nepal faces glacial retreat, flash floods, landslides, and declining agricultural productivity—threats that are also shared by other South Asian Himalayan countries. The Nepalese government has emphasized the necessity of regional and global collaboration to tackle these pressing issues.

Nepal’s Strategic Leadership: Voices from Key Officials

At a press conference today, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal underscored Nepal’s strategic vision for the dialogue, stating, “Nepal is not alone—other Himalayan nations are facing similar challenges. We must raise a collective voice and push for meaningful global action.”

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to establishing the Sagarmatha Dialogue as a global platform for climate solutions. “The Himalayas play a crucial role in the global climate system, and protecting them requires international cooperation,” he stated. Rai further emphasized Nepal’s push for climate finance, technology transfer, and sustainable development partnerships.

Joint Secretary Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal from the Ministry of Forests and Environment highlighted Nepal’s proactive stance on climate mitigation and adaptation. “From policymaking to implementation, decisive action is necessary to combat climate change, and this dialogue is a crucial step,” he noted. Dhakal also stressed Nepal’s intention to secure international support for climate justice initiatives.

 

Key Discussion Themes and Expected Outcomes

The Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025 will address five critical themes: Himalayan ecosystems and the ongoing climate crisis, the promotion of a green economy and sustainable development, the importance of climate justice and international cooperation, effective disaster risk reduction strategies, and the strengthening of environmental diplomacy through global partnerships. Nepal will emphasize the need for increased climate finance, the transfer of advanced technologies, and the implementation of long-term policies to aid climate adaptation efforts. Furthermore, Nepal will propose the creation of an adaptation fund specifically dedicated to supporting the Himalayan nations in their fight against climate change.

Championing Climate Justice

One of the major focuses of the dialogue is climate justice. While industrialized nations contribute the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, climate-vulnerable countries like Nepal bear the most severe consequences. Nepal will urge wealthy nations to commit to carbon reduction targets and increased financial support for adaptation and resilience-building.

The dialogue will also push for greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, along with stronger commitments toward clean energy transitions and sustainable development strategies.

Nepal’s Global Diplomacy and Future Impact

By organizing this global dialogue, Nepal seeks to establish itself as a key voice in international climate diplomacy. As the Himalayan region is considered "ground zero" for climate change impacts, Nepal views the Sagarmatha Dialogue as a platform to advocate for greater global cooperation in tackling the crisis.

The event is expected to strengthen Nepal’s diplomatic efforts in securing financial aid, technological advancements, and regional partnerships for climate resilience. Nepal also plans to make the dialogue an annual event, expanding its regional and global influence.

Sagarmatha Declaration: A Long-Term Commitment

The dialogue will conclude with the ‘Sagarmatha Declaration,’ a formal document outlining concrete action plans for climate mitigation, Himalayan conservation, and financial support mechanisms. This declaration will emphasize climate justice, sustainable development, and the role of international partnerships in securing a resilient future for vulnerable regions.

According to Dr Dhakal, Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025 marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s climate diplomacy. By convening global leaders and advocating for tangible solutions, Nepal aims to drive stronger international commitments toward climate justice and financial support for developing nations. With the backing of regional and international stakeholders, the dialogue is poised to become a catalyst for meaningful climate action, reinforcing Nepal’s leadership in global environmental policymaking.