Kathmandu, May 17, 2025 (Jestha 4, 2081) – By Pradeep Chapagain | Nepal Television
The first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad, organized by the Government of Nepal, has successfully concluded in Kathmandu with the release of a 25-point ‘Sagarmatha Call to Action’. The international dialogue was held under the theme: “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity.”
Held from May 15 to 17 (Jestha 2–4), the event brought together heads of government, ministers, delegates from mountainous and developing countries, climate scientists, indigenous leaders, youth and women representatives, and international organizations from around the world.
Purpose of the Sagarmatha Sambaad
The Sagarmatha Sambaad aimed to amplify the voices of vulnerable and mountainous countries, strengthen collaboration between science and policymaking, and design inclusive, equitable, and sustainable climate action strategies to ensure a resilient future for humanity.
Key Highlights of the 25-Point Sagarmatha Call to Action
- Reaffirm the global commitment to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C.
- Support formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans.
- Scale up climate finance for developing and vulnerable countries.
- Ensure simplified, equitable access to climate finance mechanisms.
- Preserve mountain ecosystems and recognize their significance.
- Establish dedicated funding mechanisms for mountain-specific challenges.
- Strengthen the role of private sector investment and carbon markets.
- Promote green, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure.
- Ensure access to clean, affordable energy and energy efficiency.
- Encourage climate-smart innovations, technologies, and solutions.
- Strengthen early warning systems, climate attribution, and data systems.
- Ensure participation of children, youth, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
- Promote gender balance and intergenerational equity.
- Recognize traditional knowledge and local leadership, especially from indigenous communities.
- Protect forests, water sources, land, and agricultural systems.
- Create systems for payment for ecosystem services (PES).
- Promote green, circular, and bio-economies.
- Foster climate-resilient and employment-friendly economic transitions.
- Expand climate education and public awareness.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing and establish climate knowledge centers.
- Design localized interventions to enhance community resilience.
- Address the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- Support locally led adaptation and policy frameworks.
- Strengthen multilateral cooperation, partnerships, and dialogues.
- Raise a united voice from the mountains to the oceans for climate justice.
Message to the World
Sagarmatha Sambaad has sent a strong message to the world — the Himalayas are in crisis, and their protection is vital for the survival of all humankind. It has emerged as a global platform for unity among mountain nations, urging for equitable climate solutions.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated:
“This is not a time for speeches, but for action. From the top of the world, we call on the international community to uphold climate justice.”
A Historic Moment Captured
Following the closing ceremony, dignitaries including the Prime Minister gathered for a group photo — a symbolic moment marking the historic launch of Sagarmatha Sambaad as Nepal’s international contribution to the global climate dialogue.
Conclusion
Sagarmatha Sambaad 2081 was not merely a conference — it was the voice of the Himalayas. With its strong call for action, inclusion, and equity, the event has paved the way for a more united and resilient global climate movement, starting from the roof of the world.
