Climate change is a global phenomenon with localized impacts. Nowhere is this paradox more evident than in Nepal, a country with negligible greenhouse gas emissions but profound climate vulnerability. From receding glaciers and erratic monsoons to increased incidences of natural disasters, Nepal stands at the frontline of climate risk. In response, the Nepal government initiated Sagarmatha Sambad (named after Mount Everest) to catalyze a global dialogue focused on environmental sustainability, climate justice, and the voices of vulnerable nations. This article highlights how Sagarmatha Sambad functions as a cornerstone of Nepal's climate leadership and how it aligns with broader global environmental governance.
Understanding Sagarmatha Sambad
Sagarmatha Sambad (literally “Everest Dialogue”) is a high-level, multi-stakeholder forum launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. Rooted in the values of dialogue, diplomacy, and sustainability, the forum is envisioned as a platform for global deliberation on issues that threaten human civilization—foremost among them, climate change.
The first edition, initially scheduled for 2020, was cancelled and is now slated to take place on May 16–18, 2025, under the theme: “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.” This theme poignantly underscores the existential risks that mountain communities face and situates the Himalayas as a bellwether of global ecological instability.
Unlike traditional climate summits, Sagarmatha Sambad emphasizes inclusivity. It brings together not only heads of states, scientists, and policymakers but also indigenous communities, youth leaders, and civil society organizations. By positioning itself as an intersectional dialogue platform, it seeks to bridge the gap between science, policy, and grassroots experiences.
Nepal’s climate vulnerability and action
Despite contributing less than 0.027% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Nepal suffers disproportionately from climate change due to its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and location between India and China—the world’s top carbon emitters. The country faces transboundary air pollution, with Kathmandu frequently ranking among the most polluted cities, while rising temperatures in the Himalayas—0.56°C per decade, nearly double the global average—trigger cascading disasters. Glacial lakes like Imja and Tsho Rolpa have expanded dangerously, risking catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) that could wipe out villages. Erratic monsoons cause deadly landslides, such as the 2021 Melamchi flood, while droughts in Mustang and Dolpa force farmers to abandon their lands. Biodiversity is collapsing, with snow leopards and rhinos losing habitats, and invasive species disrupting ecosystems in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Rural communities, particularly in the Karnali and Far-Western regions, endure water shortages, crop failures, and forced migration, deepening poverty and inequality. Despite limited resources, Nepal has emerged as a global advocate for climate justice.
The National Climate Change Policy (2019) and updated NDC (2020) set ambitious targets, including net-zero emissions by 2045 and 80% renewable energy reliance through hydropower projects like Upper Tamakoshi. Grassroots initiatives, such as community forestry programs (managing 45% of Nepal’s forests) and solar-powered irrigation in the Terai, showcase local resilience. Internationally, Nepal leads the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and LDC Group, demanding climate finance and technology transfers for vulnerable nations. The symbolic 2009 Everest Base Camp cabinet meeting—the world’s highest—spotlighted Himalayan threats, while recent campaigns push for loss-and-damage funding at COP summits. Yet, Nepal’s efforts need global support—scaling up adaptation funds, early warning systems, and sustainable infrastructure—to safeguard its people and ecosystems. As glaciers vanish and rivers dry, Nepal’s struggle underscores a harsh truth: those least responsible for climate change pay the heaviest price.
Sagarmatha Sambad as a tool of climate diplomacy
Sagarmatha Sambad offers a unique and strategic avenue for Nepal to assert its climate leadership on the international stage. The forum’s objectives are closely aligned with Nepal's broader foreign policy goals of utilizing multilateral platforms to advance sustainable development. Through this initiative, Nepal seeks not only to highlight its own climate vulnerabilities but also to shape global discourse on environmental resilience and equity.
A core dimension of Nepal’s climate diplomacy through Sagarmatha Sambad is the promotion of climate justice. The forum emphasizes the unequal burden of climate change, particularly on vulnerable nations such as mountainous and least-developed countries, thereby advocating for fairer global responses. Another key objective is building coalitions by facilitating inclusive dialogue among diverse nations and stakeholders, fostering both South-South cooperation and North-South engagement to encourage solidarity and the exchange of best practices. Importantly, the forum also amplifies the voices of marginalized groups, including indigenous communities and youth, whose perspectives are often underrepresented in mainstream climate negotiations. This inclusive approach contributes to a more holistic and equitable understanding of climate action and governance.
Symbolism and strategic messaging
Sagarmatha, is not merely the world’s highest peak—it is a global symbol of nature’s grandeur and fragility. Hosting a dialogue under its name imbues the Sambad with powerful symbolism. It speaks to both the immediacy of climate threats and the moral imperative for international cooperation. By invoking Sagarmatha, Nepal underscores the urgency of preserving not only local ecosystems but the global climate commons. Furthermore, this approach reflects a shift in climate diplomacy—from reactive participation to proactive agenda-setting. Rather than merely seeking aid or adaptation support, Nepal is positioning itself as a norm entrepreneur—advocating for just transitions, ecosystem resilience, and inclusive governance models.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite its considerable promise, Sagarmatha Sambad faces several challenges that could hinder its long-term effectiveness and impact. One of the primary obstacles is resource constraints, as organizing and maintaining such a high-profile global forum demands substantial financial and logistical capacity—something that remains a significant hurdle for a developing nation like Nepal. Additionally, the country's geopolitical position, nestled between regional powers China and India, introduces sensitivities that require careful diplomatic navigation to ensure that the Sambad remains a neutral and inclusive space, free from regional political influence. Another critical challenge lies in the translation of dialogue into action; while discussions and declarations are valuable, their true worth will be measured by whether they lead to concrete policy shifts at both national and international levels. Furthermore, limited and inequitable access to climate finance poses a significant barrier—without adequate financial support, many of the goals and commitments discussed during the Sambad risk remaining aspirational rather than actionable.
Nevertheless, the long-term vision of Sagarmatha Sambad—to evolve into a permanent and influential climate dialogue platform—holds significant potential. As the global impacts of climate change intensify, the need for alternative, inclusive, and mountain-focused forums become more urgent. In this context, Sagarmatha Sambad is well-positioned to play a transformative role in centering the voices of vulnerable countries and communities within the broader climate governance landscape.
Conclusion
Nepal, through the Sagarmatha Sambad, is carving out a vital role in the global climate landscape. It is not only articulating the concerns of mountainous and vulnerable nations but also modeling a new kind of climate diplomacy—grounded in dialogue, equity, and shared responsibility. The forum’s inclusive ethos, strategic objectives, and symbolic resonance position it as a transformative initiative in global climate governance.
As climate negotiations continue to falter under the weight of geopolitics and economic interests, Nepal’s Sagarmatha Sambad reminds us of the moral and ecological urgency of the crisis. It offers a high-altitude perspective that, ironically, brings clarity to the grounded challenges of our time.
At a time when the United States is withdrawing from its climate commitments, Nepal's role in pressuring the international community becomes even more crucial. As a vulnerable nation deeply affected by climate change, Nepal can leverage its moral authority and diplomatic influence to hold global powers accountable and ensure the continued pursuit of ambitious climate goals.
(Ms Regmi writes on issues related to international affairs and multilateralism.)
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