By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu Jan. 25: The first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambad, a permanent global dialogue forum scheduled for April this year, is likely to draw global leaders, including high level delegates from South Asia and other countries, the government informed.
The Sambad will be hosted in Kathamandu from April 2-4 on the theme, “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity.”
While briefing to international media representatives about the Sagarmatha Sambad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said the government had already invited senior government officials of India, China and other countries of South Asia.
Discussion over their travel schedule was going on, said Minister Gyawali, adding that the government had expected a significant participation.
“Nepal will share its success stories of a home-grown peace process, inclusive democracy, women’s empowerment, uplifting of the marginalised sections of the society, its contribution to international peacekeeping and commitment to responding to the global climate change,” said Minister Gyawali.
Nepal doesn’t have any bigger ambition from the Sambad except for sharing its experiences from the rest of the world and to contribute to the cause of global good through dialogue and consensus, he added,
The Sambad would focus on broad thematic areas related to socio-economic, environmental and developmental issues, said Minister.
“Though Nepal contributes only 0.027 per cent of the total global carbon emission and despite 45 per cent of its surface area is covered by forest, it is among the most vulnerable countries in terms of climate change impact,” he added.
He further stated that research had proved that the incident of first ever case of tornado in Nepal that killed 31 people was linked to the global warming.
“The average maximum temperature in Nepal is increasing at the rate of 0.056 per cent annually, which is higher than the average global maximum temperature rise,” said Minister.
Answering queries of journalists over the dispute of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Indo-Pacific Strategy, he said since Nepal was a least developed country, Nepal needed maximum resources for its development.
“Nepal is very careful and sensitive over the issue. Furthermore, we are capable enough to differentiate between the development aid and strategy,” he said.

The journalists also asked about the government’s latest move to resolve the Kalapani border dispute.
Sugauli Treaty, complementary treaties and map had clearly stated that Kali River (which is known as Mahakali River in Nepal) is the western border of Nepal, he said.
Minister Gyawali said since both the countries had strong government, the long-term border dispute could be solved through dialogues.
Nepal lies between the two rising economic powers, India and China, said the Minister, adding that Nepal would not allow any activities to happen in its land against its neighbours.