Effective Climate Dialogue

Located in the heart of Asia, Nepal stands to play a constructive role in promoting win-win diplomacy, spearheading crusade for climate action and spurring the regional economic integration. Its geostrategic location has attracted a host of powerful countries to make their presence effective here. Nepal has gained traction also because of Sagaramatha (Mt Everest), the world’s tallest peak, when it comes to the climate change effects and mitigation strategies. As its snowy mountains are melting fast owing to the rising global warming, the country has found itself in a unique position to advocate for the climate justice on the world stage. Climate change, triggered by the rising temperature, has become a real threat to humanity. Nepal, despite having little role in causing the global heat, is being hit hardest by it. The climate change has played a catastrophic role is increasing the sea level on the surface and melting down the white mountains high on the skyline.

In recent months, Nepal suffered some of worst natural disasters such as floods, landslides and burst of glacial lakes, further exacerbating its vulnerabilities. Its fragile ecology is prone to calamities when heavy downpours and earthquakes buffet it. Experts link climate change behind the increasing number of natural disasters facing the country from time to time. It has become imperative for the country not only to inform the international community about the climate-induced consequences it is facing but should also lead the mountainous and small island nations for the effective climate action and compensation as the developed nations are not bearing their responsibility, despite the fact that they have greater contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions.  Owing to elevation-dependent warming, the temperature in the mountainous areas is increasing faster than the global average. 

Against this backdrop, Nepal has announced to organise the first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad (dialogue) in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18, 2025. Themed "Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity,” it will primarily seek to deal with the issue of climate change - especially in the context of mountains. Announcing the upcoming event, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that climate change was not only a part of the poly-crisis but it could equally morph into a ‘perma-crisis.’ According to PM Oli, Nepal’s snow-clad mountains serve as a natural stabilizer for the planet's climate for the Himalayas are often referred to as the ‘Third Pole’ because of their significant impact on maintaining the health of the oceans. These shiny mountains also act as heatsinks while their glaciers and snowmelt-fed rivers sustain vegetation, ecosystems and the livelihood of the people living downstream. 

Sagarmatha Sambad should serve as a viable platform for the country to effectively convey its message to the world. Nepal should bring together international experts, policy makers, climate activists and political leaders, who should be updated about the gloomy scenario of Nepali mountains. It should be an opportune moment to foster a shared understanding of climate-induced natural calamities so that the countries will pursue an integrated response to the devastation wrought by global warming. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation is essential to fight the monster of climate change that is not sparing even the mighty and technologically-sophisticated countries. The dialogue needs to be comprehensive and inclusive, and should come up with unanimous stand on the matters pertaining to climate finance, adaptation policy, technology and capacity building of poor countries. Only then will it be successful in achieving its grand objectives and vision.