Stage set for Sagarmatha Sambaad

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 14; At least 175 foreign guests are expected to participate in the Sagarmatha Sambaad, popularly known as the Everest Dialogue, which will take place in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, who is also the coordinator of the Sambaad Management Committee, said that a similar number of domestic delegates will also participate in the event. She noted that the government has reached the final stage of preparations and released the tentative three-day programme.

“We have reached this point after completing various phases of preparation, including around 10 pre-dialogue sessions,” said Minister Dr. Rana. Around 350 persons will participate in the Sambaad, including high-level delegates from 12 different countries.

The event is being held under the theme “Climate Change, Mountain and the Future of Humanity”, with the aim of facilitating communication, discussion and actionable solutions to the global challenges of climate change.

The Sagarmatha Sambaad is an international platform established by the Government of Nepal to foster dialogue and cooperation on issues affecting humanity.

The programme will begin with inaugural address by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, while Minister Dr. Rana will deliver the welcome remarks. A special audio-visual presentation introducing the Sambaad has also been prepared for the occasion.

According to Minister Dr. Rana, distinguished delegates from India and China, as well as the President’s Climate Envoy of Azerbaijan, who also serves as the COP-29 Chair, will address the gathering. An audio-visual message from the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also be presented.

Follow ing the opening session, the event will feature 12 thematic sessions involving in-depth discussions and exchanges of ideas among politicians, policymakers, scholars, experts, and researchers, focusing on climate change, mountain issues and opportunities for solutions.

The participants include representatives from 61 foreign and domestic organisations and institutions, including SAARC, BIMSTEC, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, development partners, universities, research centers, civil society and non-governmental organisations.

Minister Dr. Rana expressed confidence that Nepal can establish itself as a neutral and dialogue-friendly diplomatic leader. She stressed that by showcasing Nepal’s commitment to global issues, building partnerships and boosting national confidence, the country’s global image can be significantly enhanced.

Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment and Member Secretary of the Sambaad Secretariat, said this is the first time Nepal is hosting a dialogue of this scale. “We are covering issues from the mountains to the Tarai, focusing on five key themes: snowmelt to sea level rise, highlands to Iceland, the green economy, climate justice and humanity, and loss and damage,” Dr. Dhakal said.

Amrit Bahadur Rai, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged that some people have questioned the government's capacity to organise such an international dialogue. “But we are fully capable of hosting foreign dignitaries and managing the event successfully,” he said. The three-day Sambaad will conclude with the announcement of the Kathmandu Declaration on the final day.