Named after the world’s tallest mountain Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), Sagarmatha Sambaad continue to echo in the national and international arena concerning the forums impact. The answer is affirmative as the forum holds Nepal’s leadership in global climate change.
Held from May 16 to 18 in Kathmandu, the Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025 extended invitations to almost 350 national and international delegates and 175 foreign delegates joined the event under extensive theme “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity”. To elevate the voice of mountain nations, this high-level and multi-stakeholder dialogue provided important platform for advocating the adverse effects of climate changes and enhance multilateral cooperation.
A powerful message from the mountains
With the clear message: “the mountains are raising the alarm” the event concluded with the Kathmandu declaration“Sagarmatha Call for Action”, calling for stronger climate finance for mountain nations, international mechanisms to address loss and damage, indigenous knowledge systems recognition, enhanced global solidarity and climate justice.
The outcome of this global event can serve for influential advocacy regarding future negotiations of climate changes such as COP30. Moreover, it strengthened the Nepal’s status as climate-vulnerable nation which has negligible contributions to the emission of greenhouse gases but facing unprecedented impacts of climate change (e.g., GLOF, Landslides, erratic rainfall and flashfloods).
This initiative demonstrated the strength of Nepal’s moral authority with the gain of maximum support and empathy at COP. To include mountain ecosystems as a major concern in the COP agendas and advocate for a dedicated climate finance windows for mountain regions under Adaptation Fund or Loss and Damage Fund at COP, Sambaad will serve as a role of catalyst.
Furthermore, Sagarmatha Sambaad resulted overwhelming situation by bringing Himalayan nations, island states, youth, indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups together influencing stronger unity and approach to global climate negotiations.
To leverage its membership and leadership role within CVF (Climate Vulnerable Forum) and LDC (Least Developed Countries) Group, Nepal can use this network to push for accelerated implementation of Loss and Damage Fund, to amplify mountain-specific vulnerabilities and to seek real-time adaptation support for climate-vulnerable mountain communities.
Gain for Nepal: Influence, diplomacy, and investment
For Nepal, the Sagarmatha Sambaad has offered both current and long-term benefits. Sambaad has helped Nepal to gain international recognition and has helped in demonstrating its leadership role showing the potential of a convenor for discussion regarding critical climate crisis.
Globally considered one of the most climate vulnerable and least carbon-emitting nation, this leadership role has enhanced diplomatic profile of Nepal providing strength and balance to bargain further in international forums.
Similarly, Nepal primarily showed the potential for mobilisation of climate finance by illustrating its vulnerabilities and proactive stance to climate change effects which will help Nepal to acquire the targeted funding regarding the climate-resilient activities, disaster preparedness, livelihood improvements and sustainable tourism.
Sambaad has made Nepal influential and has enhanced its case to access more fund from Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and Loss and Damage fund. Moreover, Sambaad promoted research and partnerships related to mountain ecosystem enhancing the interest for collaborative research and innovation focusing Himalayas.
Furthermore, it can also work as a way-out regarding knowledge exchange and technical partnership to monitor GLOF situation, nature-based solutions concept, climate-smart agriculture and disaster preparedness.
The prior events like Himali Sambaad in Jumla also gave platform prioritising the voice of indigenous people, women and youth supporting the empowerment of local communities. This step set the example of bottom-up approach to climate governance to help improve the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through national policy reforms.
Furthermore, the symbolic Everest overflight provided international attention to Sagarmatha and a boost to eco-tourism and green branding of Nepal in international arena, linking sustainable tourism and concern for nature, conservation and climate.
The way ahead: From talk to action
Though Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025 has concluded successfully giving a powerful message and comprehensive outcome of Sagarmatha Call for Action, the real challenge however lies in transforming commitments into effective outcomes.
Recognised as frontline nation of the climate crisis and disaster impacts, Nepal need to focus on maintaining the generated momentum for policy influence, investment mobilisation and climate resilience on the ground.
Elevating the mountain agenda at global forums can be a better step to start as Sagarmatha Sambaad has recognised a successful milestone regarding Nepal’s diplomacy strengthening its position to lead global advocacy for mountain ecosystem at global forums such as UNFCCC COP30, Bonn Climate Conference and High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Prioritising mountain-specific climate vulnerabilities, Nepal can advocate for the inclusion of high mountain ecosystems in climate finance and loss and damage frameworks.
Strengthen our institutional capacity (e.g., through the Ministry of Finance and national implementing entities) to directly access funds available from Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund, can be essential move for successfully mobilising and accessing climate finance. Focusing in developing a dedicated window funding for high mountains can also be a smart step by alliancing in regional level with mountain nations.
Nepal’s necessity in improving research and proper documentation can work as a catalyst for evidence-based advocacy in international forums and platforms. Nepal must invest in extensive scientific research of climate-induced disasters, GLOF prediction, dynamics of cryosphere and develop an open-access data platform to share climate impacts specifically due to climate change.
Deepening research, data and knowledge sharing and enhancing partnerships with think tanks, regional centers such as ICIMOD and universities can be influential for conducting proper research and accelerate the dialogues started by Sambaad.
Sagarmatha Sambaad is recognised as a global voice. However, its long-term success depends on empowering those at the forefront group of climate change- the local communities who are mostly affected by the adverse impacts.
That’s why the center for adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts circles around indigenous knowledge, women’s participation, and youth leadership. Thus, to ensure the continuation of Sambaad it is necessary to run the platforms like Himali Sambaad frequently for maintaining inclusiveness and keep the dialogue at the grassroot level.
Lastly, the Sagarmatha Sambaad Secretariat should maintain continuous follow-up on commitments, publish progress reports, update its online information platform and ensure regular coordination to lead next Sambaad.
To move forward, it requires clear motive, continued coordination and strong political will followed by smart diplomacy and strategic planning. A strong will to maintain this commitment can transform Nepal’s future- from climate vulnerable nation to leading advocate of global climate justice for mountain resilience.
