Kathmandu: Preparations for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global dialogue on climate change, are in full swing ahead of its scheduled dates from May 16-18 in Kathmandu. The event, themed “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Human Life,” aims to bring global attention to the challenges faced by mountainous and coastal nations due to climate change.
The management committee’s first meeting has decided to invite heads of state and government from affected regions, climate researchers, representatives from the private sector, and influential figures to participate in the discussions.
Coordinated by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, the committee has finalized infrastructure arrangements and the event program, according to Maheshwor Dhakal, the contact person for the dialogue. A 16-member expert group has been formed, along with a publicity and coordination committee led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Joint Secretary.
The event will also showcase best practices in mitigating climate change effects.
In addition to the main event in Kathmandu, provincial-level discussions and preparatory dialogues focusing on children and youth will be held. Staff from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Forests, as well as the Office of the Council of Ministers, will be deployed to support the event.
The committee is co-coordinated by Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri and includes key officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, National Planning Commission, and various ministries related to foreign affairs, finance, home affairs, tourism, energy, and environmental conservation.
A preparatory meeting chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on February 9 discussed inviting leaders from neighboring countries, including India and China, as special guests. PM Oli had earlier announced the dialogue as part of the International Year of the Glaciers 2025.
The Sagarmatha Sambaad was initially planned in 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This edition marks its long-awaited revival, bringing crucial climate discussions back to the forefront.