Kathmandu, May 18, 2025 – Nepal’s first biennial international dialogue, Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025, held from May 16-18 under the theme "Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity," where experts and leaders from 37 nations were gathered, concluded with a strong 25-point Sagarmatha Call for Action.
The Right Hon. Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, stated: "The Sagarmatha Sambaad, named after Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest), symbolizes moral clarity and the pursuit of justice. Humanity cannot survive without mountains—our ‘mountain guardians’—which sustain half the world. Those who pollute the most must do the most to support vulnerable nations."
UN Secretary-General H.E. Mr. António Guterres expressed solidarity, acknowledging Nepal’s climate leadership while issuing a dire warning: "Nepal today is on thin ice." Himalayan glaciers are melting 65 times faster, threatening major rivers like the Ganges, which "could disappear forever," increasing risks of water scarcity, floods, and landslides. Echoing his global call from last year, he urged the world to "stop the madness."
Mr. Xiao, representing China, called for "true multilateralism," reaffirming that China will "not slow down its climate actions nor reduce support for global climate efforts," in line with the Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) principle. He announced that "China will submit its 2025 NDCs covering all sectors and greenhouse gases before COP30" and concluded with a powerful quote: "No mountain is too high for those who seek its peak."
H.E. Mr. Mukhtar Babayev of Azerbaijan warned that "in just seven years, Azerbaijan has lost nearly 20% of its glaciers." He highlighted key COP29 outcomes, including the Glaciers to Farms Initiative (mobilizing 3.5 billion for climate−resilient water and agriculture systems) and a historic agreement to raise 300 billion annually by 2035 for developing nations—"the largest financial goal ever set under the UN process."
H.E. Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized that Sagarmatha symbolizes both majesty and responsibility, highlighting the urgent climate threats to Himalayan livelihoods and ecosystems.
The summit brought together global leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and youth from around the 37 nations to address the escalating threats of climate change, from mountainous regions to islands.
Mountains: The Climate Crisis Frontline
The Sambaad emphasized that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C is non-negotiable for the survival of mountain ecosystems and downstream communities. The Himalayas, often called the "Third Pole," play a critical role in regulating hydrological cycles, supporting food security, water resources, agriculture, and clean energy for billions.
A stark reminder came just after the summit, when a glacial lake outburst in Humla forced 15 families to relocate. Similarly, the catastrophic monsoon rains of September 2024 in Kathmandu, which claimed over 250 lives and caused $350 million in damages, the Thame GLOF outburst had huge losses and damages, including houses, schools, trails, hydropower, etc., and resulted in the displacement of the village was linked to climate change. Just in Spain a day ago, there were heavy floods, and in Switzerland had the were landslides forcing people to migrate and move all the livestock. These events underscore the urgent need for global solidarity in protecting vulnerable regions.
Climate Finance and Adaptation: A Call for Equity and Action
During the discussions, Ms. Pam Pearson, a leading climate expert, warned, "It is not too late to limit warming to 1.5°C, but we are killing time." The executive director of the Loss and Damage Fund stressed the importance of utilizing available funds effectively to compensate affected communities and build resilience. Meanwhile, the World Bank urged smarter investments in climate adaptation and mitigation.
Many experts and leaders highlighted the need for increased climate finance and transboundary cooperation to tackle the crisis holistically. Governments, UN agencies, private sectors, and civil society were called upon to unite for inclusive action, ensuring that marginalized groups—women, youth, indigenous communities—are at the forefront of decision-making.
Air Pollution and the Paradox of Modern Development
Another critical issue raised was air pollution, which continues to compromise public health globally. Despite scientific consensus on the dangers of rising emissions, progress remains sluggish. "We are witnessing these crises in real-time, yet we delay action. Where are our decisions and discussions heading?
The Next Generation: Skills, Unity, and Hope
A pressing concern was the lack of preparedness among younger generations to face climate challenges. While technology offers tools for innovation, over-reliance on it has led to a skills gap, limited real-world experience, and a disconnect from nature.
Dr. Bhawani Koirala highlighted overlooked barriers: "Poverty, toxic air, and weak governance paralyze climate progress." He urged: "Nepal’s youth must pioneer mountain medicine and climate tech. Our peaks can become laboratories for global solutions."
The Sambaad aimed to inspire youth to take collective action, demanding accountability, fostering resilience, and driving innovative and sustainable solutions.
The Way Forward: Unity in Action
The Sambaad opened with the official unveiling of the Nepal Government’s NDC 3.0 by the Prime Minister of Nepal and its ceremonial handover to COP29 President, His Excellency Mr. Mukhtar Babayev. The event concluded, which was chaired by the Honorable Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, with recommendations to integrate and address the mountain agenda in all the relevant UN processes, mobilize finance institutions for mountain resilience, and strengthen partnerships between mountain, island, and coastal nations.
Just as the Sagarmatha stands tall, reminding us of our resilience, let the outcomes of this Sambaad remind us of our resolve." She concluded with a universal message: "Dialogue leads to understanding; understanding leads to action; and action leads to hope."-Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba
The Sagarmatha Call for Action urges Immediate emission cuts to stay within 1.5°C, Increased funding for adaptation and loss & damage in vulnerable nations, strengthened regional cooperation for disaster risk reduction, inclusive climate policies empowering women, youth, and indigenous groups, and redirecting financial resources from conflict to climate resilience.
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We stand at the foot of Sagarmatha, the roof of the world, to sound an alarm that echoes across continents. The mountains are crumbling—not from age, but from our choices. This Sambaad must be remembered not for speeches, but for the world’s response. Will you climb with us?”
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The time for debate is over. The time for action is now.
(For the full Sagarmatha Call for Action, visit the Official Sambaad Website.)
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