Preparations for Sagarmatha Samwaad in full swing

KATHMANDU, MARCH 17: The much-anticipated Sagarmatha Sambad(Sagarmatha Dialogue), to be hosted by the Government of Nepal for the first time, will feature discussions on 16 sub-themes related to climate change.

Scheduled for May 20–21, the dialogue will bring together approximately 450 participants, including heads of state and government, ministers, climate scientists, researchers, private sector representatives, subject experts, and media professionals. Special guests include leaders from neighboring India and China.

A steering committee, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has been formed to oversee the event, while a management committee, led by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and co-chaired by Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, will handle logistics. Additionally, a secretariat, coordinated by the Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, is managing preparations.

At a press conference held yesterday, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal emphasized that Nepal aims to draw global attention to climate justice through discussions on various climate-related issues. He highlighted that expert recommendations—ranging from climate-induced disaster preparedness to the impact of climate change from mountains to coastal regions—will be integrated into Nepal’s policy framework. "We also expect the dialogue to contribute to global consensus-building on climate action," he added.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai stated that diplomatic missions have been mobilized to ensure the participation of distinguished international guests and experts. He also underscored the role of the media in making the event a success, given its significance as a government priority and a global concern.

Prime Minister Oli had previously announced plans to host Sagarmatha Sambad in Kathmandu to align with the International Year of Glaciers, 2025. The dialogue, originally planned  five years back under the Oli-led government, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.