Nepal to host 175 foreign delegates at Sagarmatha Sambaad

KATHMANDU, MAY 13: A total of 175 foreign delegates will participate in the upcoming ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ (Sagarmatha Dialogue), a high-level multi-stakeholder forum set to take place in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18. The event aims to facilitate inter-regional and global dialogue on pressing issues, with a strong focus on climate change and environmental challenges.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Coordinator of the Sagarmatha Sambaad Management Committee, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, made the announcement during a press briefing held today. She stated that the event will host a total of 350 participants, including national and international delegates, marking a significant step in Nepal’s efforts to promote dialogue-driven diplomacy.

This year’s theme—“Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity”—reflects Nepal’s urgency in addressing the climate crisis and advancing the discourse on climate action and justice, particularly in the context of mountainous nations.

Participants will include ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, climate experts, representatives from donor agencies, environmentalists, and leaders from civil society and development sectors. Delegates from 12 countries will join the three-day event, which will feature one high-level plenary session, 12 parallel sessions, and several side events.

Dr. Rana confirmed the participation of representatives from 61 national and international organizations, including regional and multilateral bodies such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank. The forum will also host representatives from civic society networks.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is scheduled to address the opening session, while Foreign Minister Dr. Rana will deliver the keynote address. A short audiovisual presentation introducing the forum will be screened, followed by a special video message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

According to the Sagarmatha Sambaad Secretariat, the event will also hear from high-level dignitaries, including delegates from India and China, as well as the COP29 President and the current President of Azerbaijan.

Dr. Rana emphasized that preparations are nearly complete, with ten preliminary sessions already held. She expressed confidence that the dialogue will solidify Nepal’s position as a neutral platform for global discourse, highlighting the country’s commitment to collaborative climate action and sustainable development.

The Government of Nepal has decided to hold the Sagarmatha Sambaad biennially moving forward.