Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal, a nation bearing the severe brunt of climate change despite negligible contributions to global emissions, is amplifying its call for international action through intensified climate diplomacy. The upcoming Sagarmatha Sambad (Everest Dialogue), set for May 16-18, 2025, spearheads this effort, aiming to address the critical situation in the Himalayas.

Located in the heart of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, Nepal faces an existential threat. Melting glaciers—disappearing 65% faster in the last decade—and increasing climate-induced disasters like the devastating floods of October 2024, endanger its unique biodiversity, mountainous terrain (83% of the country), and the lives of millions. The nation consistently ranks high on climate vulnerability indices and suffers significant annual human and economic losses.

Recognizing the urgency, Nepal has adopted ambitious climate targets, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045, well ahead of major emitters like China and India. Its climate strategy focuses on renewables, electric mobility, and forest conservation. Yet, the $28.4 billion estimated cost for its climate goals necessitates substantial international support, highlighting a critical funding gap for the $40.9 billion GDP nation.

Nepal's diplomatic push is rooted in powerful gestures, from the 2009 Kalapattar cabinet meeting near Everest to the UN Secretary-General's 2023 visit highlighting glacial melt, and strong appeals at the ICJ. The Foreign Minister recently emphasized Nepal's plight, stating, "We have been penalized for the mistakes we never made."

The Sagarmatha Sambad, strategically revived following global setbacks like the US exit from the Paris Accord and coinciding with the UN's 2025 "International Year of the Glacier," serves as Nepal's premier platform. It seeks to forge alliances, secure green investments, and demand climate justice, positioning Nepal as a leading voice for vulnerable mountain nations and the critical Himalayan ecosystem.