Kathmandu: Nepal is in the final stages of preparation for the inaugural edition of the Sagarmatha Dialogue, a major international conference focused on climate change, the Himalayas, and the future of humanity, according to Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba.

Chairing a meeting of the Sagarmatha Dialogue Management Committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, Minister Deuba highlighted that this is Nepal’s first time hosting such a high-level international forum. She stated that the government aims to establish the dialogue as a permanent annual diplomatic platform and is committed to making it a meaningful and effective forum for Nepal.

Scheduled to take place from May 16 to 18 in Kathmandu, the event will provide Nepal with a significant international platform to voice concerns over critical environmental issues, particularly climate change and its impact on the Himalayan region.

Minister Deuba emphasized the urgency of the dialogue, citing the accelerated melting of Nepal’s glaciers and the severe, often overlooked effects of climate change that the country is enduring. She stressed the importance of advocating for climate justice and amplifying Nepal’s voice on global stages through the Sagarmatha Dialogue.

She noted that this first edition of the dialogue will serve as a global platform to deliberate on regional and international climate-related challenges, and bring together communities affected by climate change, scientists, policymakers, mountaineers, world leaders, and international organizations for collective discussion and commitment.

As the coordinator of the event’s management committee, Minister Deuba confirmed efforts to ensure high-level international participation, with encouraging confirmations already received.

Calling the event a major opportunity for Nepal, Minister Deuba instructed all staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, related ministries, the private sector, and Nepal’s diplomatic missions worldwide to contribute actively to its success.

Also present at the meeting, Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, said his ministry is also completing its final preparations. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai provided updates on the ongoing organizational work for the event.

So far, nearly two dozen countries and over 50 international organizations have confirmed high-level participation in the Sagarmatha Dialogue.