Kathmandu, November 21

First iteration of the biennial Sagarmatha Sambad, a global dialogue to be held in Kathmandu from April 2 to 4, will focus on building linkage between Himalayan, coastal and island states, that have been grappling with climate change issues.

The theme of the event is ‘Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity.’

Speaking at an event to inaugurate the Sagarmatha Sambad secretariat in Kathmandu today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said coastal and island countries had so far taken the lead in raising awareness about impacts of climate change, while Himalayan states had been taking separate initiative.

“Although these countries face common problems, they have so far been taking separate initiative. This event aims at synchronising separate initiatives for more effective outcome,” said Gyawali. “This is why this event is different from others being held globally.”

Gyawali said although the event would focus more on climate change-related problems faced by Himalayan countries, other issues would also be discussed prominently at the event.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Institute of Foreign Affairs and Policy Research Institute, the event aims at bringing together global stakeholders to discuss common problems, forge uniformity in opinion, and contribute to finding solution.

The event will also witness Nepal sharing its experience in peace building, unique peace process, inclusive democracy, successes in environmental protection, cultural biodiversity, contribution to global peace, promotion of regional cooperation, empowerment of women and the marginalised groups.

The three-day event will see a grand inaugural session on April-2, followed by a full-day session on April-3, and a closing session on April-4. The event will have a total of eight thematic sessions.

In the run-up, an open theatre citizen dialogue will be organised, most probably in Bhrikuti Mandap, and awareness programmes in Pokhara and Janakpur, among other regional events.

A national dialogue will also be conducted in the end of January to gather inputs to prepare Nepal’s position paper and materials

Nepal will be sharing with the global community during the main event.

As part of preparations, Minister Gyawali this morning held a meeting with diplomatic and donor community to seek their inputs. Minister Gyawali said diplomatic and donor community members were positive about the event and pledged every possible support to make this event a success.

The event is expected to be participated in by around 20 heads of the state\government, among other high-level officials from around 40 countries. High-level officials are also expected from SAARC, BIMSTEC and neighbouring countries. Countries from Pacific islands, Latin America, and Europe will also participate in the event.

Other participants include members of academia, media, UN agencies, celebrities, scientists and researchers. “We expect more than 200 participants, including from Nepal and abroad,” said Minister Gyawali.