KATHMANDU, MAY 31 United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B Rogers participated in The Ascent Summit 2026 held in Kathmandu on Saturday. Rogers delivered the keynote address at the summit, which brought together over 1,400 participants including climbers, expedition leaders, innovators, outdoor brands, tourism stakeholders and media professionals from Nepal and abroad. The event was organised by the US Embassy in Nepal in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and Seven Summit Treks. Addressing the summit, Rogers highlighted the long-standing partnership between the United States and Nepal, stressing growing cooperation in adventure tourism, innovation, entrepreneurship and people-to-people exchanges. She underscored the importance of leadership, technology, safety and international collaboration in promoting safer expeditions and strengthening Nepal's Himalayan tourism sector. The summit explored ways to combine Nepal's mountaineering heritage with US innovation to enhance safety and boost the adventure tourism industry. During her visit, Rogers is also scheduled to meet senior government officials, members of the American Chamber of Commerce and alumni of US government exchange programmes. The visit, according to organisers, reaffirms the US commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, innovation and bilateral ties with Nepal.