KATHMANDU, JUNE 24 The Everest Summiteers Summit (ESS) 2026 concluded in Kathmandu with a call for stronger global collaboration to address climate change, sustainable tourism, mountain safety and the long-term resilience of the Himalayas. Organised by Everest Alliance Nepal under the theme 'Uniting Voices for the Future of the Himalaya', the two-day event brought together Everest summiteers, policymakers, tourism stakeholders, researchers, conservationists and international development partners during Everest Week. The summit honoured renowned climbers and contributors to Himalayan mountaineering, including veteran Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to mountain tourism and high-altitude climbing. Chinese mountaineer He Jing was also recognised for becoming the first woman to scale all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres without supplementary oxygen. Speaking at the event, participants stressed the need to balance the growth of mountain tourism with environmental conservation and community welfare. Discussions focused on responsible mountaineering practices, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, rescue preparedness and the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Everest Alliance Nepal and outdoor equipment company Pelliot to strengthen cooperation in mountain safety, sustainable expeditions and high-altitude gear development. The summit featured panel discussions on women's participation in mountaineering, climbers' experiences and responsibilities, and financing for climate adaptation in mountain regions. Representatives from conservation organisations, including WWF, ICIMOD, IUCN, ZSL and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to protect the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister addressed the gathering, emphasising Nepal's commitment to sustainable mountain tourism and the preservation of its Himalayan heritage. Everest Alliance Nepal said the summit aimed to position Nepal at the centre of global dialogue on sustainable mountaineering and Himalayan conservation while recognising the achievements of Everest summiteers from around the world.