KATHMANDU, MAY 28
The Everest Summiteers Summit concluded with a powerful call for collective responsibility to protect the Himalayas, emphasizing sustainable mountaineering, cultural preservation and climate action.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, congratulated Everest Alliance Nepal for organizing a grand event which aimed at honouring mountaineers from across the globe who have scaled Mt Everest and underscored the urgent need to safeguard the region's cultural and environmental heritage for future generations.
"The Himalayas are not just geographical peaks but a bridge of civilization, culture, and coexistence. These sacred mountains demand our collective protection," Minister Pandey declared. He highlighted the severe threats posed by climate change and global warming, urging, "The time has come to protect these mountains with caution, wisdom and respect." He reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting mountaineering through enhanced infrastructure, training, and environmental protection while fostering prosperity and improving living standards for local communities through sustainable mountain tourism.
The summit featured two impactful panel discussions addressing critical challenges and opportunities in Himalayan mountaineering.
The first panel discussion Peaks of Passion: Inspiring the Next Climb emphasized the need for gender diversity in mountaineering, advocating for equal opportunities and preparedness. It also called for redirecting increased royalty revenues to improve the welfare of Sherpa and climbing support staff through better insurance, community development and conservation initiatives. Empowering youth and retaining local talent were highlighted as vital for sustaining the mountaineering sector.
The second panel, Himalayas Future: Climate Change, Conservation, and Community, framed melting glaciers as a clarion call for unified action, urging solidarity among mountaineers, policymakers, and scientists to develop robust conservation and climate adaptation strategies.
Key priorities included protecting green spaces, addressing the needs of climate refugees, and implementing systematic, solidarity-driven approaches to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem.Both panels underscored the need for a holistic approach that balances social equity, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. The discussions highlighted the urgency of inclusive, sustainable, and collective action to secure a resilient future for the Himalayas and its communities.
The first day of Everest Summiteers Summit concluded with honors bestowed upon national and international mountaineers, celebrating their courage and contributions while reinforcing the shared commitment to safeguarding the world's highest peaks.
On Wednesday, the second day of the summit, a football match was organised between the Sagarmatha Friendship Team from Nepal and Mount Chomolungma Football Team from China.
Nepal's Everest Friendship Team won 4-1 against their Chinese counterparts. The match was organized with the slogan United by the Mountain, Bonded through Football.
This symbolic event aimed to promote friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchange through the universal language of sport, which is expected to help the renowned climbers connect beyond the journey to the summit.
Achyut Guragain, chief advisor for the event, announced that the second edition of the summit will be held again next year adding that the event was a resounding success.
