The International Media Summit 2025, held from May 9 to 13 in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lomanthang, concluded with the adoption of the ‘Lomanthang Declaration’, calling for collective action on democracy, media freedom and the climate crisis.

Participants included journalists, media professionals, civil society members, ministers from federal and provincial governments, local representatives, political activists, development professionals, and international delegates, including from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

The declaration reaffirmed commitments to global human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration on Democracy, while emphasising Nepal’s constitutional guarantees for freedom of expression, press and information.

On democracy, the declaration called for the implementation of constitutional and legal provisions, warning against threats posed by populism, extremism, and poor governance. It stressed the need for political reforms to strengthen public trust and highlighted the role of civil society and political parties in defending civic space and democratic values.

The declaration called for support to local media, scrutiny of digital regulations, stronger legal protections, and digital literacy to counter economic vulnerabilities and rising intolerance.

On the climate crisis, the declaration linked access to information with transparency and urged eco-friendly, inclusive, and sustainable development. It emphasised the political prioritisation of climate action and recognised the media’s role in raising awareness.

Focusing on Mustang, the declaration highlighted the region’s unique cultural and ecological value and its vulnerability to climate change. The Nepal Press Union called for completing the Kaligandaki Corridor and operationalising the Korala transit point with China. It also proposed connecting religious sites—Muktinath, Damodar Kunda and Kailash Mansarovar—to promote cultural and religious tourism.

The summit ended with a strong call for coordinated actions by political actors, media, and civil society to uphold democracy, defend press freedom, and confront the climate emergency.