Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu on Friday, calling for principled global dialogue and collective climate action rooted in justice and solidarity.

Addressing delegates from around the world, Oli described the Sagarmatha Sambaad as “Nepal’s global dialogue initiative—a platform for thoughtful reflection, for principled engagement, and for addressing the most urgent challenges of our time.”

Highlighting the interconnectedness of global issues, he said, “The fire that rages in one land darkens the skies of others. The melting of distant glaciers shifts the rains, floods the fields, and parches the plains far away.”

The theme of this year’s dialogue is “Climate change, mountains, and the future of humanity.” Oli reminded the audience that this issue is not abstract for Nepal. “As a Himalayan nation, this is not a distant issue. It is our daily reality. But it is not just ours. It is the world’s,” he said.

“Mountains may seem far away. But their breath keeps half the world alive,” he said. “From the Arctic to the Andes, from the Alps to the Himalayas—they are the Earth’s water towers. They are our climate’s pulse. And they are in danger.”

Oli called on the global community to protect the mountains, stating, “To protect the mountains is to protect the planet. To protect the mountains is to protect our seas. To protect the mountains is to protect humanity itself.”

He noted that although Nepal contributes minimally to global emissions, it faces severe climate consequences. “We have done little to cause this crisis. Yet, we face its harshest consequences,” he said, citing melting glaciers, unpredictable rains, floods, and landslides.

Oli outlined Nepal’s efforts to tackle climate change.

“Nepal has pledged net-zero emissions by 2045—five years ahead of the global target. We are advancing adaptation plans. We are greening our economy. We are weaving sustainability into our national vision.”

He emphasised that global cooperation is essential to achieve the goal. “Climate change is a global emergency. It calls for a global response. A response anchored in justice. Rooted in responsibility. Fuelled by solidarity,” he said.

He urged the international community not to ignore mountains in climate talks and called for a “mountains-to-oceans” approach with special financing, tailored policies, and integrated solutions.

“Let us strengthen risk assessments. Build early warning systems. Share data. Work together across borders. And most importantly—let us bridge ancient wisdom with modern innovation,” he said.

The first edition of the much-touted Sagarmatha Sambaad, a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum, committed to deliberating on the most pressing global, regional, and national issues, began in Kathmandu on Friday.

A series of parallel sessions are being held on different 12 themes till Saturday. After these sessions conclude, a high-level session among ministers from the Hindu Kush region, and multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion with global and regional partners will be held on Saturday, according to the Sambaad’s website.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said the event’s main theme is “Climate change, mountains and the future of humanity,” and 350 national and international delegations are expected to participate.

According to the foreign ministry, over 350 delegates and participants, including 175 foreign guests, are attending the event.