Sagarmatha Sambaad: Chief Secy Aryal calls for global cooperation, dedicated fund to address climate crisis 

KATHMANDU: Government Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal has stated that international cooperation against climate change could be further strengthened through collective partnership.

Addressing the concluding session of the three-day "Sagarmatha Sambaad" themed Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity today, Chief Secretary Aryal expressed confidence that the Sagarmatha Sambaad has helped foster broader cooperation in mitigating the climate crisis.

He highlighted that the presence of senior figures from neighbouring and friendly countries, representatives from regional and international organisations, and various stakeholders played a crucial role in making the multi-stakeholder dialogue a success.

"The Sagarmatha Sambaad has been a memorable event, providing an opportunity to amplify our voices for rapid and effective actions to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

"We have no excuse to delay measures to address the climate crisis. Dialogue and collaboration may inspire us to implement collective actions," he said, adding that the Sagarmatha Sambaad is expected to raise issues related to water, biodiversity, food and health crises, disasters in mountainous regions, and the status of glaciers, encouraging efforts to enhance coping mechanisms.

He stressed that the climate crisis disproportionately affects citizens of mountain regions and indigenous communities.

Pointing out that the melting of snow in the Himalayas is one of the most significant impacts of the climate crisis, he noted that these effects extend to the hills, Terai, and coastal areas. He called for urgent climate crisis response measures based on scientific evidence.

"Through this dialogue, we have underscored the promotion of climate science, improved access to technology, the advancement of innovation, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices to minimise impacts. We have also emphasised the need for simple and just access to climate finance and greater support for vulnerable countries and communities," he added.

According to the Chief Secretary, Nepal has used this forum to voice the need to strengthen climate resilience, investment, and innovative financial mechanisms while prioritising efforts to advance clean energy transition, promote green energy, and ensure sustainable development.

He further stated that energy transition not only promotes nature-based solutions but also supports investment in robust early warning systems for mountain risk reduction and mitigation.

"We once again call for the establishment of a dedicated fund for mountain nations and the creation of a global platform specifically focused on climate change and mountain issues," he said.

"Standing on the global stage, we have voiced a collective call to action for a just, resilient, and sustainable future—from the Himalayas to the seas, from the hills to the islands," the Chief Secretary added.

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