Sagarmatha Sambaad

Sagarmatha Sambaad

Context: Sagarmatha Sambaad is a global summit in Kathmandu addressing climate change and mountain conservation, where India proposed a five-point action plan for scientific cooperation, resilience, community support, green finance, and mountain issues. 

 Important Pointers: 

  •  Sagarmatha Sambaad: A global high-level dialogue convened to address climate change, mountains, and humanity’s future, held for the first time in Kathmandu, Nepal. 

  •  Theme: “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.” 

  • First Edition Date & Place: May 2025, Kathmandu, Nepal. 

  • India’s Participation: Represented by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav. 

  • Five-Point Call for Global Action (India’s Proposal)

  • Enhanced Scientific Cooperation on cryospheric changes, hydrology, and biodiversity. 

  • Building Climate Resilience via adaptation, disaster early warning (e.g., GLOFs), and resilient infrastructure. 

  • Empowering Mountain Communities by integrating their welfare, traditional knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods. 

  • Providing Green Finance as per UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement for mountain nations. 

  • Recognizing Mountain Perspectives in global climate negotiations and sustainable development. 

  • Transboundary Conservation Efforts: India urged Himalayan nations to collaborate under the International Big Cats Alliance for the conservation of snow leopards, tigers, and leopards. 

  • Project Snow Leopard: Launched by PM Modi; India conducted the first comprehensive Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019-2023), finding 718 snow leopards, about 10-15% of the global population. 

  • India’s Climate Standpoint: South Asia contributes only 4% of historical global CO₂ emissions but hosts 25% of the world’s population; calls for equitable climate finance and technology transfer from developed countries. 

  • Philosophical Note: India emphasized “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), highlighting the shared responsibility of mountain nations.