The Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025, held under the majestic gaze of the Himalayas, was more than just a conference—it was a statement. From the “roof of the world,” Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the global climate crisis while highlighting the existential risks it faces due to glacier retreat, ecosystem loss, and climate-induced disasters. This dialogue marked a crucial moment of both introspection and ambition, where Nepal outlined a bold climate agenda and extended a hand for genuine global partnership.
A Country on the Frontline of Climate Change
Nepal’s vulnerability is clear—melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, and an increased frequency of natural disasters threaten not only its landscapes but also the livelihoods of millions. Yet, Nepal is choosing leadership over victimhood. Through Sagarmatha Sambaad, it announced a vision that centers on sustainability, equity, and innovation.
Key National Commitments:
- Carbon neutrality by 2045
- 100% renewable energy by 2050
- Hydropower capacity of 14,310 MW by 2030 and 28,500 MW by 2045
These are not just aspirations—they are benchmarks for building a green economy and securing long-term energy independence.
Energy Transition: The Heart of Nepal’s Climate Strategy
Hydropower remains Nepal’s strength. However, the dialogue emphasized diversification into:
- Bioenergy and biomass
- Biogas and electric cooking
- EV adoption (Already at 75% of new four-wheeler sales!)
- Electrification of industry and transport
Yet, challenges persist in “hard-to-abate” sectors like long-haul trucking and certain industrial applications. Energy storage, especially pumped storage—where Nepal has vast untapped potential—emerged as a critical solution for managing variable supply and maximizing surplus energy export.
Nepal has 164 potential pumped storage sites (totaling over 60,000 MW), but regulatory bottlenecks and funding gaps stall progress.
Innovation at the Local Level
Beyond mega projects, grassroots initiatives are gaining traction:
- Reconnecting rural microhydros to the grid
- Solar installations on transmission right-of-ways to ease land disputes
- Community-led electrification and benefit-sharing mechanisms
These examples show that local action is integral to national progress.
Financing the Green Transition
Nepal’s NDC implementation requires $73.74 billion by 2035, with $65 billion needed for the energy sector alone. Financing mechanisms discussed included:
- Green Bonds (Nepal is preparing its first)
- Access to the Green Climate Fund
- Carbon markets under Article 6
- The ETA Platform for securing bankable projects
This is where international partnerships become vital.
UAE: A Strategic Partner in Climate Leadership
Sagarmatha Sambaad had special relevance for countries like the UAE, which is emerging as a leader in climate diplomacy and green investment:
- Nepal is a priority country for public sector project financing on the ETA platform, backed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
- UAE’s commitment to the Loss and Damage Fund aligns with Nepal’s urgent needs
- Joint collaboration for the 2026 UN Water Conference could be a turning point in mountain-arid region solidarity
- South-South partnerships, driven by both countries, can amplify regional manufacturing and technology transfer
The climate and development paths of Nepal and UAE are interconnected—especially as both look to lead resilience efforts in their respective geographies.
The Role of the Nepali Diaspora: A Global Force for Local Impact
The Nepali diaspora, spread across the Gulf, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Asia, holds tremendous untapped potential in the fight against climate change. From engineers and researchers to entrepreneurs and development professionals, expatriates can play a critical role by sharing global expertise, facilitating technology transfer, mobilizing climate finance, and advocating for Nepal’s environmental concerns on international platforms. Whether it’s investing in clean energy back home, supporting grassroots adaptation projects, or influencing climate policy dialogues abroad, every Nepali living overseas can be an ambassador for Nepal’s climate agenda. With structured engagement, dedicated networks, and collaborative platforms, the diaspora can help bridge the gap between global opportunity and local action—ensuring that the voice from the Himalayas is not just heard, but acted upon globally.
Putting Communities at the Center
From sustainable cities to climate-resilient villages, community empowerment was a key thread. The Sambaad emphasized:
- Integrating indigenous knowledge into adaptation plans
- Prioritizing equity in energy distribution
- Building stronger local institutions to drive and sustain change
Facing Mountain Risks
Sagarmatha Sambaad also shone a light on mountain-specific threats:
- Melting glaciers affecting water security downstream
- Increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)
- The need for robust early warning systems and risk mapping
- Importance of youth engagement and citizen science
The fate of the Himalayas as Earth’s water towers is tied to the 1.5°C global target. The urgency is existential.
From Words to Action
The dialogue made one thing clear: Incremental change is not enough. What Nepal needs—and what the world owes—is transformational partnerships built on:
✅ Political will
✅ Policy consistency
✅ Climate justice
✅ Scalable innovations
✅ Financial support
✅ Global solidarity
Final Thought
From the peaks of Everest to the corridors of international power, Nepal has made its call. The Sagarmatha Sambaad was not just a forum—it was a plea for collective human responsibility.
As the ice melts, so does time. The world must act before the mountains fall silent.