Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that protecting the Himalayas is akin to safeguarding the Earth, oceans and humanity itself.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu on Friday, Oli said the dialogue, named after the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, was initiated to foster honest discussions, share mutual knowledge, and take collective action based on this truth. “We hope this dialogue reaches great heights—elevated by high moral clarity, resolute intellectual courage and an unwavering shared vision for building a beautiful future,” Oli said.
He added that Nepal’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, a key driver of climate change, is minimal. “Despite this, Nepal has been playing a significant role in environmental conservation,” Oli said. “However, the country is now suffering from disproportionate impact, with landslides destroying homes, sudden floods and droughts causing disruptions, and the nation steadfastly confronting these challenges.”
More than 350 delegates, including domestic and international, are participating in the three-day event.
A total of 13 parallel sessions, a plenary session, and high-level side events, and multi-stakeholder discussions will be held on five different themes during the event.
Sagarmatha Sambaad kicks off on Friday [With detailed programs]
