Question: Review the achievements of the recently held Sagarmatha Dialogue in advocating for climate justice. Also, what diplomatic and strategic steps do you find necessary to ensure the concerns of small and highly vulnerable countries like Nepal are heard in the face of climate-induced impacts? Present your views with reference to the achievements of the recently concluded COP-29. (4+6=10)
Introduction:
The impacts of global climate change are becoming increasingly severe and destructive, directly affecting small, developing, and geographically vulnerable countries the most. Nepal, situated in the Himalayan region, lies on the frontline of the climate crisis, where floods, landslides, glacial melting, and biodiversity loss are deeply impacting lives and livelihoods. In this context, Nepal’s active engagement through platforms like the recently held Sagarmatha Dialogue and COP-29 can be considered significant and positive, as it highlights Nepal’s concerns at the international stage. Such events have provided an opportunity for highly vulnerable nations like Nepal to strongly advocate for climate justice.
Review of Achievements of the Sagarmatha Dialogue in Nepal
(Sagarmatha Sambaad Theme: Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity)
- At the conclusion of Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025, Nepal unveiled a 25-point declaration covering issues of climate change and Himalayan conservation.
- The declaration emphasized measures to keep global warming within 1.5°C and underlined the need for support to developing countries.
- The dialogue called for global unity on climate issues with mountains at the center.
- Through the declaration, the global community was urged to take collective action against the climate crisis.
- The dialogue sought to highlight concerns not only of mountains but also of those impacted downstream up to sea level.
- The "Sagarmatha Call for Action" reaffirmed the urgency of maintaining the 1.5°C temperature threshold.
- It succeeded in drawing global attention to the Himalayas, often overshadowed in climate discussions.
- It highlighted the risks faced by Himalayan regions due to climate change.
- It presented commitments such as protecting the Himalayas, promoting green technologies, concessional support for developing nations, financial aid, and climate justice demands.
- The dialogue prioritized addressing the impacts of climate crises on children, youth, and mountain communities.
- It called for climate education and awareness across all communities, and for policies that prioritize the lived experiences of marginalized and socially excluded groups.
- This edition of Sagarmatha Dialogue successfully positioned Nepal as a climate-leading nation on the global stage.
However, the event could not be fully successful as expected. For example:
- Key countries of concern to Nepal such as India and China had limited presence.
- Major emitters like the USA showed little interest.
- Despite participation from 175 foreign guests representing only 12 countries, the event lacked the global outreach required to deliver a strong message.
- Although the declaration was issued, its implementation remains challenging.
- The event appeared more symbolic and message-oriented rather than action-driven.
Diplomatic and Strategic Steps for Small and Highly Vulnerable Countries like Nepal:
To effectively raise the concerns of small and climate-vulnerable countries like Nepal at the global level, several diplomatic and strategic steps are necessary. In view of the recently concluded COP-29, the following measures appear most relevant:
- Building a common voice and regional alliances: Nepal should collaborate with LDCs (Least Developed Countries), LLDCs (Landlocked Developing Countries), and SIDS (Small Island Developing States) to create collective pressure on climate justice issues. Such a joint voice enhances seriousness and priority in global conferences.
- Demanding easier access to climate finance: Although COP-29 pledged USD 300 billion annually in climate finance by 2035, the distribution mechanism remains unclear. Nepal should advocate for grant-based support, with transparent and direct access to the "Loss and Damage Fund" and "Adaptation Fund".
- Active engagement in the Carbon Market: COP-29 achieved agreement on international carbon trade. Nepal should leverage forests, renewable energy, and green infrastructure to generate carbon credits and sell them in global markets. Legal and technical preparedness is essential for this.
- Internationalizing the Sagarmatha Dialogue: Forums like the Sagarmatha Dialogue should be promoted to international recognition and used regularly to raise Himalayan concerns in COP and other summits. It can evolve as the Himalayan Voice for Climate Justice.
- Strengthening climate diplomacy through Nepali missions: Nepal’s embassies abroad should be empowered with training in climate diplomacy to secure bilateral agreements (MoUs) and grants with respective countries.
- Strengthening scientific evidence and data presentation: Nepal should present concrete evidence of climate impacts (such as glacier melt, floods, droughts) supported by research and data at international forums. This provides scientific credibility to its claims and justifies financial support.
Conclusion:
Events like COP-29 and the Sagarmatha Dialogue have highlighted important foundations such as climate finance, carbon markets, and the use of the Loss & Damage Fund. However, clarity is still needed on how small and vulnerable nations can effectively access and utilize these resources. Hence, Nepal must intensify its international engagement with pressure diplomacy, collective voices, and strengthened institutional frameworks. As a country on the frontline of the climate crisis, Nepal’s voice must now become a "voice that cannot be ignored."
