Bhupender Yadav at Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu

In a significant reaffirmation of India’s climate leadership, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri, represented India at the inaugural session of Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu. The high-level global climate dialogue, held under the theme “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity”, brought together ministers, policymakers, and climate leaders from across the world.

A Historic Dialogue for Mountain Nations

The term Sagarmatha, the Nepali name for Mount Everest meaning “Head of the Sky,” set the tone for a dialogue centered around safeguarding mountain ecosystems, which are vital for climate stability, water security, and biodiversity. Speaking at the summit, Shri Bhupender Yadav underscored India’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological connection with the Himalayas and its unwavering commitment to climate action.

“It is a profound honour to represent India at this historic gathering. The name Sagarmatha aptly encapsulates the majesty and the responsibility we bear in protecting the mountains that form the lifeblood of our planet,” Shri Yadav stated.

India’s Role in Global Climate Responsibility

The Minister reiterated that although South Asia accounts for just 4% of historical global CO₂ emissions, it supports nearly 25% of the world’s population, highlighting the climate injustice faced by developing nations. stressed that developed nations must honor their commitments to provide climate finance, share technology, and build capacity to support vulnerable and developing regions.

Transboundary Conservation and Biodiversity

Focusing on the immense biodiversity of the Himalayas, Shri Bhupender Yadav called for enhanced regional collaboration through initiatives such as the International Big Cats Alliance. This platform, spearheaded by India, promotes cooperative conservation of species like snow leopards, tigers, and leopards.

He also lauded Project Snow Leopard, launched under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as a shining example of conservation success.

Together to fight climate change, save mountains, and the future of humanity.

📍Kathmandu, Nepal pic.twitter.com/ArDnMEI0eG

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) May 16, 2025

“India’s first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019–2023) identified 718 snow leopards across Indian Himalayas, contributing 10–15% of the global population,” he shared.

A Five-Point Global Action Plan

In his address, Shri Bhupender Yadav proposed a five-point agenda for global climate action, tailored specifically to the needs of mountain nations:

Enhanced Scientific Cooperation
Promote joint research on glaciers, biodiversity, and water cycles to track and address ecological changes.

Building Climate Resilience
Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems for disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and climate adaptation strategies.

Empowering Mountain Communities
Place mountain communities at the center of climate policymaking by supporting green livelihoods, sustainable tourism, and integrating traditional knowledge.

Providing Green Finance
Ensure predictable and adequate climate finance under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, enabling mountain nations to mitigate and adapt effectively.

Recognizing Mountain Perspectives
Give mountain ecosystems due importance in global climate dialogues, ensuring their unique vulnerabilities are reflected in sustainable development agendas.

Strengthening Regional Bonds

Shri Bhupender Yadav commended Nepal for hosting the Sambaad and reaffirmed India’s dedication to working with Himalayan nations to protect and preserve their shared ecological heritage.

“In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — we must protect our sacred mountains as enduring symbols of sustainability and unity,” he concluded.

Global Dignitaries Join the Dialogue

The Sagarmatha Sambaad was graced by notable global leaders including:

• Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K. P. Sharma Oli
• Foreign Minister of Nepal, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba
• Vice Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, Mr. Xiao Jie
• COP29 President and Azerbaijan’s Ecology Minister, Mr. Mukhtar Babayev

Their presence highlighted the global urgency of protecting mountain ecosystems amid accelerating climate change.

Conclusion

India’s participation in Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025 reaffirmed its leadership in climate diplomacy, particularly in protecting fragile mountain ecosystems. With growing threats from global warming, glacier melt, and biodiversity loss, the summit served as a call to action for all mountain nations. India’s message was clear — only through cooperation, shared knowledge, and sustainable finance can we protect the Himalayas and secure a better future for humanity.