The two-day Himali Sambaad (Himalayan Dialogue), organized in Khalanga, Jumla as part of preparations for the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambaad , concluded on April 23 with the release of a 13-point declaration.

Coordinated by the Sagarmatha Sambaad Secretariat with support from development partners including Save the Children, Youth Alliance for Environment (YAE), and the Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC), the event focused on amplifying the voices of children and marginalized groups in the Karnali region.

YAE Chairperson Sanot Adhikari said the event highlighted the experiences of children, youth, and Himalayan communities affected by marginalization, while also advocating for child-sensitive climate solutions.

The declaration will be submitted to all three tiers of government, the Sagarmatha Sambaad Secretariat, and the global community, drawing attention to the challenges faced by Himalayan communities due to climate change.

Around 150 participants—including children, women, girls, indigenous and marginalized community members, civil society actors, development partners, UN agencies, and representatives from provincial and federal governments—took part in the dialogue.

The declaration calls for Sagarmatha Sambaad to prioritize discussions on addressing climate change impacts on children, youth, and Himalayan communities. YAE Programme Coordinator Anju Pokharel added that the declaration requests a dedicated session at Sagarmatha Sambaad to raise children's voices and experiences.

It also urges the implementation of inclusive climate education policies and programs, ensuring that the perspectives of marginalized and socially excluded communities are prioritized in addressing the climate crisis.

KIRDARC Executive Director Govinda Bahadur Shahi emphasized the need for global collaboration, noting that Nepal’s solo efforts are insufficient to protect mountain ecosystems.

The event also called for ensuring community access to the Loss and Damage Fund, and prioritizing this issue at the Sagarmatha Sambaad to secure compensation for affected communities. -- RSS