KATHMANDU: The three-day Sagarmatha Sambaad concluded in Kathmandu with the adoption of a 25-point ‘Sagarmatha Call for Action’ declaration, drawing global attention to the need for a dedicated Himalayan-focused climate fund.
The declaration highlights the urgency of establishing a Himalayan-focused climate center to address the growing climate finance needs of mountainous regions, which are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
Participants emphasized the need to mobilize climate finance, urging that Himalayan countries be prioritized for grants or concessional loans.
The declaration also called for simplified access and mobilization mechanisms for climate finance and stressed the importance of strengthening national climate plans to help limit global warming to 1.5°C.
The ‘Sagarmatha Call for Action’ underscored the need for collective global efforts to build a green economy and advocated for expanding mountain-related dialogues.
It also highlighted the importance of strengthening disaster early warning systems to address the increasing risks posed by climate change, such as floods, droughts, landslides, and rising sea levels.
The declaration proposed establishing a dedicated climate fund for Himalayan countries, ensuring easier access to finance, and encouraging greater investment from the private sector.
Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Himalayan communities face severe climate impacts.
The declaration called for climate justice and inclusive participation of local communities, indigenous peoples, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. It also emphasized the development of payment mechanisms for environmental services.
The Sagarmatha Sambaad pledged to establish a multi-stakeholder international forum and knowledge hubs focused on the Himalayas, aiming to amplify the voices of Himalayan communities on the global stage.
The Sambaad reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and advancing global discourse on the shared challenge of climate change—from the mountains to the oceans.
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