KATHMANDU: Visiting United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers participated in the Ascent Summit 2026 held in Kathmandu on May 31, where she highlighted the strong and longstanding partnership between the United States and Nepal.
She underscored how adventure, entrepreneurship, innovation, and people-to-people ties are expanding bilateral cooperation and creating new opportunities for American companies and economic growth in Nepal. She also emphasized the importance of leadership, emerging technologies, safety standards, and international collaboration in promoting tourism and safer expedition experiences in the Himalayas.
Organized by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and Seven Summit Treks, the Ascent Summit 2026 brought together more than 1,400 participants connected to Everest and the future of mountain exploration.
The event focused on expanding innovation and economic partnerships that benefit both U.S. and Nepali businesses. Climbers, expedition leaders, innovators, outdoor brands, community leaders, artists, journalists, and tourism professionals discussed how Nepal’s mountaineering heritage and American innovation can contribute to safer expeditions and strengthen the country’s adventure tourism sector.
Under Secretary Rogers delivered keynote remarks at the summit, where she was joined by Sumnima Udas, Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, expedition leaders, innovators, climbers, rescue professionals, outdoor brands, journalists, and tourism stakeholders from Nepal and abroad.
During her visit, Under Secretary Rogers is also scheduled to meet senior government officials, members of the American Chamber of Commerce, and alumni of U.S. government exchange and education programs. The visit reaffirms the United States’ commitment to strengthening the long-standing U.S.–Nepal partnership through expanded economic cooperation, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
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