KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized that the Himalayas are a shared resource for all of humanity.

Speaking during the inaugural session of the Sagarmatha Sambaad on the theme “Climate Change, the Himalayas, and the Future of Humanity,” she noted that the mountains are the source of fresh water for millions of people.

Dr. Deuba pointed out that the Himalayas are bearing the brunt of climate-induced disruptions. She mentioned that glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate due to climate impacts, which is negatively affecting the daily lives of mountain communities.

“Climate-induced disasters are shaking the very foundation of human existence and livelihoods,” she remarked. “Floods and glacial lake outbursts triggered by climate change have caused massive destruction, while droughts and wildfires have inflicted immense suffering on people.”

Minister Dr. Deuba described the Sagarmatha Sambaad as an opportunity for reflection and introspection, aimed at preventing climate-related disasters from the mountains to the seas and from the northern to the southern hemispheres.

She highlighted that Nepal, with its fragile Himalayan ecosystem, is enduring the harsh impacts of climate change.

“As conscious custodians of our rivers, forests, and mountains, we are contributing more than our fair share to the planet’s health. Yet, we are forced to bear the heavy and unequal burden of climate change’s negative impacts,” Minister Dr. Deuba added.