Kathmandu, 2 May 2025 – As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, a transformative initiative is set to unfold in Nepal. On 4 May 2025, a coalition of movements, unions, federations, and civil society organizations will convene for the People’s Forum on Sagarmatha Sambaad, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate change.
Organized under the theme “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity,” the forum will serve as a vital precursor to the Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025. It aims to spotlight the concerns of marginalized communities, including smallholder farmers, indigenous groups, women, children, and persons with disabilities, who often bear the brunt of climate-induced adversities.
Bringing together over 500 participants—ranging from policymakers and climate experts to grassroots leaders and youth advocates—the People’s Forum seeks to foster meaningful dialogue and collaborative solutions. “This is not just a meeting; it is a movement,” stated Geeta Pandey of the People’s Forum Secretariat. “The goal is to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable resonate strongly in global climate discussions.”
The forum will feature an opening session with keynote addresses by climate justice leaders, followed by thematic panels and multi-stakeholder dialogues. These discussions will culminate in the People’s Forum Declaration—a comprehensive advocacy tool designed to influence the global agenda at Sagarmatha Sambaad.
Mr. Thakur Bhandari, Chairperson of the Federation of Community-Forestry User's Group (FECOFUN), emphasized the importance of empowering marginalized communities to adapt to climate impacts. “These are the people who contribute the least to climate change but suffer the most. Their voices must guide the solutions,” he remarked.
Ms. Devi Khadka, Secretary-General of the NGO Federation of Nepal, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need for inclusivity. “The forum’s outcomes will ensure that the priorities of women, children, and indigenous groups are not only heard but acted upon,” she said.
The People’s Forum Declaration will advocate for equitable access to resources and justice at all levels of climate action. This document, enriched by the lived experiences of frontline communities, will be presented at Sagarmatha Sambaad, ensuring these critical voices shape the global climate agenda.
