By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Feb. 10: A pre-discussion programme organised on ‘Sagarmatha Sambad' (Sagarmatha Dialogue) here today explored the issues of climate change and its effects. The discussion programme was held as a preparation for the dialogue to be held on April 2-4 this year.
DPM and Minister for Defense Ishwor Pokharel inaugurated the programme by planting Bar and Peepal trees. The slogan for the national dialogue is ‘Climate Change, Mountain Ecology and Future of Humanity’.
Addressing the programme, DPM Pokharel said that the government would move forward with a wide range of schemes and stressed on the need to build resilience on tackling climate change.
This dialogue would help in addressing the contemporary issues, problems and challenges faced by Nepal and the world beyond, said DPM Pokharel.
The advanced nations are more responsible for contributing to climate change, said DPM Pokharel, adding least developed countries including Nepal were more vulnerable to it.
“But other nations are discussing more on the issues, so we are also holding the discussions on the issue of climate change, its causes and effects,” said DPM Pokharel.
“Our mountains, life style and eco-systems are on verge of extinction due to the impact of climate change.”
“Among the 14 high mountains around the world, eight are in Nepal and these mountains are our pride,” added Pokharel.
He stressed on the need to bear the responsibility of climate change by all countries at was a global problem.
DPM Pokharel said that issues of gender equality, public awareness, social inclusion, study research and technical development are inter-related and the dialogue would discuss these issues as well.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali highlighted the importance, relevance and need of the national dialogue to be held in an interval of two years.
“The national dialogue would present its clear opinion on Sagarmatha Dialogue,” said Minister Gyawali, adding the dialogue would help in moving towards the integrated path with the lower range countries crossing the mountains.
Though Nepal is a small country, it has prominent issues

to present in the international forum, said minister Gyawali and further noted that the conclusion drawn by the national dialogue would be fruitful in presenting openly at the Sagarmatha Dialogue.
Though the climate change happens to be a topic for INGOs and researchers, it has already been an alarming issue for Nepal. To get rid from the risk, the dialogue would help in adopting the preventive measures.
On the occasion experts opined that in order to stop the increasing temperature due to the greenhouse effects, Nepal should adopt green economy and renewable energy.