Solukhumbu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed strong commitment to support the residents of Thame in the Everest region, who are suffering from the severe impacts of climate change. His message came during a special conference titled ‘Summiteer’s Summit, Dialogue for Climate Justice’, organized in Thame village on the eve of the international ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’ dialogue.

In his statement, PM Oli expressed hope that the conclusions drawn from the summit would add meaningful substance to the upcoming discussions at Sagarmatha Sambad, a high-level climate dialogue. He extended his best wishes to the event and emphasized the government’s dedication to backing climate-vulnerable communities like Thame.

The event was held to mark International Earth Day and was organized by Sathsathai Foundation, a women-focused non-profit working in climate justice, in collaboration with representatives from all three tiers of the government. The summit was conducted in the flood-affected area of Thame, which was severely impacted by a glacial lake outburst flood in August last year.

Speaking at the summit, Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi confirmed that the government has formally taken ownership of the reconstruction of the Thame settlement. He described the destruction caused by the floods as not just a local disaster but a result of global climate change.

"The flood caused by the glacial lake burst has wreaked havoc in Thame. Nepal has contributed little to global emissions, yet we are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis,” said Minister Shahi. He stressed the need for Nepal to advocate more powerfully for climate justice on the international stage and called for an implementation-oriented approach instead of mere debate.

Minister for Defence Manbir Rai, along with representatives from environmental organizations, mountaineering communities, local government, and media, were also present at the event.

The glacial flood last year destroyed dozens of homes, farmlands, bridges, trekking routes, electricity infrastructure, drinking water projects, and religious sites. Seven months after the disaster, many families remain in temporary shelters or staying with neighbors, with reconstruction efforts still lagging behind.

Sathsathai Foundation, the summit's host, continues to work on promoting women’s participation in climate action, nature conservation, sustainable tourism, and advocating for women's representation in global development and environmental agendas.