Gokyo, Solukhumbu. The climate conference in the Khumbu region has concluded with the issuance of a 9-point Gokyo Declaration, including Nepal’s leadership of Himalayan and mountain nations for climate justice.

The declaration was issued after a conference held in Gokwe on Wednesday to mark World Earth Day. The declaration calls for strengthening climate diplomacy and prioritizing Himalayan issues in international forums.

The declaration was issued after the Gokyo Climate Conference organized by Khumbu Pasanglyamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu and Sathala, an organization active in climate justice and tourism development. The group, including subject matter experts, traveled from Kathmandu via Lukla-Namcho-Khumjung-Machermo to reach Gokyo and issued the declaration.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and MP Indira Rana Magar, while reading the declaration, expressed her happiness at the organizers for their work to push the government for climate justice from the citizen level. “The government alone cannot overcome the problems brought about by climate change, so it should reach the affected areas and join hands with the citizens,” she said. “The government and parliament should also listen to the suggestions mentioned in this declaration.”

Glacier expert Arun Bhakta Shrestha, who reached the Gokyo region to participate in the interaction, said that this conference is important to address the risk of glacial lake bursting. Youth leader Tashi Lajum, renewable energy researcher Kushal Gurung, human rights activist Sama Shrestha, advocate Saroj Ghimire, and journalist Babita Basnet, among others, read out the points of the declaration and expressed their agreement, said Prajita Karki, the organizer and chairperson.

The team conducted community dialogues with women in Khumjung, conducted household surveys, and observed various glacial lakes in Gokwe to learn about the threats posed by climate change.
The declaration also suggests the government to adopt gender-sensitive and environmentally friendly sustainable energy solutions to prevent and resolve the current energy crisis. The study report along with this declaration will be submitted to the local rural municipality, state and federal governments, as well as the federal parliament for policy management, said Balkrishna Basnet, the organizer and founding member.

“Work has been done to directly understand the impacts of climate change by collaborating with the local level. Experts have warned that the risk from glacial lakes has increased in some areas,” Basnet said.

The declaration commits to making climate action just, inclusive and rights-based, and suggests ensuring the meaningful participation of women, indigenous peoples, youth and marginalized communities at all levels. Sathsathe organized the conference in collaboration with organizations including the Nepal Mountaineering Association, BYD Electric Vehicle, NCL, Nepal Airlines, and TAAN.